Embrace Life

A quick hello ... I'll be back on Monday

I am happily immersed in other things:

• Yesterday, I woke incredibly early to get Caden to his 6AM practice and Cole fed, organized and ready to attend his at 8:15AM. Claire enjoyed her nice sleep-in since she did not have to time keep.
• I spent most of Saturday supervising the under-12 crowd at Oakville Children's Choir rehearsal and performance - many pics to be posted later! Claire, bless her, babysat one of my friend's autistic boys so that she could enjoy the performances. He's a good boy, just exhausting. I'm glad we were able to make Judy's day a little lighter, if only for a little while.
• Last evening was enjoyed as I was completely immersed in reading The Happiness Project - Janet: close your eyes - writing in the margins and everything. I'm entranced! You MUST get yourself a copy! Yes, now, go now!
• Up early again today and took Caden to his 8AM hockey game this morning. He played very well but the team lost a tough game 3-2.
• Much computer work was done when I returned and now every bookmark is filed and tagged properly. Tons of good stuff. Plenty to do, and share. Photos were cleaned up and now my laptop is 5,000 photos lighter (and that was less than a year's worth!) AND all recent digi downloads are also sorted, tagged and filed.
• Right now I'm watching the Olympic hockey pre-game show. Fingers crossed for a Canadian win. Regardless of the outcome, it will be a great game. We will miss the ending as Cole has to be at the rink for 5:15 so I'm hoping Caden will update me while I'm away from the television.

Ooh, only a couple more minutes. I must run and dry my hair before it starts. Have a GREAT evening!

SOOC Saturday: Snow

While most of the mid-Atlantic and New England States get hammered - as well as the Canadian Maritimes - we've avoided much of the nasty weather this winter. I ran outside before dark arrived on Friday to get a few quick shots. Evidence that we had a few fat white flakes this winter! I hope it sticks around this time.

What is your favourite SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) shot today? You can join in: here! 

Writing in the margins

Last year I picked up and read, more than read, thoroughly enjoyed and absorbed Life is a Verb by the insightful Patti Digh. One of the many, many, many things I learned during my journey through her book was the concept of writing in the margins. *GASP*

For years, I've been the type to keep my books so pristine you barely noticed a crack in the spine. I would use a bookmark rather than dogearing the pages, I was keeping 3M in business with my use of Post It notes. I read every.single.word.written. out of respect for the author's time and effort. And, highlight or pencil marks? What? Are you crazy? Deface a book? Isn't that tantamount to marking a moustache on the Mona Lisa?

Always up for trying anything once, I figured I could write in the margins of HER book since it was her idea. The margins are FILLED. This new practice brought me to the stunning realization that not only is her story written in the book, but part of my story is written in the margins! No notes to find in a separate notepad. Perhaps, I have some romanticized notion that some day, when my story is written, someone will find part of it hidden in the margins of some, now well-worn books, well worn out of love and enjoyment not disrespect:

Everything absolutely anything by SARK

Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller

Style Statement by Danielle LaPorte

The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin

I Thought It Was Just Me by Brené Brown

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Those are a handful of books that have taken up residence on my night stand over the last year or so. I suppose I should consider reading a novel, eh? Anyway, these are the types of books I enjoy. People reveal a great deal of themselves by how they write their books and the experiences they choose to share. I love how other people look at the world. I don't always agree with it, but I do enjoy the outlook of others.

I have recently, as in yesterday, been asked to join a group of ladies reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project, which had coincidentally been picked up at my local Chapter's store earlier this week. Yes, I do go to more than just hockey rinks! Though, it was at the hockey rink I was found reading the book last night prior to Cole's game. One of the mums I don't know well, but quite like, hollered up to me and asked what I was reading. I showed her and then she surprised me: "I always read with a pencil, too."

So glad I write in the margins. So glad to find others who do, too!

Do you write in the margins?

Creative Bail Out

Thank goodness for my talented and creative friends. In this case: Barb Wong, scrapbooker extraordinaire!

Before LOAD started this time around, Barb sent me a note. She wanted to change things up a bit for herself and did I have photos and a story that she could use to make a layout?

Did I? I did!

In actual fact, there was one set of photos I was having a hard time putting together. I was stuck because of the story. I sent Barb the photos and the story and this is what she created:

Isn't it fantastic? LOVE how she turned the photos to black & white, the colours used, and how she flipped the orientation of the 8.5x11 layout from the traditional vertical to horizontal. I am so honoured to have been asked and now I have this wonderful layout from my friend Barb, a scrapbooker I greatly admire.

Here is the story as I sent via e-mail:

I've just uploaded 5 photos to my Flickr account. They are of Chloe and Caden laughing hysterically.

I can't scrapbook these only because the only title I can think of is TESTICLE.

Anyway, the story is, the kids had been at the park across the street for a while. They were getting testy - too many hours together! It was really the last nice weekend of Indian Summer and I wanted to get some nice shots of them. So much for good intentions. I couldn't get a cooperative shot for anything. I managed to get this fit of funny by using the word "testicle". Seems they thought that was hysterical.

I love what she did with it! I was well and truly stuck and Barb came to the rescue! Thank you so much, my friend. The layout is wonderful :)

Are you ever stuck on a layout? Does it help to have a pair of fresh eyes to look at your photos and take in yours story? Maybe you can trade pages with a girlfriend and make a layout for each other. Hmm. Maybe I should do that, too!

P.S. About LOAD ... I've slipped off the wagon. With a thud. After finally finishing my Me: The Abridged Version album I'm tapped out! Plan on heading to the studio today, though. Fingers crossed something worthy is created!

P.P.S. Have you signed up for Sketchapalooza 6 yet? It runs simultaneously with the next LOAD in May. Oh, and I have a post over at Feeling Scrappy today, come on over for a visit, hang out for a while!

Visual Creative Goodness

I am very bad at taking time to watch video anything: from movies to You Tube to tutorials. I don't know why that is, it just is. BUT, that being said, when I do, I'm always struck by how wonderful and creative some people are and so appreciate their sharing all their creative goodness with the rest of us!

Recently, for the MOM 2.0 Summit, the immensely talented Katherine Center created this delightful morsel that has been shared a bagillion times since it's introduction less than a month ago. Okay, not a bagillion, but lots! And, here I'll share it with you:

So wonderful. Her words, the images, the MESSAGE. So wonderful.

* * * * *

A couple of months ago, as I was struggling with my decision over continuing to write, or not, Cole sent me the following video to encourage me to continue:

An Awesome Book

Gotta love a guy looking out for his mama!

* * * * *

This morning, Jessica Gonacha Swift, over at her blog, shared this whimsical bit of animation:

Wasn't that fabulous? I love all animation ever since I took a course aeons ago at the AGO.The process is amazing.

Do you have any favourite videos? Those that inspire you? Link me up!

Honoured :: Twice!

This has been quite a week. I've received the Kreativ Blogger award ... TWICE! Two ladies I greatly admire found me worthy of it's receipt: Lain who is always challenging me to be better by following her lead; and, Kyla who inspires me daily with her gentle nature and genuine kindness. Ladies, I am truly honoured to have been chosen to receive this award.

Here are the particulars:

1~ Thank the person giving the award, so, THANK YOU Kyla and Lain. You are both such lovely women, I'm thrilled to be a part of your lives just as I'm thrilled to have you as part of mine.

2~ Copy award to this blog:

3~ Place a link to their blog: Lain can be found at 5 Things (as well as many other places on the world wide web!) and Kyla can be found at The Kreative Life.

4~ Name 7 things people don’t know about you! Given my lack of subtlety, I'm not sure I can come up with 7 things, especially after posting my Me: The Abridged Version project, but I'll try my best.

• I was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and moved when I was four. I spent almost every summer of my childhood in the Maritimes and went to University there. I really consider myself, in my heart, a Maritimer.
• It took me a very long time to recover from my childhood and it is what propels me, daily, to be the best mother I can to my four children. I believe my recovery was complete the minute Claire was born. Now I just do the complete opposite of my mother and we're doing fine!
• I love folding laundry. Just the idea that a project is started and finished gives me a feeling of great satisfaction.
• Never, in all of my tennis matches, did my parents ever attend. In fact, no parents attended. As competitors we were fine with that. I wonder what kids think of all the parent spectators of today? All that hollering and yelling and instruction from the stands. As a former athlete, I would think, at best, it is distracting, at worst, it is spirit crushing.
• My arms are too long for my body, by at least an inch. I can't buy sweaters or long-sleeved tops ever long enough to cover and end up pulling up the ends so it doesn't look so weird and apish.
• I loathe using the phone. I always feel that I'm interrupting when I use it to call someone. And when it rings here it is usually a telemarketer, or someone else, at dinner time. I'm an e-mailer or texter!
• You know that saying about "swearing like a sailor"? That's me. Whenever I'm stuck for a word I throw in an expletive to buy some time :)

5~ Nominate 7 bloggers (doing my best not to duplicate anyone listed by either Kyla or Lain!)

Brenda came into my life last year. I have no idea how or when, but I'm so glad she did!

Audrey one day I stumbled onto Audrey's blog and I have enjoyed every entry since. She is so talented, inspiring and approachable. Love her.

Sharyn was taking the blogger for scrapbookers course over at Shimelle a few months back. She is so talented and I love her style! 

Marta is amazing. I like everything she does. EVERYTHING. I think I want to be Marta when I grow up :) (Clarification: she's at least a decade or more younger than me!)

Melissa is another lovely woman I met via the Shimelle class. Very real, inspiring and talented.

Jessi is amazing: sewing, scrapbooking, cooking, you name it, she can do it! She has so much energy. I miss her on the JustCre8 board, but thrilled to read her adventures on her blog.

Gigi has one of those blogs that every single time she posts there is something I just love. A project, an element, a whole scrapbook page. Her work is incredible.

6~ Place a link to these bloggers (just click on their names above)

7~ Leave a comment on their blog notifying them of the award (okey dokey!)

Communication breakdown - solution!

I think I've got it figured out! Thank you so much to everyone who helped, especially Helena and Cheri who were so very patient.

I cannot explain what happened, but I can tell you what the plan is moving forward:

If I receive a general question or comment in the comments section, I will answer it in the comments section so that everyone can benefit from the response.

In addition, I receive all of your lovely comments directly to my e-mail address. I will respond to EVERY COMMENT I can via e-mail so that you do not have to come back here onto the blog to see if I responded.

Thank you so much for your patience. I'm sorry that I may have been considered rude. That was in no way my intent, and the opposite of the reason I switched everything here to the Typepad platform.

If I get a chance, this week I will make every effort to go back and respond to any outstanding comments (with the exception of the Wishcasting Wednesday and other memes, as I'm already commenting on those blogs directly) through the first of the year. Wish me luck!!

My Best Shot Monday: Sous Chefs

There is always so much to do when it comes to making stew. Lots of prep work in order to enjoy the smells that permeate the kitchen for the rest of the day and the delicious results at dinner time. The youngers asked if they could help, and of course, I said "yes" and immediately found a pair of vegetable peelers. I love that they're anxious to learn.

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Cole: Rite of Passage

A few weeks ago, Cole turned 13. My boy, over the past couple of years, has grown into a big, muscular, smelly, handsome kid. With all of that came a growth spurt, a voice change and plenty of hair. I don't remember any boys, when I was 13, quite that ... advanced. All of his physical changes are a hard adjustment - for both of us!

Because of all of his physical - as in, can't be hidden - changes he gets quite a bit of ribbing from his peers. Not only that, but he gets plenty of comments from adults, too. His peers are far kinder. The way I see it, as his mama, my job is to help him through all of his new challenges with as little affect on his ego and confidence as possible. This process has certainly taught me a great deal about being a mother. Primarily, I've learned to follow his lead most of the time and to simply be supportive and available; rather than controlling and interfering, in as much as that is possible.

There has been much made over Cole's facial hair. He's had a bit of a mustache for about a year now, and the errant chin hair. Lately there has been plenty of hair taking up residence along his jaw line and Cole spends a great deal of time trying to hide his beautiful face behind his hands. I mentioned that maybe he'd like to consider going to a real barber shop and having a real shave - with a straight-edge razor. He was fascinated and immediately his thoughts turned to Sweeney Todd and an enthusiastic "that would be cool".

A few weeks passed, and lo and behold, yesterday morning I get a note on MSN:

Cole: Mama, can I ask a question?

Me: Sure

Cole: #1 Can we go to Blockbuster and rent the Glee DVD?

Me: Sure, what is #2

Cole: Um, you saw that

Me: Yes

Cole: #2 Can I get that shave at the barber?

Me: Yep, when do you want to go?

Cole: Really? Now!

And off we went.

With Claire and Caden as official observers and me with my camera. I'm sure the Bronte Barber Shop had never experienced anything quite like that before! I reminded him a number of times that once you shave the first time you're stuck shaving forever. He was not backing down.

DURING:

Yes, pink walls.

He started with a haircut. Which in Cole's case is more of a weeding. His hair grows thick, not long.The process begins with a warm towel softening up the "beard".

The old fashioned shave brush applying the cream.

And, there is the first stroke. Officially my baby is a baby no more. A new era has begun.

Visions of Sweeney? I wasn't *too* worried, our nice European barber with the curly mullet knew what was going on, and welcomed Cole to adulthood once he was done.

It is scary having a complete stranger holding a sharp object to your child's neck. Alas, it all worked out well. Cole is thrilled. He's all tidied up. We left the barber shop (complete hair cut and shave a whopping $36) and went across the street to Shopper's Drug Mart where he is now the proud owner of a Gillette Fusion Razor and Edge Ampt Shave Gel - only after sniffing every brand and flavour there, he settled for Eclipse Bold Fragrance - we finished off with some Gillette Fusion After Shave. Altogether, about the same price as the cut and shave!

Then our newly cleaned up boy came home for Louis' inspection.

AFTER:

Cole looks like my baby again! Weird how his entrance into adulthood brought his baby face back. The "manscaping" will continue tonight with a bit of eyebrow work, he is insisting.

Do you have boys? Did you do anything special for them to mark this rite of passage or am I the only crazy mother out there? Um, maybe you don't need to answer that!

Communication breakdown?

When I moved my bloggy home here to Typepad a couple of months ago, the purpose was to better communicate with those who leave comments - and I love comments! Thanks to everyone who has left one, two or ten!

I was replying in the comments section, directly here on Typepad. Now I'm receiving most comments via my blackberry and/or e-mail and reply that way. I'm told I can do that. They used to show up here, that I replied in the comments "conversation" but they have not, of late.

I have a couple of questions because I respond to every single comment I receive (with the exception of those on some meme's where I visit another blog and simply leave a comment there, case in point: Wishcasting Wednesday). Lately my responses are not showing up and I'm afraid people, my lovely commenters, might feel ignored or slighted. That is NOT my intent!

Do you receive them? If you leave an e-mail address with your comment do you receive the reply to your e-mail (that would be ideal). Or, do you have to come back to see if I'm on the ball?

If you could let me know, I'd really appreciate it! If there's a problem, can you also let me know if you'd be willing to be my tester? TIA!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Timing is everything

Now that I am reasonably proficient with using digital templates, (and seeing what disasters some people consider publish worthy - Char, you can LOL right now!), I am thinking of pursuing a couple of publishing projects I have had rattling around in my mind for well over six months now.

Publishing anything is an expensive undertaking and I want everything perfect, well, with as few mistakes as possible, before moving forward. I was collecting information from everywhere and keeping a file of information on my desktop: topics, how to's and where to's, all the ingredients to put together a great book.

TODAY I woke with the splitting headache that accompanied me to bed last night and barely had the motivation to open my google reader. I'm so glad I did, because when I read this article over at The Daily Digi my brain exploded with goodness, no more headache, just a bagillion ideas hit me all at once. I love anything that encourages creativity. So, before I started this post, I wrote down my picture book ideas. Here are a few of them:

My Cape Cod - in photos (minimal journaling)

A collection of favourite photos

365 Project 2009

365 Project 2010

A Hockey Book for Cole

A Baseball Book for Claire

Dad's 70th Birthday

Bright Spots

The Many Messes of Moe

Caden Faces & Silly Sayings

and I'm sure there's more stuff in pre-percolate.

Over the last couple of months I have become a HUGE fan of both Liz Tamanaha of Paislee Press and Aud Neal of Audacious Designs. THEY are singularly incredible and combined ... breathtaking! I am so thrilled when I run across great instruction: thoughtful and thought provoking. Wonderful. Both of these women are so creative and can really express their thoughts and instruction in a clear and easy to understand manner. So much so, I think I can do this.

So, thanks the Daily Digi, thanks Liz, thanks Aud. Let this new book begin!

develop on fridays: lesson 2

The idea of this, the second lesson, is to recognize your influences and take photographs reflecting those influences. Recognizing them in your work, reproducing them at will. 

I took quite a bit of time trying to determine what my influences are! I believe I've narrowed them down to five primary influences:

Vanity Fair Magazine: Originally read for the gossip of Dominick Dunne, which turned into a fascination with Christopher Hitchens and the adventures of Sebastian Junger and continued to be adored for the stunning photography of Annie Leibovitz.

Her use of light, positioning, props. Wow. So ethereal, somewhat translucent. I love it.

New York Times Magazine: Fashion & Style, Book Reviews, Arts and Travel were always cutting edge and made a lazy Sunday filled with grand ideas and dreams of far away places and fancy dress.

A random cover from Spring 2007.

I always looked forward to the Spring and Fall fashion collections. I was especially drawn to the high fashion of Anne Klein. I modelled for years and it was so nice to see such tall women - who looked like me (at the time!) wearing such wonderful clothing.

Ralph Lauren not Calvin Klein: I preferred the rich and comfortable fashions of Ralph Lauren's designs rather than the tight and presumably uncomfortable structure of Calvin Klein's style. My true favourite was the Santa Fe collection of the early 1980s. I still love the rustic Navajo-inspired design. I wanted to live inside those ads.

 

Timeless. I would still decorate my house in exactly what you see above, if I could find it. I find the lodge look to be warm and welcoming. I love stone and wood and warm rich colours.

Impressionist Paintings: There was a huge exhibit of Canadian Impressionists in Europe at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The work was stunning.  A huge sports fan, I love the impressionist influence on LeRoy Neiman work. The vibrant colours certainly make it representative of my childhood era! My favourite:

Toreadore, 1973

Isn't that painting incredible? Swirls and dabs and all that colour that is so untraditional but so perfect.

Martha Stewart: Domestic maven thoughout the 1990s, she was the most intimidating representation of perfection I had ever encountered. She was the first major style influence who provided doubt in myself, but at the same time motivation to enjoy beautiful things. Especially appealing during those years when I could not afford much but you could always make things look nice. At my engagement party in 1994, I received a copy of her Entertaining book signed by all in attendance. It is still on my cookbook shelf in the kitchen:

Now days I'm far less intimidated and use her website as a constant resource for inspiration and ideas.

MY RESULTS:

A bit of a twist on the actual assignment: I decided to take a look through my considerable digital collection to see if I have photos that reflect the influences outlined above. The weather being as it is, and my time being scarce of late, I'll do the actual assignment as written in a couple of weeks, but was really curious to see what I already had on hand.

Tell me, do you see the influences in the following photos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think? Can you see my personal style influences in my photographic work? I really think I can. What are your influences? Are you participating in develop on fridays? Leave a link!

The Annual Science Fair

In Middle 1 and Middle 2 (Grades 7 and 8) our kids are expected to participate in the Science Fair. Preparations start in October for the February Fair. I realized today, as I drove over to the school with Cole's props (pop, sauce pan and balloons) that this is my third science fair ... in a row. Then an even more exhausting thought was the realization I will continue to help pick new topics, help with experiments and forfeit scrapbook supplies for the greater good of a kick-ass science board, for the next four years with Chloe and Caden BOTH doing a project in 2013 when she is in Middle 2 and he is in Middle 1.

This filled me with panic and more panic. I hope they get more creative as the years pass and avoid any repeats!

Anyway, today was the big day and Cole seemed to enjoy himself:

Charming, eh?

More seriously though, here are some scenes from the fair:

Parents, teachers and other school staff members are judges. Each entry is seen by at least three judges and it is the combined total mark that contributes to the grade.

This is my boy, relieved that I had said my goodbyes :)

And yes, the gym is yellow. A terrible yellow, too much and not photoshop-able! I just might have to convert to black and white to protect my eyes - and yours - in future!

The wait is over!

Mark your calendars!

Jayne over at Feeling Scrappy has announced the dates for the next Sketchapalooza Course, the sixth offering of this great event. And guess what? I am, along with Jayne and Becky Rico, on the Feeling Scrappy Design Team!

I have always enjoyed Feeling Scrappy - the blog, the classes, and the new-ish community on Facebook. The community is active and enthusiastic, the classes are engaging, well constructed, and great value. I've always learned a lot from the talented ladies designing and participating.

From the blog:

Sketchapalooza 6
May 3rd to May 31st 2010

We have an all new Sketch Class in the works for you! During this class you will be provided with tons of brand new original sketches (5 per week!) with examples of finished pages from our talented design team during this month long course. This fast paced, exciting class is suitable for any level of scrapper and caters to both traditional and digital artists alike. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to get a tons of pages done and wants to have a ball doing it!

Here is what you can expect during this class:

• A full four weeks of class running from May 3rd to May 31st
• Detailed sketches made exclusively for you by our design team
• 20 total sketches (5 per week!)
• Digital templates provided for PS or PSE for each sketch
• Tips and tid-bits to keep your creative juices flowing
• Fabulous creative examples for each sketch by our talented designers
• A private class forum with lots of support and friendly conversation
• A gallery filled with layout examples
• Self-paced class - do as much or as little as you like
• A PDF file including all the sketches from the class for you to keep for future reference
• Graduation crop with challenges, games and prizes
• Plus a few surprises :)

The cost for this month long class is only $25.00. Ready to sign up? Just click here to go to the link.

Are you going to join in? If so, let me know. And, tell me what you want to see! What are the things you are looking to learn from a scrapbook class - you know, the extras?

Wellness Wednesday: Done

Can you believe it? I've finally completed my Me: The Abridged Version project!

Why is a completed album a Wellness Wednesday post? Well, it is because we all know how good you can feel to have projects completed, especially a project like this! Not only has it been sitting around for a few months, mocking me every time I entered my studio, but one that has so many different elements, thoughts and photographs to gather together and have all available at one time.

What a tremendous process putting this album together. I percolated a very long time over my words and ideas; paper choices and fonts; representative photographs; for months. The Me: The Abridged Version course was taught by the lovely and engaging Cathy Zielske over at Big Picture Scrapbooking last October. The idea that sparked her first album was Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, which in turn sparked the course. The book is a fantastic concept, very engaging. If you're a wordie, like me; and clearly, like Cathy.

For some reason, I chose to tackle this album project during this albeit short but still crazy-busy and emotionally exhausting month. Sometimes the best time to get things completed is when you're firing on all cylinders. What's that saying? If you need something done, ask a busy mum; well, that was what worked in this case.

Done.

And, lots of lessons learned. I started out strong in October choosing all of my words and developing the corresponding photos. Then life got in my way! The problem I ran into was that by the time I was typing everything out this week, four months later, most of my words had changed. So, I chose a bunch of new images to correspond with my new words and headed back over to get them all developed (no, I never print my album or project photos at home). I also chose to change my font from the original to reflect my two current favourites: Amelie and American Typewriter. I figure this album is to reflect who I am, right now, at this moment. Those small details will provide some insight to some reader of my esthetic tastes long after I'm gone.

I am a big believer that every album you make is a reflection of you. I'm not one of those types who feels some form of drudgery making albums for everyone else because they really are mine: the photos all come from my camera, the stories are all from my perspective. Every album I've ever made had a part of me in it, some more than others. This album is all about me.

I made some changes from the formula because, as much as I love Cathy Zielske (and my friend Lorraine can attest that in the presence of the wonderful CZ I behave in a strangely giddy, she-is-a-rock-star fashion) I don't need her signature Archer type to identify the project as hers, so I made this album a bit more hybrid by adding American Crafts white felt letters.

It is also suggested that we go through this process every couple of years, and if I do manage to do it again, I think every five might work just fine. After all, I'm in my mid-40s, not some young upstart with lots to see, do and explore. No need to take a photo of every costume worn, every mess made or every event attended by my splendid offspring. My album is far more reflective than anything else. Though, I am considering making an album for each of my kids when they hit 15. Maybe a modified version with just one word per letter. We'll see. It really is easier to do for someone else. You know how we always put ourselves on the back burner, right?

I'm going to be using part of this post to fill in the back page blank you'll see in the first image, above. We were asked to hand-write a bit about the process and tuck it in the back of the album. Here it is, let me know if you've done your own Me: The Abridged Version and provide a link in the comments!

 

Whew!

Thanks for looking :)

My Best Shot Monday on Tuesday: Bouquet

(I know it's Tuesday, but with yesterday being a day off school I got a bit discombobulated! I forgot to post.)

As I mentioned here, my boys picked up a lovely bouquet for me for Valentine's Day. The best part of having happy flowers in the house is that they provide plenty of chances to practice taking photos. Different angles and lighting. I took about 120 photos. Of those, this is the one I like best.

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Checking In: Family Day

Today is Family Day. Invented and introduced last year, we have a day off in February. Well, some do, some don't, it's vary inconsistent. I just know the rinks are open but the grocery store is closed. Crazy.

Anyway, what did we decide to do? Nothing. The kids are exhausted with an activity-full existence so we let them all sleep in. I was so looking forward to it, but managed to make it only to 7:30AM. Chloe and Caden, both sick, were down for breakfast soon after that, Cole wandered in for food around noon and I have yet to see or hear Claire and it's now 1PM.

I've taken advantage of the comfort of having all my family under one roof and no place to go by immersing myself in completing my Me: The Abridged Version I mentioned earlier this week. The project is coming together quite nicely. It's interesting how, now that I'm putting photos to works how my words have changed now that the text is all written. I'll be burning a disc and making a trip to Fortino's first thing tomorrow morning and finishing it.

In honour of it being Family Day, I've moved the project upstairs to the kitchen in order to catch the Olympics coverage in the family room and listen to my kids ooh and aah over the coverage, well, re-coverage, of yesterday's events.

Whoot!

I'm so close. And, I have to say, quite proud of the almost-finished product.

Will share later.

Enjoy your day with family :)

A happy bouquet

So nice to have my Ouellette men home.

This was given to me upon the return from one rink.

Now we're off to another.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Canadian Patriotism

No, that title is not an oxymoron. Most Canadians I know, by birth or by choice, are the most fiercely patriotic people I've ever met. Always compared to Americans, but we are not. Always defined by our natural resources, and hockey players, and comedians. We have a small but mighty population of talented, peaceful, resourceful people and we are generally reserved about touting it. Don't mistake our reserve for anything but what it is: confidence and quiet resolve.

Uncharacteristically, during the brilliant, positively BRILLIANT, opening ceremony of the Olympics last night, the main entertainment portion featured so much, including: fiddlers, tappers, whales, wheat, a lesbian singer, flying children, lit bears, aboriginal performers, snowboarders and a slam poem read by it's author. Honestly, how many nations would represent like that at a major event? There are many places to see fantastic images, for a small selection of incredible photos, head here.

Anyway, it was the poem that stuck with me. (I wasn't able to stay up late enough to see much after the parade of nations. I even missed the lighting ceremony - but managed to catch the highlights on the morning coverage.) Some on twitter and Facebook were shocked at the poem, but being a Canadian, I'm not. I knew exactly what he was saying. Giving voice to what is in the heart of every Canadian I have ever met.

We Are More
by Shane Koyczan

 When defining Canada
 you might list some statistics
 you might mention our tallest building
 or biggest lake
 you might shake a tree in the fall
 and call a red leaf Canada
 you might rattle off some celebrities
 might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
 might even mention the fact that we've got a few
 Barenaked Ladies
 or that we made these crazy things
 like zippers
 electric cars
 and washing machines
 when defining Canada
 it seems the world's anthem has been
 " been there done that"
 and maybe that's where we used to be at
 it's true
 we've done and we've been
 we've seen
 all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
 and turned into theme parks
 but when defining Canada
 don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
 we are not just fishing stories
 about the one that got away
 we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
 and yes
 we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
 who inspired little number nines
 and little number ninety-nines
 but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
 off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
 and some say what defines us
 is something as simple as please and thank you
 and as for you're welcome
 well we say that too
 but we are more
 than genteel or civilized
 we are an idea in the process
 of being realized
 we are young
 we are cultures strung together
 then woven into a tapestry
 and the design
 is what makes us more
 than the sum total of our history
 we are an experiment going right for a change
 with influences that range from a to zed
 and yes we say zed instead of zee
 we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
 we dream so big that there are those
 who would call our ambition an industry
 because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
 we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
 we are vineyards of good year after good year
 we reforest what we clear
 because we believe in generations beyond our own
 knowing now that so many of us
 have grown past what used to be
 we can stand here today
 filled with all the hope people have
 when they say things like "someday"
 someday we'll be great
 someday we'll be this
 or that
 someday we'll be at a point
 when someday was yesterday
 and all of our aspirations will pay the way
 for those who on that day
 look towards tomorrow
 and still they say someday
 we will reach the goals we set
 and we will get interest on our inspiration
 because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
 more than backpacks and hiking trails
 we are hammers and nails building bridges
 towards those who are willing to walk across
 we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
 we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
 of those who clamour for the failings of others
 we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
 uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
 we are cousins
 we are found missing puzzle pieces
 we are families with room at the table for newcomers
 we are more than summers and winters
 more than on and off seasons
 we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
 because we are more than what we say or do
 we live to get past what we go through
 and learn who we are
 we are students
 students who study the studiousness of studying
 so we know what as well as why
 we don't have all the answers
 but we try
 and the effort is what makes us more
 we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
 so keep exploring
 go far and wide
 or go inside but go deep
 go deep
 as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
 and suddenly there was this location scout
 trying to figure some way out
 to get inside you
 because you've been through hell and high water
 and you went deep
 keep exploring
 because we are more
 than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
 we are more than hills to ski
 or countryside ponds to skate
 we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
 we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
 a country that is all the ways you choose to live
 a land that can give you variety
 because we are choices
 we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
 " keep exploring... we are more"
 we are the surprise the world has in store for you
 it's true
 Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
 so don't say "been there done that"
 unless you've sat on the sidewalk
 while chalk artists draw still lifes
 on the concrete of a kid in the street
 beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
 don't say you've been there done that
 unless you've been here doing it
 let this country be your first-aid kit
 for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
 let us be the story told to your friends
 and when that story ends
 leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
 next time pack for all the things
 you didn't pack for the first time
 but don't let your luggage define your travels
 each life unravels differently
 and experiences are what make up
 the colours of our tapestry
 we are the true north
 strong and free
 and what's more
 is that we didn't just say it
 we made it be.

12 of 12: February

This was a completely non-typical day in my house. When I woke, late, at 8AM (as no one had to be at school for 7AM) to get Chloe up for school, I realized it was just the two of us. Claire was sleeping at her friend Marley's; Cole was in Montreal with an Appleby Blue Dog teammate billeting with a family from Lower Canada College; and, Louis had Caden with him at his parents place in Ottawa. What in the world could I take pictures of today?

I managed to muddle through ...

Chloe dressed in Canadian Colours today for the Olympic celebration at school. Not only that, but my creative Moe stood in front of our "believe" display. Believe is the name of the Olympic song as well as the ad campaign we've been watching for the past couple of years!

The world rejoiced this morning when I woke with no voice! Good timing since I didn't have to yell to wake anyone up today :) I drank plenty of tea. My two favourites: green and acai berry.

Weird, only one pile ready and waiting at the door this morning. I was becoming more and more bereft.

The best part of having my boy away at a hockey tournament is that I'm able to take all of the hockey apparel he is not wearing and give it a good wash! Track suits, t-shirts, jerseys and socks. All headed for the laundry.

I have a ridiculous number of unfinished projects. Today I was determined to finish my Me: The Abridged Version course lead by the brilliant Cathy Zielske over at Big Picture Scrapbooking LAST OCTOBER. I have it almost all written, the photos all developed, chosen Basic Grey Indian Summer as the "pretty", and now I just have to get it d.o.n.e. By the time I had to collect Claire at 1PM, I managed to get everything written, proof-read and edited up to the letter R. Clearly determination is not enough, but there's always tomorrow. Oops, that's the phrase that always gets me in trouble! Perhaps by posting I'll feel obligated to show the finished work? We'll see!

Just as I was getting ready to collect Claire, I got a call from Louis. Cole and the boys had won their first game over LCC 8-2, and Cole had scored a goal. That was the good news. The bad news was, according to Louis, Cole's pants are too small and he looks like he's skating wearing a Speedo. Um, that's just not good. Cole has been growing like crazy and complained that the pants were getting small. I can't believe the timing - two months before the end of the season/beginning of tryouts and I'm buying him $130 Ranger hockey pants! 

I brought the girls to Milestones for dinner as a special treat. Claire loves good food, Chloe will always order chicken fingers (and she did) and I love the atmosphere and the consistently good food and wine. You pay a lot for it, expensive for a chain operation, but I'm happy to spend when I know exactly what I'm getting.

Every few minutes Claire's phone would beep and she'd get a missive from her friend who just landed in Vancouver on his way to Whistler to attend the Olympics. She was welcome to keep in touch - but when the meal arrived the phone went away.

Chloe's entertainment is far more analogue in nature. She did some of the children's menu games and played a few games of sudoku on my blackberry. My distraction? The camera, of course!

After dinner it was time to prepare for our evening of Olympic Opening Ceremonies coverage. A quick trip to the LCBO was in order. I have stocked up on my wine ... let the games begin!

Daddy called and everyone was happy to get an update. He and Caden are having a grand time with Grandpapa. Happy to have seen Cole at his two games earlier today and then met up with cousin Sophie. She is up from Boston as her son Zach is in a tournament in Montreal as well. A happy convergience of family in Montreal this weekend!  The big news: Cole scored 2 goals in the second game, BUT he broke ANOTHER stick, his brand new Bauer X-60 he got for his birthday less than two weeks ago! Broke it on a slap shot. Argh. Another trip to Corbett's is in order. He needs a freaking sponsor!

And then it began, the opening ceremonies. The opening was INCREDIBLE. Right now we're watching the entrance of all the athletes and hearing all the stories. Canada has hosted twice before and never earned a gold medal ... the pressure is on! We have a large contingent of 206 athletes, lead by the incredible Clara Hughes as our flag bearer. The noise is deafening. Pride is evident among the 60,000+ in BC Place. The next 17 days are going to be AWESOME!

(Of course, our evening started with the tragic news of the death of the Georgian luge athlete this morning. It was horrifying. I watched the coverage on CTV, NBC and my girlfriend critiqued the CNN coverage. Gotta say, NBC was graphic and sensational, completely disrespectful. At least CTV and CNN showed it, the accident, ONCE and warned you to send children out of the room. NBC did not show the same compassion for the athlete, his family, his teammates or their viewers.)

And that was our day. The good, the bad, the tragic and the hopeful.

My Spirit Lifter

I really enjoy blogs with a good questions. Those which engage readers to be more than casual observers, or lurkers, but actively involved with the blog writer. Questions, I've found, do that. And give aways, too :)

I was on my usual reader tour this morning and visited Gina Solinsky's Rich Inner Life and discovered this (must have) book and a link to a question and a give away.

What is your favorite one-of-a-kind item you have purchased?  It may be something you bought at an art fair years ago, or something you ordered from etsy last month.  I'd love to hear what makes your heart sing!

This was my response:

For my 25th birthday we went to a gorgeous trendy Italian restaurant with beautiful art on the walls. I love restaurants that support local artists and I purchased my first watercolour. It is vibrant, huge and has hung in every home for the last 20 years. It is my most prized piece, not for it's material value but how it lifts my spirit every time I see it!

Here it is:

It has often been in our kitchen or family room, it is now in the hallway outside the master bedroom. I'm guaranteed at least two views every day. I love how vibrant it is. Even on my worst days it makes me smile when I see it.

Do you have a favourite piece you have purchased? You can let me know here, but know that I have no prize to offer, or you have until Sunday to enter, so head on over to enter at Rich Inner Life.

*8 Things: Discussed at lunch today

I am very fortunate to be surrounded by so many good friends. Occasionally four of us, all former neighbours, get together for the occasional lunch  ... though this never happens often enough! We pick different restaurants around town and today took us to Canyon Creek Chop House in Burlington. Very nice, I'll definitely return - though, no booth next time!

Each lunch always brings a ton of laughter and diverse topics covered. Normally there would be a photo but due to circumstances (Cole to Montreal with the G9 and Louis to Ottawa with the G10) sadly, there was no photo today.

The best part of lunch is the conversation. We are all very different women. All opinionated. All wilful. Not always agreeing with each other but always respecting the other point of view. I love my friends!

Discussed at lunch today:

Facebook: we're all trying to figure out this social network site to keep on top of our kids activity. I think I'm going to be conducting a tutorial sometime soon! I'm sure to need Claire as my assistant since I am far from an expert :) This is an internet age and parenting happens online rather than via phone lines and we really have to embrace it.

Haiti: how terrible the situation is but that it was totally predictable; not the earthquake, certainly, but the devastation. In a country riddled with AIDS and corruption in spite of every effort being made to change all that, for decades. It is a lot to ask for others, for outsiders, to "fix" an abundance of problems endured for generations.

Drinking/Drugs: and other negative influences available to our children. Between us, we have 12 kids, 8 are girls, all range in age from 9 to 16. We're watching our kids muddle their way through the pitfalls of high school and even the pitfalls of elementary school. Fingers crossed, they're all great kids, with great mothers (!!), and loving, positive foundations, here's hoping it's enough.

Outrageous "Sweet 16" events: limos, designer cakes, rented venues. You name it, these kids are getting the star treatment. Like Elaine says "enjoy it, don't expect it at your party". True that!

Cape Cod: we've got our dates and plans to head down to the Cape Escape. I've just started planning, but it will be a smaller group this time around for this much-deserved few days at the beach. Our summer holiday before the summer holidays start.

Hockey: Girls hockey, boys hockey, it's crazy. Oh, the stories. Oh, the laughter, and not so much laughter. We're entering a squirrelly time where we have playoffs and tryouts happening, almost simultaneously. The stories are outrageous, and true! Now that I've shelved my other book ideas it's been suggested that I focus on writing about some outrageous hockey stories. Hmm. Something to think about for sure!

Book Club: after years of getting together and discussing everything under the sun we've finally decided to form a little book club - little because there are only four of us! I failed our first "assignment" a few months back when Lindy purchased "The Shack" for each of us to read. I just couldn't grind through it. I've asked for book recommendations via Facebook and Twitter, but if you have any ideas, leave a comment, please!

Survivor: the "purpose" of our little gathering today was to choose our teams for the new Heroes vs Villains season of the ever popular Survivor television "reality" series. Lorraine was wonderfully organized and brought cut outs of all the cast - with photos! - and a designation on the back of Hero or Villain. Of course, a few of us argued the idea that Boston Rob could be considered a villain! We've put our money into the pool and we'll see how the season goes. Out of the pile, I pulled: Jerri - um, ick; Parvati - um, double ick; Candice - who is she?; Cirie - love her; JT - whoot! Are you watching? Who do you want to win? Should be a good season at any rate :)

Do you get together with girlfriends on a regular basis? What do you like to do together? Do you have a routine or is it more spontaneous?

Wellness Wednesday: Just let it go

Image found here. LOVE that it has a lemon :)

"Just" is the wrong word.

Since this was not a little thing.

It was a big thing. More than "just".

But I did let go.

Let go of something big.

Not one but two somethings big.

Big to me.

I have been working, steadily, on two projects. Eighteen months on one and almost a year on the other. What were they? Manuscripts is the big word. Stories, to me. For the longest time I was consumed by them, riveted with wonder. What was going to happen next for the one, and how I could make the second creatively different, original. 

Many times I've dragged the laptop with me to hockey practice, to choir practice, to the parking lot at each school. During the process, I learned one thing for sure: I can't write like a job - no regular hours. Inspiration seems to find me most often when I'm distracted or busy doing other things! Laundry alone will guarantee I always have something to do, so I'm grateful for laundry :)

I really enjoy the process.

Molding.

Creating.

Exploring.

Then, one day last week, I realized that some of the negative influences in my life over the last two years had seeped into my writing. I clicked and clicked only to find that the writing I was using to escape was acting more like a sponge. The negative had seeped into my creative process.

I was no longer proud of my creations. I was no longer happy.

I had to let it go.

No more dreams of hard covers.

No more planning of illustrations.

No more thoughts of readers nodding in recognition.

This is what it looks like now:

All evidence removed from my laptop and moved onto a flash drive.

Tossed in a drawer.

Hours, days, weeks, months of work.

Now to start anew.

I believe

This is the LONG version of the new (already overplayed!) CTV Olympic Theme:

After months and months of television coverage which included watching the torch make it's very slow trip across our vast country, listening to speculation on medal counts, anticipating the Canadian hockey team selections, hearing of injuries to our various athletes and medal contenders, the recent selection of our flag bearer Clara Hughes, and news coverage proclaiming the warmest winter in history in Vancouver and the humongous efforts to bring in snow from higher elevations, the Winter Olympics start on Friday.

I am a sport junkie and the Olympics, both winter and summer, is the pinnacle of sport for me. I anticipate our television will not be turned off between February 12th Opening Ceremonies and Closing Ceremonies on the 28th. I'm excited to watch the drama of the events regardless of where they are held, but what a thrill to have the Games in our country, for so many reasons, but reason one: I'm happy for minimal time change! Why? I'll get a reasonable amount of sleep and I won't have Brian Williams constantly updating everyone on the time conversion. 

So wonderful to watch and anticipate the coverage. Here is a blog by a Scottish volunteer: clicky which is fun to follow - I'm even following on Twitter! The official blog can be found: here and the official Twitter updates are here. We've even had a flag-flap in the Olympic Village with the Aussies hanging a monsterously huge boxing kangaroo flag out the windows (they're allowed to keep it in place) and the city of Vancouver has sent out a manual to all residents telling them how to dress and behave during the festivities! Here is the latest article outlining some silliness: Feeling Warm and Fuzzy.

I can't wait to watch the obscure sports like biathlon, the more popular speed skating and extreme freestyle skiing to the more absurd skeleton and ski cross freestyle events. Of course, I'll enjoy the traditional hockey, figure skating, bobsled (I know, they call it bobsleigh now, but I'm old and stuck in my ways), ski jumping (remember the wipe out always shown on ABC Wild World of Sports?), cross-country endurance and skiing. It's like an all-sport-all-the-time holiday. The crock pot will be on overdrive!

This is going to be great!

Do you watch the Olympics? Do you have a favourite sport? What are you most looking forward to seeing - a sport, an athlete, a team?

My Best Shot Monday: Deck in Winter

We've escaped most of winter somewhat unscathed by cold weather and snow. Last week, and maybe that of the week before, was really the first reminder that we were having it easy! I walked out our kitchen door and turned to take photos of the sunrise and realized this one of those every day views I never capture. So here is my real obstructed view :)

What is your best shot this Monday? Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

A quick hello ...

my day has gotten away from me!

Hard to believe, but we were able to sleep in today. Sleep in being a relative term. Once I cleaned up the kitchen, which was sorely neglected last night, and made some coffee, put in a pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches tonight and was interrupted as I saw this out the window:

then I woke up my boys. They quickly scarfed down some breakfast as Caden was off to an exhibition game at Kinoak and Cole was invited to practice with the local triple A hockey team. I dropped Cole off only to realize Caden was responsible for snacks at his game so headed back across town with a quick stop at Fortino's to pick up marshmallow squares and juice packs. I managed to catch the last half of his game and had a lovely conversation with one of the dads who turns out to be a writer - in his spare time while he commutes back and forth to Toronto every day. Once I got home I sent him a few blog links that might be helpful. While gone, Chloe called worried that as she woke up she was home alone, I assured her that Claire, for the first time in weeks, was home and not timekeeping. With relief she went back to sleep.

The day continued much along those lines ...

Now we're enjoying the Super Bowl with friends. Well, Caden isn't here because he's playing hockey. And one of the kids belonging to our friends was just dropped off at his game.

But those of us still here have enjoyed pulled pork, chili and chicken wings. We're looking forward to a great game and brownies with ice cream for dessert.

Enjoy your night!!

SOOC Saturday: Lake Light

Winter is a wonderful time to live by Lake Ontario. It has so much personality and there is always something to see. On Thursday, the pink on the left side of the window, grabbed my attention from the kitchen:

 

I walked down outside, camera in hand, and managed to capture a few shots:

 

The colour became very vivid. Today SOOC means wonky horizon!

The light made for some really interesting reflections off the buildings in Toronto:

None of these photos fully capture the saturation of colour experienced. It was just gorgeous the pink, orange, yellow of the sky meeting the dark blue and green of the lake. 

What is your favourite SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) shot today? You can join in: here! 

The theme the last week ... or two

(They crack me up.)

I have listened to the same conversation about a half-dozen times in the last couple of weeks. I no longer participate as I find it fascinating to listen to my friends and peers discuss their children and how they parent them.

The conversation follows along the same lines:

1. I am so tired/busy/worn out ...

2. My children still expect me to ...

Eventually the questions is asked:

When are they going to grow up?

My answer?

When you let them.

This is certainly not an answer making me popular in my circle of friends. After all, if they let their kids be self-sufficient then what would they do? Which always turns into, so Lee, what do you do?

Um.

I do wake my kids. I'm the after-alarm clock without the sleep button that yells and yells each morning. After that, my kids are responsible for:

Bathing themselves, brushing hair and teeth; packing up homework; paying attention to their calendar enough to know if they need to be organizing gym clothes or not; make and eat breakfast; dress appropriately for school; unloading the dishwasher run the night before; pack their lunch with a representation of all food groups and one junk (usually a Jos. Louis - ick); and finally, dress appropriately for the weather and head to the car, which one child has already started on really cold days.

I drive.

After school they are responsible for completing their homework; packing materials for any after-school activity; being ready for said activity with enough time to arrive punctually as we all hate being late, unless daddy is driving and then we know everyone will be late; setting the table for dinner; clearing the front hall of all obstructions: knapsacks, shoes, jackets, hockey gear; shovelling or sweeping outside if required; loading dishwasher; turning out all lights and heading to bed at an appropriate time.

I give hugs, kisses and thank you's. Oh, and I'm responsible for stimulating dinner conversation or simply managing the giggling insanity.

In addition, my kids know how to: load the washer and dryer and make them run properly; make a meal for themselves with all appliances (except the youngers don't use the stove as it's gas and I'm still nervous); take the bus or bike to their friends homes; call tech support for their laptops or cellular phones; pay for meals in restaurants calculating proper tip; pack green boxes at the grocery store (we don't use disposable anything); mow and rake the lawn; and, open a wine bottle with a proper corkscrew.

I am somewhat horrified by some of the mothers who moan and groan about:

• cutting their almost teenage children's meat
• children determine all food choices for all meals all the time
• wiping the behinds of their almost double digit sons, same mums still bathe those sons
• daily runs to the school because baby forgot something, again
• those who start and finish school projects because the child is not artistic, too busy, not interested
• delivering their children to the mall and hand over credit cards and debit cards and are shocked when the kid has spent hundreds of dollars because no budget was set

almost exclusively these children are boys. For the most part, far more is expected of their daughters.

Weird.

Fascinating.

Bottom line? My kids are NOT PERFECT, but they are perfectly capable of matching and folding socks, vacuuming the floor, caring for their rooms, making their meals in a pinch, being responsible for themselves and their appearance and a whole host of other things that will ease them into the expectations and responsibilities of adulthood.

What do I do?

I let them.

(I was hoping to post my develop : on fridays assignment, but I'm behind, creatively uninspired this week. Not at my best. Grr. I'll do my best to get the spark lit so as to post soon!)

*8 Things: I'd like to learn to create

I give my friends the impression that I'm pretty creative. I'm am, but not as much as I'd like to be! There are so many things I'd like to learn (or re-learn) how to do. I figured I'd write them down so I can make it more "real" and maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to do one, or all eight, or more!

SEW: I'd like to learn how to sew with a machine. I'm pretty good with a needle and thread and can figure out how to attach a button and a simple blanket stitch, but I'd really like to be able to sew with my machine. Yes, I own one, I just know how to thread it, thanks to Home Ec in grade 8 but I really don't know how to use it to create anything! Simple things, not anything like a quilt, but re-purposing things in the house, creating home decor, altering clothing, that kind of thing. I really hate waste and I think this would help me feel like I'm using everything to it's fullest potential.

WELD: We collect a ton of metal artwork. In every room in our house you will find something made of metal either hanging on the walls, holding flower arrangements, decorating corners. I'd love to learn how to weld and create things for myself.

ETCH: I love the look of frosted windows and etched plates and home decor. I'd really like to alter some of the plain glassware we have in the house and etch some special pieces for special people.

FLOWER ARRANGING: We have some gorgeous plants that bloom all summer long. I'd love to bring some inside, but I really don't arrange flowers well. I know the basic "rules" but they just don't seem to work.

BOOK BINDING: I have a fascination with all things bookish and would love to learn how to bind them, properly. What are the right tools, what is the right weight, how does it all work?

FURNITURE REFINISHING: Along the lines of re-purposing and updating, I'd like to freshen up the look of some of my furniture by learning how to re-finish and/or re-upholster. Again, what are the right tools? Techniques?

KNIT/CROCHET: There was a girl at university who could knit gorgeous Lopi sweaters with all kinds of gorgeous colours on round needles - without looking, she could sit down in the evening and watch television or enjoy a chat in the common room and leave with a finished sweater. I always admired her talent. I'm not looking to be that creative, but an afghan or throw would be nice. Maybe a scarf. I'll start small, a scarf.

MULTI-MEDIA CANVASES: These are so beautiful but I wouldn't even know where to begin. Do you paint first? Use glue? What glue? What materials work with other materials? It seems like such a costly endeavour, I'd need to know these things before I get started! I can see creations in my head, but have no way of getting them out. Frustrating!

Are there things you'd like to learn how to do? Do you have any suggestions of where I could start learning anything on my list? Blogs? Books? Experts?

Ella Sketch #3 & LOAD, so far

I am enjoying my time back in the studio. I got it cleaned up enough, and just in time, to mess it all up again! There's nothing better than a studio in mid-mess to put me in a good mood.

Here is the latest Ella Sketch:

and my take:

Cardstock: Bazzill, Creative Memories; Printed Paper: Basic Grey; Stickers: Memory Makers, American Crafts; Pen: Micron; Bling: Me and My Big Ideas

I'm also keeping up with LOAD (what a great place for inspiration, encouragement and conversation!):

Day 1: THE EXPERIMENT

Cardstock: Bazzill; Printed Paper: Basic Grey; Stickers: Making Memories, American Crafts; Bling: Prima; Font: American Typewriter

Day 2: THE PAPA HAT

Cardstock: Bazzill; Letter Stickers: Making Memories; Brads: American Crafts; Font: Arial, 2Peas RF RhonnaDESIGNSRegular

DAY 3: I'M NO SUPERMAN

Cardstock: Bazzill; Printed Paper: Basic Grey; Stickers: American Crafts; Font: Garamond

So far, so good. I hope to keep it up through the end of the month. Fingers crossed!

Are you participating in the Ella sketch challenge? In LOAD?

Wishcasting Wednesday: Story

What story do you wish to live or let go?

I am amazed at the timing of this question. I have been in the midst of a couple of stories, tangible words-to-screen variety stories, which I've finally decided I have to let go and let other stories evolve and take their place. I wish to live a truthful, kind and observant story. One or more that I will be proud, even honoured to pass along.

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.

January Lessons

This was a month of hockey trophies for my boys!

The one thing about hockey games and tournaments, there are a ton of logistics to master. Timing meals is especially challenging and I'm very thankful that we haven't had to deal with any snowy weathah to interfere with our already split-second timing! There never seemed to be a dull moment, but we did manage to accomplish:

• Claire is really enjoying volleyball and it steadily improving and adding value to her team. Either Louis or I have attended all of her home games and she's really getting good!
• Indulging in The Bachelor on Monday nights, with all the kids. Realizing it is not supposed to be a comedy, but we laugh anyway :) I'm really enjoying the talking points and the conversations with the kids after each show.
• Cole managed to finish, though not yet present, his very first Science Fair project.
• I've managed to face my fear of digital and have made - and shared - a few layouts here and here.
• Hundreds of hockey photos have been taken and posted on Flickr to be shared with friends and teammates. I really enjoy taking photos, especially during tense games, as it provides some distraction.
• Dealing with Louis' determination to not cause any games to be scheduled outside of regular ice time, to make room for tournament play, (and not having teams incurring charges of over $200!) has made for long hours for him noodling the logistics. Better him than me! So far no one has had to buy ice.
• There is so little snow that it's hard to believe it is winter. We had record high temperatures at the first half of the month and now we are dealing with cold temperature warnings.
• Reminded, sadly, that some adults fight through their children by poisoning them into believing their own insecurities rather than gently guiding and considering that not everyone is out to "get their kid" in some kind of passive-aggressive game. Some people are genuinely pleased by the success of others and celebrate it because they are pleased. Jeez. The success of one child does not diminish the success of another. Get some therapy!
• Chloe is busy learning new pieces for upcoming concerts and can be often heard singing (I'm sure that's what it's called) in her room at all hours.
• I applied to a design team. Fingers crossed. I hear this week!
• Cole continues to enjoy a successful hockey season, both with his Ranger team and the Appleby team. There is still a lot of season ahead!
• Caden is the funniest kid in the history of the world. Really, really funny. Especially when he doesn't mean to be. But he's so easy-going he laughs along when he knows people are laughing at him. Such a delightful beast.
• Every day has been filled with Olympic Torch reports and the kids have received a real geography lesson all month long. We can't wait for the games to begin!
• Chloe is thrilled to be wearing Claire's hand-me-downs. The best line of the month was Chloe saying to me: "at least Claire has some fashion sense". I am equally relieved :)
• Cole turned 13. *Gulp*
• We managed to eat only one take-out meal all month and that was on January 30th. We had pizza and wings. Other than that, I've made every dinner - sometimes with Caden's help, most times without.
• We've sat down and determined which day camps the kids want to attend this summer. Claire and Cole have already started begging to attend sleep-away camps. Eek! We'll have to see.
• Getting into the groove of the new year has been a bit of an adjustment, but I'm finding I'm now able to keep up with my photo assignments for Project 365, Weekly Gratitude and develop : on fridays; as well as some sketch assignments and writing tasks, while still keeping up with the laundry. Yay me :)
• I'm sure there's a bunch I've forgotten! Just one of those months that went by far too quickly!

February has me looking forward to using my stash while participating in LOAD, watching the Olympics, the Amazing Race starts and hockey playoffs continue. That combined with life: homework, laundry, activities and housework, it should make for a busy short month.

How was your January? What do you look forward to in February?

Always Learning: Bucket List

A couple of weeks ago I was having a conversation with one of my peers, a mum, just like me. We were talking about the pros and cons of supplemental hockey training; that is, outside of the training provided by our hockey coaches on our respective teams. Yes, as always, I was having a conversation at a rink.

Her answer surprised me. On many levels. But the immediate response of "my X is an excellent skater, he doesn't need to improve" left me dumbfounded. Really? He's twelve years old. He doesn't need to improve? 

I am more than open to being wrong, but, don't we all need to improve? to learn? When do we stop the process? Do we ever master anything? I'm 45 years old and don't feel like I'm becoming that much smarter as the years go by, but I keep at it. When I stop learning it will be my time to check-out because life would lose it's challenge and wonder. Right?

(For the record, all of my kids take some kind of supplemental training whether it be singing, skating or whatever piques their interest. My theory: if you don't play something well how can it be fun?)

Anyway, I am on a quest to learn about those things that interest me. For what seems like forever, or at least since I received my very first Canon AE-1 single lens reflex camera at Christmas 1976, my interest has been consistently in photography and how to take better photos.

I have found a few ways that have helped me:

• Visit photo galleries. Not all represent masterful works of art, but they offer perspectives and ideas to jog your imagination. I have joined a number of communities and challenges on Flickr and really enjoy the constructive feedback. Clickin' Moms is also a wonderful site with a message board, but it is not free. Shutterfly is also very inspiring!
• Remember, perfection is boring. Experiment and have fun; be fearless and make mistakes. This used to be a very expensive way to learn photography as film was so expensive, now it is far less costly with digital; but, I find I miss film sometimes. Film has a depth which is hard to explain. I'm thinking about dusting off that AE-1 and taking a few shots in the near future, just to see if I can remember how to use an SLR camera.
• Sign up to receive inspiration and insight into your google reader (or whatever you use) to keep you engaged and aware. I follow a good mix of mommy-photographers, event photographers and technical way-over-my-head photographers. I do not read in depth the every single blog I follow, but I scroll through when they post and pick up eye candy here and there. Do not be intimidated! The photography-based blogs I follow, in no particular order, are:

About A Boy
Canon Blogger
Fly Through Our Window
Hey Girl, Nice Shot
Live Life, Add Relish
Mom*tog BlogMy Life ... just not on the road I expected
Photocritic
PhotoDino
Pretty Good
Shutter Sisters
Texas Chicks Blogs and Pics
The Big Picture
The Daily Click (Shutter Sisters)
The Savvy Photographer
The Creative Mama and all contributors: Angie Warren, Everyday Things, Marta Locklear, Overcoming Busy, Stacey Woods & Tisha McCuiston
and, finally, DPS which inspired this post in the first place!

I received an e-mail with photo tips for the weekend. As always, the content was spectacular, but one article struck me as strange only because it was written by an "expert", someone who lives with his camera. My Photography "Bucket List" contains a list of photos I too, an amateur, would like to capture! I feel less intimidated now than I did before I got that e-mail.

My Photography Bucket List

A winter sunrise at Coronation Park in Oakville. Which means I had better remember to do a few things: let the kids leave later for school, put the camera in the truck, bring the wide-angle lens. All can be done!

A foggy photo of a tumbledown barn. All those grey tones. Delicious! I'd like to do it before all of the beautiful landscapes are razzed above Dundas. Such a shame.

A family photo on a railway bridge - a la Karen Russell, like this. I'm told there is nothing around here, but I have to find something.

The shadow of children on swings. The key is to find the right set of swings so the photo is taken of the shadow - preferably little people holding hands :)

Covered bridges have always fascinated me, I'd like to see what I can do taking some photos, from below. Maybe I have to head down to New Brunswick, or Vermont. Anyone want to join me?

Ice Storm results in Spencer Smith Park, Burlington. Years ago, I was driving home - from a rink - and it was slow going. The winds were whipping up the lake and all the water was freezing and sticking to the trees lining the park. It was GORGEOUS. I didn't have a camera. I didn't have warm enough clothes. BUT I did watch a guy trudge out and set up his tripod. I think it was one of the only moments of unadulterated jealousy I'd ever felt in my life! (Should have run out and got his business card, it was an amazing, maybe once in a lifetime, sight!)

The apple orchard at North Service Road and 3rd Line on a foggy day just as it turns Spring. The repetition of identical trees? Gorgeous. I love taking that route home when I'm over on that part of town.

The creek that runs through Appleby, at sunrise. Either with snow or without, just as long as the water is trickling.

A fork in the road because that would be a great representation of my life. I'll just have to find the perfect fork.

A group jumping shot is one I really, really want and am meeting great resistance from my children. Argh!

Old hands, in black and white, with great light. Wrinkles, in detail. Wonderful! Evidence of a life well lived. (I'm a hand person. I may not be able to tell you the colour of the eyes of the men I dated years ago, but I bet I could describe their hands. How weird is that?)

Highway Lights reflecting on rushes when I drive Cole to the Joshua Creek arena. I really don't know if I can reproduce it to show how spectacular it is, but I'm willing to give it a try :)

As for Darren Rowse's "Expert List", I've already crossed off:

Sunrise over water – In my case this is pretty easy. Lake Ontario is just out my back door. If it's a sunny day, I have a chance to capture a sunrise over a large body of water 365 days a year.

Sunset at a beach – Again, I'm blessed to be on water, a lot. My sunrise may be in Ontario, but I capture the most beautiful sunsets when I'm on the beach in Cape Cod. I really should get down there more often and be actually ON THE BEACH to take more photos this summer.

Under the Pier Shot – Was taken a few years ago in Provincetown, MA when Louis and I took his brothers for a bit of a sightseeing tour. Their eyes were open, wide, but not by the pier!

Foggy tree-lined street – I want a foggy tree-lined orchard.

What is on your photography bucket list? What shots are your "must be captured"? Let me know, maybe I should expand my list!