« March 2011 | Main | May 2011 »
listening intently
eating mindfully
drinking water
wearing sneakers
feeling full
wanting little
needing much
thinking always
enjoying everything
wondering why
creating plans
procrastinating no more
pondering much
loving all
anticipating success
idea discovered on this blog. where is your current taking you?
| | |
|
Much of January and February was spent in an effort to set myself up for success through this year, and beyond. Habits changed and systems put in place to address issues that had become out of control. One of those issues is my health.
I have a great and powerful force in my life - a secret weapon. Her name is Beth. She is small yet mighty. When she tells you to do something, you do it. In February she told me to book a flight to Tucson and plan to spend 10 days away from my family and dedicate some time to getting healthy. That is exactly what I did.
I just returned from spending 10 days focusing on my health. I did more things in those days than I had in the last 10 years! Between an awesome doctor and his team of nurses, nutritionist, therapist, exercise physiologist and amazing acupuncturist, I have a baseline, a diagnosis and a new direction.
One thing you do not want to hear, ever, is "you are very ill". Trust me. How do I know? I just heard it. To the point where right after getting the results a prescription was written and a bottle of medication was waiting for me by the time I returned to my room at the end of the day. The flip side of that is the relief and validation that courses through me when I realize the suffering - emotionally and physically - of the last few years could have been avoided if my doctor was not so insistent that my health issues were due to laziness or lack of will.
I have Thyroid Disease. The numbers are, and again I quote, "off the chart". I was told I should be at least twice the size I am now and that it is a wonder I am as energetic as I am - I have no outward indicators of the disease. That, according to my new doctor, is force of will. I am certainly not lacking in that department. (I cannot express adequately how much I love Dr. Brewer who is so kind, knowledgeable, honest and progressive in his approach.)
I went from my test results review and final meeting with the doctor over to the nutritionist who repeated the phrases "you are very ill" and "off the chart" a couple of more times. I don't know if she was afraid I didn't understand the severity of the disease or maybe it was a result of her own complete surprise and then finally understanding of my frustration. The good news? I already eat well. The better news? If I follow all of the instructions (from the exercise physiologist and nutritionist) I can eat almost triple my normal caloric intake. Crazy. Oh, and if I do that, I'll lose weight.
In 10 days in Tucson:
I am still absorbing it all and putting a plan together to incorporate all that I learned into a workable routine in my house, with my kids on board.
The bonus? If I do all these things and manage to lose some weight, I'll be able to do more than just buy some nice new clothes (after my 2+ year ban on new purchases that will be a welcome experience!) but the other health issues that have been negatively impacting my daily life will be addressed: poor sleeping, food intollerances, psoriasis and frozen shoulder. Everything is all tied in together which, without the benefit of these tests, I never would have known.
Now that I'm armed with good information and the bones of a plan, I'm looking forward to the months ahead. For the first time, in a long time.
Thank you Beth! You're the best sister, evah.
| | |
|
Sometimes I haven't quite decided on the final format for some stories I want to tell. The blog is the perfect place to house them until I figure it out. So with your indulgence, this is one of those stories ...
Family | What's in a NAME?
We have four mostly-wonderful-most-of-the-time kids. They were all born in the span of five years with the first arriving in December 1995 and the last in May 2000. Each has a very different story of how they came into the world but suffice it to say they were all: planned (I know, what was I thinking?); very different in temperament (not much has changed); and, unique in looks from each other.
Though they all had different journey's, for the most part, the pregnancies - all high risk - were pretty routine. Probably the best thing was my being on my own throughout all of them. I had no opportunity to depend on anyone as my husband was out of town and we did not live near family. Since I had no opportunity to wallow or give in to overwhelm, I had a lot of time to think about the most important question of all: what would we name them?
Naming a child is such a major decision as it shapes their identities and helps form the assumptions that are made by others. It is such a ridiculous practice to saddle the recipient of the name with judgements and assumptions, but it happens all the time by people as diverse as the school yard bully to the minister who baptises babies to the opinions and expectations of grandparents.
Above and beyond that pressure, I had some pretty rigid standards:
One syllable was important as my husband has a pretty long, difficult to spell, harder to pronounce, French-Canadien name. All names had to be simple and easy to spell and pronounce.
Gender specific was important as having a masculine name - Lee - in the early 70's, specifically the years of Lee Majors and the Six Million Dollar Man, in a word, sucked. Can I tell you how many times I was asked about which of my body parts were "bionic"? Though, in business it was fun, especially being in the grocery industry and having men show up for meetings and being flabbergasted that I was a female. Fun times! Many male French names ring a bit feminine to me (Michel, Daniel, Philippe, Etienne, etc), so those were out, too. The kids would all be given strong but gender specific names.
Middle names are a tradition in my husband's family with both his mum and dad called by their middle name, as I am called my mine. (Trivia question: what is my first name?) My mother in law also tells a story that Louis' name is backward and his middle name was supposed to be Louis, not Gilles - but they messed it up on his birth certificate. The kids would be called by their middle name.
Honouring heritage was important as our kids would be half Celtic and half French and all Canadian. The deal was that the girls, because they may or may not surrender their surname upon marriage, would be given French names and the boys would be given Celtic names.
No ette since their last name ends in ette it is crazy to give the girls a rhyming ette name, right? So no ette's here!
Adult names were also important. For example, a very popular French Canadien name for girls is Josee, (pronounced joe - zay). I can't imagine calling a 40+ or 50+ woman a name that is suited to a little girl.
No baggage was the only request by Louis, and I agreed. None of our kids would be named after anyone. They were complete individuals and would make of themselves, and their name, whatever they wanted with no expectation - real or imagined. The story of the most extreme baggage I've ever heard of was a few years back when a young boy was brought into our baseball facility. This kid was five and needed baseball instruction as he had a lot to live up to: his name was Nolan Ryan. Seriously.
Taking into consideration all of that it's a miracle my kids ever got names, let alone a first and a middle! What did we manage to settle on?
Nicole Claire
Aidan Cole
Olivia Chloé
James Caden
(Oh yeah, the other criteria - no decenders: f, g, j, p, q or y. I'm weird. I know.)
Why the similarity in Claire and Cole's names? Well, at 12 weeks, when I went in for my initial ultrasound, I was told that I was expecting a boy. I had no idea that, in Calgary in 1995, it was policy to tell every expectant mother that she was expecting a boy. The technician assured me I had a one in twenty chance of having a girl. As I had no previous experience, I believed we were having a boy. To make things fair, we decided Louis would choose the Celtic names and I would pick the French names. He chose "Cole". (I know, not technically Celt, but he could not be dissuaded!) During the long process of having our first child it occurred to me during one particularly painful contraction that one of two things could happen: I could die and the baby could be a girl. I made Louis swear that if either of those things happened - or god forbid both at once - the baby would be named Claire. I lived and my reward was the arrival of the most ethereal, translucent, blonde child who we named Claire. Not knowing we would have more, or if we'd ever actually have a boy, we decided to give her a "cole" name in the form of Nicole. Who knew that 13 months later our dark baby boy would arrive? He was and continues to be well suited to his name.
Olivia is not a French name. We know. But Louis had an Italian grandmother so we figured it was okay to have a bit of a "cheat" on the name. Claire has always been my most favourite of girl names, but Olivia comes a very close second. We overcompensated by giving Chloé an unmistakable French name - accent and all!
Why do they all start with "C"? That really was by chance. As a name, Claire was a given and so was Cole. When it came time to name Chloé our choices were somewhat limited as my criteria continued to be rigid. The bonus was I liked the idea that they all started with the same initial as my maiden name (which I had changed for the first 10 years of my marriage - while I was birthing babies, and have since taken back). For Chloé it was narrowed down to Chloé, Carmen or Catherine. As for Caden we had a bit of a crisis. It seemed that every boy in our town, if not a Matthew or a Ryan or an Andrew was a Connor, Cameron, Colin, Christopher, and I didn't want him to be just one of many. We were going to name him Liam. I looked everywhere and one day, while on the internet, I found Caden. Perfect!
Your boys names rhyme. Well, not the ones we use, that would be crazy. But we're at least consistent with the sounds we like! Though I will admit, having four kids with names starting with a "C" can be quite comical at times.
* * * * *
Upon Reflection:
Now that we're well into a decade of name usage, I have to admit we did a pretty good job in our selection. Every once in a while I wish we had had a crystal ball or I could go back in time armed with knowledge and give Claire a different first name. Maybe Isabella? For each of our kids, most of the criteria was met. None of the kids are teased about their names, they aren't the only kids called by their middle names and other than Claire - who gets Bear - there isn't much you can "do" with Cole, Chloé and Caden. Though Caden did try. What a turkey.
Growing up I had a plan. I was going to have four boys and they were going to be named Adam, Thomas, Zachary and George. This went by way of many great plans .... Though, recently Caden has mentioned he'd have liked to have been called George and announced that his son will be named George - for me. What a sweet kid. I'm sure his wife will have something to say about it, but that's a long time off.
What about you? Are there stories behind the names you chose? Would you go back and re-name your kids? Do you love your own name or not? If you could have any other name in the world, what would it be?
| | |
|
This was my view over the past 10 days:
as my sister Beth and I walked to breakfast. Hot sun, cool breeze, clear skies. Sigh.
This was my view this morning:
Welcome home!
I miss the Arizona weather, great food made by someone else, the company of my sister and endless activities; but, in the same breath, I'm so happy to be home with my family. I've never been away that long. It was the perfect trip at the perfect time.
I have to ponder a few things and then share all that I learned. There is just so much ratting around in my head! It needs some time to settle.
Guess what? I returned to a clean house! My family went bonkers while I was away and it is a joy to have fresh flowers on the sparkling clean glass kitchen table. That is where I sit, right now, watching the fog as it does it's best to stick around.
Today is going to be busy:
1000+ photos to edit
1000+ blog entries in my Google reader
1000+ ideas rattling around in my head
1000+ calories to burn today
and no doubt 1000+ other things to do.
I'm off to make a list :) The best way to ground myself and get back into the swing of things.
Happy Wednesday!
| | |
|
Maybe it is the idea that long and warm days will arrive soon. Maybe it is the pent up energy of too many days spent cooped up inside during an overly-long winter. Maybe it was reading this article over at Zen Habits, but our family definitely needs a reboot.
We are in a lull for the next little while as the summer activities get started. This is the perfect time for us to take stock of our lives, reflect and put our intentions for the future together. Certainly nothing is broken, but I've always thought it is important to know where we are and make adjustments along the way.
We'll be shaking off the old winter habits: volleyball, hockey, choir, more hockey in favour of the new spring and summer activities including softball, rugby, kayaking, and still more hockey. I think all of us are suffering from more than a bit of cabin/rink fever and need some fresh air and sunshine! I have no doubt that the simple change in weather and temperature will fix many things, but we really need to be mindful of our surroundings and those we allow into our lives and not just let the seasons come and go with no notice.
The first part of the family reboot is my own self-care which includes two really big events. First up is a trip to Arizona with my sister, just the two of us, for ten days of sun and desert air. The agenda is completely out of my comfort zone, but my sister is an expert at these things so I know I'll be in capable hands. The second part of my personal reboot is a trip to Cape Cod with a few of my favourite friends to enjoy some time at the seashore relaxing, photo taking, reading, laughing and I'm sure there will be some wine consumption involved.
It has been a long time since I have taken the time to take care of myself. I'll be a better me and a better mum for it!
Other things that will be happening around here include:
STRUCTURED EXPECTATIONS
Learning from the lessons of last year, a bit more structure through the lazy months ahead is needed around here. I found this wonderful site that is easy to use and will keep us all on track now that the kids are so computer savvy! From brushing teeth to loading the dishwasher to mowing the lawn it can be all tracked and rewarded. I love how this system works on-line and I am anxious to see it work in practice.
BE PRESENT
I have a bad habit of doing things while the kids are talking to me. Loading the dishwasher, cleaning the counters, folding laundry, writing articles. I have to learn to just stop and give them my full and undivided attention on a regular basis. They all deserve at least that!
CONTINUE TO ASK
My kids are ever-evolving beings with many ideas and many questions; they are filled with all kinds of wonder and joy. They make my days worthwhile. I have to keep up with their ever-changing likes and dislikes, groups of friends, musical interests, all of it. I need to make sure our communication always stays wide open - that I continue to ask questions and they continue to answer. No grunts allowed!
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
With four kids busy with activities it is easy for each of them to feel lost in the crowd from time to time. Each week I'm hoping to spend one on one time with each of them, kind of a Mum-and-Me date night. They can plan where they want to go: dinner, museum, shopping, even those things I really don't like doing, but they love.
SIB SUPPORT
As much as it's important that they each feel valued individually, I want to nurture their relationships with each other. Usually they've had the option to attend activities and support their siblings, but for the next while there will be no option. Each will attend the other games and activities. They'll support their siblings and the siblings team. If there is a scheduling conflict - and there will be, at least one sibling will be there to support the one on the field.
Siblings have a special ability to needle each other. They can hurt each other like no one else can. I hate it, but it happens. I address negative and mean behaviour immediately but I know it happens, especially when I'm not around. It is part of the process of growing up. They can and do learn great skills: negotiation, patience, tolerance, conflict resolution, respect and compassion. I tread lightly when I interfere, but I do interfere.
I try to ensure they keep in mind our family mission:
The only thing I ever wanted to be was a mum. A good mum. Like anything in life, to be good at it takes a lot of hard work and joy. My kids make sure I experience both ... daily!
So worth it.
| | |
|
Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series.
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, busy mum and my own personal shining light (aka non-judgemental pastor's wife), Sherry Morales:
What age did you start keeping a journal? I have been keeping a journal since about the third grade. I lived with my grandparents because my parents were sent overseas to Korea and did not want me to get behind on my education. Anyway, my grandmother, who totally gets me, bought a diary with a little lock on it. It was Holly Hobbie. I wrote and drew everything in it. It was my best friend.
Who’s diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read? Ellen's would be interesting, any of the presidents' wives, mine from when I was younger...
Who have you suspected of reading your diary? When I was in high school my mother not only read my diary but ripped it apart. When I returned from college I was sick to find that all of my treasured journals where thrown away. Just writing this makes my stomach turn again. =(
What is your idea of the perfect journal? Well, it depends what it would be for. I have a few different journals going on at once. My purse journal is handmade with just cardstock and copy paper and is where I jot all of my "thoughts on the run", lists I make when I am waiting and want to be a good steward of my time; then a lined one for my spiritual writing where I keep my notes on books that I'm reading, scripture that I'm memorizing or really good quotes or verses that need to be remembered and sermon notes. And I have my art journal which has to be good enough quality to withstand gesso, watercolors, acrylics and lots of layers and STUFF. I also write my thoughts in these and do art work over/around them.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)? Hmmmm...I say and write WOW! a lot, I say "first of all" quite often and I think that I LOVE to fade away from a thought when I'm writing with these ... a whole lot! =) Oh, and I love adding smileys - seriously. Oops. That's another one of my favorites. haha
What quote most speaks to you? Wow. (see...there I go again) I have been a lover of quotes for so long. I've got quite the list. I like quotes of affirmation and truth. Lately I have been paying more attention to quotes that help me to be FREE from judgment and encourage authenticity. I love "POOH"isms. They are simple, yet wise. Another favorite I recently found was this: "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." — Elie Wiesel Wow. That's powerful stuff.
Who (or what) inspires you? I try to find inspiration everywhere. I am especially inspired by my children - each one in a different way, my husband - so much patience and love, a myriad of artists and writers here in the www. My friends. I find inspiration in books...ah...how I love a good book.
Who is your favourite fictional character? Hmm...The Little Prince, The Tree in the Giving Tree, Anne Shirley, Jo of Little Women
Who are your favourite writers? Margaret George, Francine Rivers, Philippa Gregory, Mark Twain, Jane Austen, Shakespeare,... oh wow. So many to choose from...
Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with? Memory. I feel like I have forgotten so much and there are questions I have and the answers are probably filed away somewhere in my mind along with the journals that were thrown out. *sigh*
What is your greatest creative talent? This question is very difficult for me. I am on a journey right now trying to figure out what it is that I'm really good at. I feel like I can "copy" most anybody's work - but there is something DYING to get out, that's just ME and unique, but I think I've been told too many times that I was not good enough or that I was wasting my time and that *junk*. There it is. I said it. So, when I think that something I did might be really good - I end up doubting myself and shuffle it to the side. I don't think I have an answer for this one...YET.
What is your greatest creative challenge? Okay. I just babbled out my biggest challenge and that is to be able to create without fear. That's the biggest one. The other more "practical" answer would be digital anything as well. I don't have photoshop and I am scared to even look at it. I really want to learn to digi scrap (for many reasons) but I have zero confidence in that area.
. . . . .
I am married to my best friend - almost 18 years. We have four beautiful children ranging in ages 3 to 15. I am taking a break from teaching high school to spend more time with my kids while they're little. I love my ministry work - hubby is a pastor of a fairly new bilingual Christian church. I enjoy spending my time working on my albums, art and soul journaling and photography. My favorite music is whatever I am currently in the mood for... I love avacados and dark chocolate. My favorite scents are clean and fresh like an ocean breeze or fresh laundry. I love laughing - loudly. I cry easily and am on a new journey of discovery. Grateful for each new day.
I "met" Lee through a scrapbooking board we both used to frequent. I was always intrigued by her honest - but kind comments, great taste in music, love for her family and her generosity. If I am following any great blogs or have read any good books lately - chances are that Lee recommended them. I love a friend that edifies - especially in a world where so many seem to be interested in only building up themselves. We may live on opposite coasts - but I'm glad she's only a "click" away!
. . . . .
Be sure to visit and be inspired by Sherry at her blog he{art}. It contains a little bit of everything Sherry loves - her big family, her extended family, her energy, her joy and some bling!
Up next? My friend Cathy Zielske.
. . . . .
Thank you so much Sherry for participating!
| | |
|
DO YOU HAVE PLANS THIS WEEK? I hope you've already registered, but just in case you need another nudge, or a simple reminder: from April 25th (tomorrow) through May 7th, Ella Publishing Co. is running a Spring Training week, keeping our craft health in mind. I'm all about discovering new ways to be creative and inspired! I'll be there, will you?
Not sure who of your crafty friends have joined? Want to find out? Sign up then head over and leave a little comment on this blog post to say hi and introduce yourself!
Remember, all along the way, you are invited and encouraged to share your thoughts and feedback about the videos in our blog comments section, or send us an email at [email protected] (Having technical trouble? Email us at [email protected]ng.com.)
See you over there!
| | |
|
Do you think the Simple Scrapper will be able to help me with this mess:
I hope so!
Tomorrow, Jennifer is starting a FREE online course: FINALLY GET ORGANIZED: a decluttering and simplicity workshop for Scrapbookers. It is running from April 25 - 29 and I'M IN!
Included is:
4 Keys to Finally Getting Organized
plus these brand new email lessons:
Easily Take Stock of your Scrapbook Supplies
One Little Quiz to Help you Simplify and Prioritize
Create your Scrapbook Supply Battle Plan
The Most Effective Strategies for Making it Work
I don't know about you but you saw the photos above, I am really ready to finally get organized. I'm all signed up, are you?
| | |
|
Last week, I was cleaning up my desktop and ran across a Word Document with some interviews I had conducted with my kids at the end of last summer. They were so fun I didn't want to just file them away, they had to be saved right away and not forgotten ... again! I went through my templates and couldn't find anything I wanted for this specific purpose, but I did find a perfect template from Cathy Zielske's Design Your Life course I had taken a couple of years ago at Big Picture Classes:
MATERIALS: Template: Cathy Zielske; Papers: Ali Edwards Transitions; Embellishments: Karla Dudley Digi Essentials 2, Digi-Stash; Fonts: Verdana, American Typewriter
I was so glad to get this little bit of our "life in 2011" recorded for posterity! Then I resumed my template search and headed over to Designer Digitals to find the perfect template for the interviews at hand. Now, if you've ever been over to Designer Digitals you'll know how distracting it can be! I got more than a little off course. Sigh. No suprise, I found it - and a few others!
Evidence:
MATERIALS: Template: XX Things Template (Cathy Zielske); Papers: For Humanity Kit: Japan (Girls); dy-springbreeze-pp2 (aka unknown stash) (Boys); Fonts: Arial, Amelie, American Typewriter
It was so much fun to go back and look at the photos taken last summer - so many stories! Reading the little interviews and noticing all of the subtle and bigger changes in my kids in a few short months. It is days like this, putting memories together in the form of stories, in this case, an interview in the words of my kids, that remind me why I love this hobby which is so much more than a simple past-time.
| | |
|
otherwise known as why do I even try to get a photo of my kids - together?
A few weekends ago, in between the divide and conquer that is our life, we had all four of our kids in one place at one time! This does not happen often and I wanted to capture it. Even though we were indoors with no natural light and really putrid colours, it was worth an effort, right?
Do you think my kids cooperated?
And with that, our minute and a half window of photo opportunity is done.
Sigh.
At least I got a "keeper" sort of, and a series of photos that really lets you know the personalities of each of my kids: Claire is happy to, with accompanying eye roll, humour her mother and pose nicely; Cole is all about the party and the pick on his brother; Chloe is torn between behaving and enjoying a good laugh; Caden fulfills his role as little stinker brother very well.
The keeper, with adjustments:
Even better:
I'm thankful that I have four children who will humour their mother and pose for a photo, as difficult as it is, in a dull and busy hockey rink when there is so much going on to distract them. They delight in tormenting each other, but usually with good humour and a sense of fun. They are really lovely little people. I'm thankful to be their mama.
. . . . .
I'm also thankful for Ali Edwards and her ideas. On her blog, she has an "occasional series" of Thankful Thoughts. Not only that, but each time she posts a Thankful Thought it will include a free numbered overlay download. BONUS: Included in her first post is a rounded-corner photo mask.
. . . . .
Life is good. Especially if you have a sense of humour and photo editing software!
| | |
|
I liked this post and thought I would do the same thing. After all, imitation the highest form of flattery, right? Evalyn wrote about the five things that, though not necessities, make her life more enjoyable. I loved her list and it got me wondering about my own small luxuries.
[half & half]
Rarely am I picky and I don't often dig my heals in, but I'm spoiled and won't settle for just milk in my coffee, it must be half and half or nothing!
[asics]
I know there are plenty of other brands, but for high arches and narrow heels, there is nothing better than my Asics. Bonus? Trainer Bob recommends them and that's good enough for me!
[dramatically different moisturizing lotion]
Again, there are a ton of others out there, but I've been using this Clinique lotion since I was a kid and it is the only one that keeps the psoriasis from my face. It may also be the reason I'm relatively wrinkle-free at my advanced age!
[perrier]
I don't often drink pop and never buy it for our house. When I need something thirst quenching, but a bit more robust than plain water, I always reach for my Perrier. Oh, and mixed in cranberry juice and it's better than pop any day.
[moleskine journal]
Nothing beats a real paper journal. My preference is the Moleskine brand - especially the journal with the squared notebook pages.
bonus?
[white bath sheets]
Super fluffy, soft and thick bath sheets are the way to go. I feel spoiled every time I step out of the shower and wrap one of these around me. Decadent.
What about you? What are your small luxuries?
| | |
|
Many of my friends are not scrapbookers. Even fewer of them take photos with anything other than their iPhone or BlackBerry and rarely, if ever, do much with their photos except upload them to Facebook, which is a ton of fun and I love the interaction of being able to comment back and forth and share memories and experiences. All of us have full and rich lives and most tell me that they "can't" do what I do - taking photos and mixing in words and pretty paper. It can be daunting.
That being said:
If there is only one project I encourage everyone to do,
at least once, it is A Week in the Life.
So far I've participated twice: October 2008 and April 2010.
This week last year I was in the throes of recording everything we did in writing and in photos. Flashback to this week last year, in pictures:
MONDAY:
TUESDAY:
WEDNESDAY:
THURSDAY:
FRIDAY:
SUNDAY:
Even looking at just the pictures I can see so many changes in our lives in a short 12-months.
The beauty of the project? It can be as big or as small as you'd like it to be. Each day could easily be represented by these five photos + a page of story and have the whole thing done and put together in minutes. It would be just as meaningful as the whole multi-page-spread-picture-heavy-scrapbooks I've done in the past. The idea is that I was able to capture a sliver of time.
The process, the stories, the memories, the photos. My favourite part of this project is it's authenticity. One week. Real photos. Real events. Real engagement in our life.
As I said in my post in early March, I'll participating again this year. Ali Edwards, who initiates this wonderful project has selected the dates: 25 - 31 JULY 2011. This is the week after our family holiday in Cape Cod so there will be a ton of laundry and recovery photos, to be sure!
If you are one of my lovely iPhone and BlackBerry photo-taking-upload-to-Facebook friends, feel free to take those photos and do this project! Capture your life. Celebrate it. And let me know if you want some help with the pretty paper :)
| | |
|
Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series.
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, globetrotter, musician and talented photographer, Shirley LeMay:
What age did you start keeping a journal? I recall writing in one while in Middle School and High School, but I was never consistent with writing. I transitioned to recording daily events in college, using a desk calendar. Not a journal of deep personal thoughts, but still a record of the daily rhythm of my life. This continued until I started my Project 365 Blog in 2009, and since then, my main repository of events and occasional thoughts are played out in one of my two blogs.
Who’s diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read? That’s a hard one, because I’m a fairly private person and think most people are the same and wouldn’t want their innermost thoughts read by a complete stranger.
Who have you suspected of reading your diary? I’m a pretty trusting person, so I don’t suspect anyone of reading my journal. That’s my hope, at least!
What is your idea of the perfect journal? Certain aspects of the Perfect Journal for me have changed over time – I’ve gone from fancy bound books to writing in a spiral notebook, from pocket sized books to the standard 8.5”x11” book. But I am extremely picky about the paper – it has to be thick enough not to bleed through when using a fountain pen. And the paper must “feel good” as I am writing on it. The pen is as important as the journal – I prefer the micro-ball or fine fountain pens - smooth, dark ink.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)? In writing – the conjunctions and, and but. In speech – “Do [fill-in-the-blank] Right Now, Please”, which gets repeated at least 5 times with threats of varying degrees before my kids actually move.
What quote most speaks to you? I have a quote in the sidebar of my personal blog - “Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some,” by Robert Fulghum. I think it’s stayed on my blog all these years for a reason.
Who (or what) inspires you? The beauty I see in front of me (it’s all around you – you just have to recognize it). Nature. Music. I am inspired by anyone who creates harmony and/or expresses beauty, regardless of the medium.
Who is your favourite fictional character? Mulan (and Hermione Granger) – strong women who didn’t let their gender or circumstances get in the way.
Who are your favourite writers? When I was little, I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder. I still love the Little House series (which was re-kindled when my daughter read the books). Nowadays, I like contemporary women writers. For example, I’ve read all the books Amy Tan, Jennifer Weiner and Katherine Center have written – so at least those three are included in my current favorites.
Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with? Empathy. And Patience.
What is your greatest creative talent? In music, I have excellent pitch. I pick up music quickly – like that new song they are trying to teach in you in church – I get it after the second time I hear it. I like to think that in photography, I have a good eye, but most likely that has been developed over the years.
What is your greatest creative challenge? Telling the story – whether that be through music or photography (or other medium). Translating what I see in my mind’s eye to the photograph. The human eye and the brain that processes vision is so complex and nearly impossible to mimic with a camera sensor. I don’t like post processing, but I do find it can be a creative outlet.
. . . . .
I’m a East Coast bred 40-some year old, enjoying life on the prairie of the Midwest with my husband and our two kids. I was schooled in engineering, work in IT, and I keep myself from going insane well rounded by singing in the car, playing violin, taking photos, blogging and running.
I first met Lee through a scrapbooking bulletin board and I got to know her and her lovely family through her blog. We’ve even met in real life and she’s as fun in person as she is on-line. (Likewise, my friend!)
. . . . .
Be sure to visit and be inspired by Shirley at her blogs: Beautiful Life and Behind the Lens. Over the years I've known Shirley, I am more and more convinced she manufactures time in a chemistry lab she has hidden in her basement! Oh, time and talent. Sigh.
Up next? My friend Sherry Morales.
. . . . .
Thank you so much Shirley for participating!
| | |
|
It was little over a year ago our life, and Cole's attitude, toward food changed - for the better! Jamie Oliver and his Food Revolution entered our lives and eating around here has not been the same since:
Interrupted by a bit of:
Back to the topic at hand:
Over the last year, we tried just about every one of those recipes Cole folded over. Of them all, there is one that stuck. Stuck so much we have it at least once a week!
JAMIE CHICKEN! We eat a lot of Jamie chicken. To my kids the indicator is the smell of lemon through the house. They'll come in the front door from school (my olders don't get home until after 5PM) and are always thrilled to smell their favourite meal baking in the oven. Those are the days they get changed and cleaned up quick and make it down to the table with big smiles - those are the best nights.
Our house is evenly divided with Louis and the girls eating the white meat and me and the boys eating the dark meat. Given this situation we've been making two roasters at a time. Since our last meal? I now know I have to start making three! Can my boys ever eat!
With our crazy schedules, all four kids going in four different directions, not only did Jamie Oliver give us a wonderful food recipe, but gave us a wonderful recipe for regrouping and communicating. After all, you can't eat a roast chicken dinner while running out the door!
I was happy to see the new season advertised and hope to catch it on time shift this week. Our time away from the rink is officially over. We won't catch it the first time around, but know it will be well worth staying up a bit later. If it's even close to as good as last time, which it is sure to be, the first run is Tuesday at 8:00PM Eastern on ABC - which will make it 8:00PM Pacific - 11:00PM Eastern on time shift :)
| | |
|
| | |
|
A while back, I announced that I was going to dust off my camera and get back into the practice of taking photos every day. In order to facilitate that, I figured I'd participate in Katie's 30-day photo challenge, if a couple of months late! We're half way in and I'm keeping up:
Day 01 | A picture of yourself.
Not my current self, of course, but my 26-year-old self. My how 20 seemingly short years can change a person! And, in the smaller photo is a picture of me when I was four years old with my dad and some of his friends.
Day 02 | A picture of you and your children.
Courtesy of Louis who reluctantly figured out which button to push. We had about 20 minutes that all four of the kids were home - and awake! Cole, just barely as he grabbed one of my sweaters and tossed it over his pajamas! Caden clearly considers Tigey an integral member of the family - and I suppose he is :)
Day 03 | A picture of your most recent project.
I always have about a half dozen projects on the go. These are just two: organizing my desktop folders - again. I figure if I can't find stuff, it's not organized, right? Attempting yet another system! And, putting together Ali Edwards Scrapbook on the Road album for an upcoming trip.
Day 04 | A picture of your night.
This is a common sight, though soon with no snow! All dark out, but the lights are on to welcome us home. Almost every night we are coming in late from one activity or another.
Day 05 | A picture of a favorite memory.
I'm a bit fuzzy on the details, but I remember loving my time with the kids in Cape Cod when they were little. I used to take them down, by myself, for a month at a time. Sigh. Lovely. Looking forward to the next visit!
Day 06 | A picture of your morning start.
While the coffee drips I empty the dishwasher. Every morning. Well, the mornings someone (ahem) remembers to fill and start the dishwasher, otherwise, I'm doing just that!
Day 07 | A picture of your most treasured item.
When my grandfather passed away my grandmother went out and bought herself a diamond ring. It wasn't expensive, but it meant the world to her. She wore that ring every single day. When she passed away that ring was given to me. I keep it at my kitchen window as a reminder of her. I think of her multiple times every day and miss her as much now as when she passed.
Day 08 | A picture that makes you laugh.
This was taken in the park in early fall of 2009. It was just at the start of the youngers understanding "bathroom humour" and their reaction to one of those words. My good friend, Barb Wong, was kind enough to scrapbook this occasion as I couldn't do it justice. Her interpretation of the day was perfect.
Day 09 | A picture of something you find intimidating.
Not only do I find the force of nature, especially water, intimidating; this photo was taken to represent the foggy unknown. The definition of my future as I see it today.
Day 10 | A picture of the person you do the silliest things with.
Because he's the silliest member of our household. Cracks me up. Every day.
Day 11 | A picture of something you can’t stand.
If you have to drown it in garlic or butter or cheese or all to make it as unhealthy as possible in order to choke it down, why eat it? Brussels sprouts are on the top of my list of something I can't stand! (Though, there is hope, I recently found this recipe.)
Day 12 | A picture of something you love.
Do you see that twinkle? Love that he is so competitive. Love that he finally won "shotgun" since his big sister almost always sits in the passenger seat. I also love that if she had flipped, he'd have given it up for her. Competitive and compassionate - a pretty good combination!
Day 13 | A picture of your favorite piece of furniture in your home.
We have a pair of overstuffed and tufted leather chairs. LOVE THEM.
Day 14 | A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
The start of it all, my Claire.
Day 15 | A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Since I've never been there I can't have my own photo, but I found this map online a while back (apologies as I can't direct you to the source) and thought it suited the prompt perfectly. I want to stop at all of the major ports of call along the Mediterranean Sea. Me, a couple of girlfriends and my camera. Doesn't that sound wonderful?
This has been a fun exercise. I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the month holds in store!
| | |
|
I have been trying to move more and eat better.
Part of that effort has been an attempt to "up" the quality of my food consumption. For a year now I've made plenty of "better for us" changes in our family food choices. One of those changes included switching our family over to Steel Cut Oats - they are better for us, right? Therein lies the question. If you don't eat the food that is better for you because it tastes terrible, is it still better for you?
I have failed the Steel Cut Oats experiment. The fancy tin and the Dr. Oz endorsement just wasn't enough. I just can't eat them and enjoy them without adding a bunch of unhealthy stuff to choke it down. The same goes for my kids.
(I've done much better with the whole rice experiment. Alas, not with the oatmeal.)
I will not buy what we used to eat - those little packets of pre-flavoured oatmeal - brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar. Instead, I have a bag of Quaker Rolled Oats and everyone has been schooled how to use them. One of our favourite breakfast foods has always been oatmeal and I'm glad to have it return! Even better? The my children have one most favourite topping, maple syrup, and (recent) word is that maple syrup may be an antioxidant ingredient. Isn't that wonderful?
| | |
|
01. That's my boy, eating his oatmeal - with a smile and a fork!
02. Since it's Tuesday, this week it's recycling and compost - have to wait another week for garbage collection. It sounds pretty inefficient, but it really does work.
03. Homework done, packed up and waiting by the door. Cole is happy not to drag his hockey bag to school anymore. Rugby season has started, a far lighter packing job.
04. There is always a big line of cars to get out of the school driveway in the mornings. Usually caused by some *&^%^ who wants to turn left when it is not allowed during rush hour. Sigh. Some things never change.
05. A break from laundry, cleaning and work, treats from the Souvlaki Hut - spanakopita, a gyro and Greek salad. Delicious. Washed down with some Perrier. Too much, but oh so tasty.
06. Photos are edited and dropped off to have them developed.
07. A break in the day and the sunshine had me outside checking out the condition of things. This little orange ball has had quite the workout over the last few months!
08. It was a joy to see some of my Tiger lilies poking through! Spring may actually be on its way ... finally.
09. After an early dinner I took Chloe up to her Oakville Children's Choir rehearsal.
10. On the way home from the church, I swung over to the school to collect Claire from her softball practice.
11. Cole then got his equipment ready for another night of hockey tryouts (I don't understand the meaning of the Sean-inspired hand gesture) and he came with me to collect Chloe on our way to dropping him off at the rink.
12. We came home to watch the much anticipated second season of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. It was fantastic in it's candour and urgency, but equally sad in it's display of aggressive ignorance of those who are supposed to be looking out for the well-being of others.
Today was one of those days when plenty got done but nothing got done. Kids to one school, kids to another school, a forgotten lunch delivered, errands run, lunch collected, more errands, kid hurt and collected from school dropped at home, the other delivered by bus, off to get another to bring home to feed, three fed, one delivered to choir, one collected from school, another picked up for hockey, one collected from choir, the other dropped off at the rink. Somehow everyone managed to get fed and washed up and where they were going - whether it was originally on the schedule or not! Crazy.
Do you participate in 12of12? If so, let me know and leave a link so I can see how you captured your day!
| | |
|
Ella's super duper Spring Training exravaganza is coming to a computer near you!
Sign up this week (April 11-15) to enjoy all of the above for 20% off the list price! Head over to Ella for more details and register here and see a fun video from Angie and Wendy
Then join the Facebook event here!
Note: Participation is FREE in the daily layout challenge and giveaway (without access to the videos, hands-on exercises, and exclusive downloads)
| | |
|
And Happy 95th Birthday to Beverly Cleary!
Growing up I was never exposed to the Ramona books, but my girls really enjoyed them when they were younger. Not until I read this post last year did I realize that the DEAR program my children participate in, daily, at school is as a direct result of Beverly Cleary.
So, happy birthday, and THANK YOU!
| | |
|
Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series.
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, patient remodeler and bling-challenged, Amy Eaton:
What age did you start keeping a journal? I never kept a journal as a child but I did keep meticulous records of both of my children’s feeding and sleeping patterns when they were infants. I started scrapbooking in 2005 and blogging in late 2009.
Who’s diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read? Probably my relatives who first came to Australia from Ireland and Scotland and Germany.
Who have you suspected of reading your diary? I love that members of the family drop by and read the blog – pity they are so reluctant to comment!
What is your idea of the perfect journal? Uncluttered and easy to read.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)? ‘Actually’, it is a bit of a problem when your two year old starts every sentence that way and family members laugh at what they have picked up from mum!
What quote most speaks to you? No particular quote stands out to me, but, there is one letter which I love. It comes from the novel ‘Persuasion’ by Jane Austen and is the letter from Captain Wentworth to Anne.
"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in
F. W.
Who (or what) inspires you? I am inspired by colour, the ocean, friends and family and wonderful resources on the internet.
Who is your favourite fictional character? Anne, from Anne of Green Gables, James Bond, Jane Eyre, The Vicar of Dibley – Geraldine, aka Dawn French and Charlie and Lola due to a lot of reading to young children
Who are your favourite writers? Tim Winton, Mem Fox, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, but, 2010 was a year where I really enjoyed Philippa Gregory’s Tudor series.
Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with? I would love to be able to sing.
What is your greatest creative talent? I’m not sure how creative this is, but I seem to have a knack for capturing the candid moments of my two children really well ... I scrap those moments quickly so nothing is lost in translation.
What is your greatest creative challenge? Oh, that is easy, I have no clue how to add embellishments to my scrap pages – I am seriously challenged in this department.
. . . . .
I’m Amy, in my thirties, married with two children living in Australia. I love photos and stories, cooking and the ocean. Currently I spend most of my days overseeing builders, plumbers and electricians as we muddle our way through a home renovation, I try to spend as little time as possible with a paintbrush in my hand.
I met Lee through a Shimelle Laine online class specifically for bloggers, and I am continually amazed at how productive, creative and inspiring she is on a daily basis with four energetic children to run around after. (Right back at you my equally busy friend!)
. . . . .
Be sure to visit and be inspired by Amy at her blog Over At Our Place. It is such a wonderful mix of life in Australia (so when I'm cold in winter she has wonderful shots of sunshine and people clad in bathing suits; in summer, when I'm roasting, there are definite signs of cooler weather in her days), many scrapbook projects and the lovely pace of her life with her lovely Engineer and children.
Up next? My friend Shirley LeMay.
. . . . .
Thank you so much Amy for participating!
| | |
|
Sunday Morning | 002 Getting Ready
After a big night at the ACC with his dad, decked out in his Montreal Canadiens gear and temporary tattoos, it was time for a very sleepy Caden to get ready for church. By getting ready I mean tattoo removal! A bit of rubbing alcohol on some paper towel, press on the tattoo and wait 30 seconds and voila ... tattoo is removed. I love the internet - you can find anything. After about a minute he's all set to get ready.
This was the view last night:
Be sure to join in.
This challenge will probably be often filled with photos of Caden. He's the only one of my four kids who is up before noon, if they have their way, on a Sunday! I'll have to use other challenges to take pics of the other kids :)
| | |
|
gifted
can i tell you what joy this boy brings to our home? when caden walked into the kitchen and pasted an old gift bow on his forehead and said, "look mama, i'm a gifted child!" i almost spit out my coffee. he may not be, in the technical sense - tested or recommended - but he sure is a gift to us!
| | |
|
[source]
I'm taking the day off. Or maybe the whole weekend.
Off from the computer. Off from the internet.
Why?
I was inspired by this little post.
And this one. And this one, too.
I was hugely inspired by this tremendous quote:
"Take a day to heal from the lies you've told yourself and the ones that have been told to you."
~ Maya Angelou ~
I really don't know where the day will take me, but judging from the number of lies I've told myself and those that have been told to me, and those told about me, it's going to be a long one! Who knows, I might need two. It is time to defy the lie. The timing is perfect, with my current reading The Gifts of Imperfection is the knowledge that it doesn't matter if anyone else knows the lies, as long as I know the truth, that is enough.
(I have to admit, it also helps that my best girlfriends and family also know - a support group is always lovely. And you girls, yes, you know who you are, you are the best!)
How quick do you think I can fill up a journal? Or two?
[ETA: I am so sorry for the concern this post has caused! Thank you so much to everyone who has sent an e-mail, text, BBM, called, etc. My Blackberry has received quite the workout this morning! This is a simple exercise in opening up enough to, taking into account all of the recent lessons learned, look objectively at the lies. None of us, sadly, lives a lie-free existence. This is not a post on my being lied to or hurt by anyone or anything specific - and certainly nothing of an immediate nature. I'm in a good place. Good enough that I can consider some things I've actively avoided. If you are alarmed please don't be :) This is a good thing. Love you!]
| | |
|
I am an ordinary day kind of scrapbooker. The everyday moments, especially looking back from the perspective and distance of time, hold extra meaning. That and the fact all of the "special events" in my life and that of my family are usually organized by me and since I'm the keeper of the camera not many of them are recorded in photo form.
Recently I was given an opportunity, by Elizabeth Dillow and the ladies at Ella, to make a layout of one day in my life, hour by hour and it was recently featured over at the Ella Publishing, Co. Ezine.
The Challenge: Set aside a single day and take one photo on the hour, every hour from the moment you wake until the moment you fall asleep. Set a kitchen timer, an alarm on your phone or watch, or another reminder to help keep you on schedule. Keep your camera (or camera phone) with you all day, and when you hear the alarm, stop what you're doing and snap an authentic, in-the-moment photograph. At the end of the day, gather up all of your images and make a layout!
MATERIALS: Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Lasercut Paper: KI Memories; Stickers: American Crafts; Adhesive: Stampin' Up Dimensionals; Punches: Creative Memories Circle Punch (3/4" and 1"); Font: VTPortableRemington
I thought my biggest challenge would be to remember to take a photo each hour, but I managed that without a hitch (perhaps my many 12 of 12 challenges prepared me!). When I set out, I didn't realize what a long day it was going to be and the resulting 18 photos. I really wasn't sure how I'd manage to fit them all on a 12x12 page - with journaling! My solution included having my photos printed 2"x3" and then trimmed and mounted them from that size. I think the mats help to separate each event. Then I added dimension in order to give the illusion of space and movement. The circle buttons for the time helps with the flow and the hour distinctions. Even though it was a busy day, I didn't want the layout to look too cluttered. I think I accomplished what I was trying to do.
Biggest reward: No two days are the same in my world, with four kids our lives are fluid, changing day to day. I'm so glad I recorded one of those days! I'm sure when I look back - next month, next year, when I'm old and gray(er) - I'll be amazed at how much a day held.
Head on over to the article and see the gorgeous examples shown by Elizabeth as well as Kim Byrns and Danielle Hunter. Elizabeth had such lovely things to say about all of the layouts featured.
While you're there, be sure to consider downloading a copy of the new Ella E-Book:
I don't know about you, but I love the Ella EBooks - they are all so well done. This one is my favourite ... until the next one comes out!
| | |
|
The end of winter is never a great time to take a photo walk. It's more than a little dirty and muddy, and often the skies are gray and dull. Unfortunately sometimes the timing of my travels are more dictated by hockey which takes me to some lovely places in some less than lovely weather.
In this case, last month, our travels took us off to a tournament in Kingston, Ontario. It is about a 3 hour drive East of where we live. I haven't been there in years but was quickly reminded that it is a beautiful small college town (population 117,000) with a rich history. I really enjoyed how they were able to marry the old and new throughout the town. Some urban planners could go and take notes ...
I have no idea where our travels will take us next year, but I will definitely be taking more walks, regardless of weather, when I don't have to be in a rink. Caden kept me good company through the walk and he was very interested in reading all of the historical plaques erected all along the waterfront.
| | |
|
Have you heard about the new sketch challenge over at Ella?
Donna Jannuzzi, one of my most favourite sketch designers, is hosting it ... so it's going to be good! Of that I am sure.
From now through September, visit The Daily Trumpet every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, to see a brand new sketch and layouts created by Donna from the sketch. Along the way she will share with all of us some of her favourite tips for getting the most from her sketches - and all the others we've all collected along the way.
Bonus? Each week you will get double the inspiration as one of the talented Ella Friends will help s-t-r-e-t-c-h the sketch and create another layout! I'm honoured and excited to be participating and you can see my contribution to the challenge sometime in June. I am planning to play along each week, so I'm sure to share more - and hopefully inspire more - as I participate in the bi-weekly challenges right along with each of you! The best part? YOU are eligible for some great prizes to be offered along the way.
The first sketch is up and ready for us! If you haven't already, be sure to head on over to the Ella blog: The Daily Trumpet and join in. I love how Donna has up the challenge and examples with a 12x12 sketch, an 8.5x11 version and then the stretch idea. Her layouts are lovely and so do-able. Anything to get it done, right? There's a ton of time to get the layout finished and submitted as all entries must be posted by April 30, 2011, 11:59pm PST.
Are you in? Will you join me and Donna and all of our Ella Friends? I hope to see your name in the comments and the links to your finished layouts!
| | |
|
Can I tell you how much I love this idea?
The Art House Coop comes up with some of the most creative and inclusive big-community ideas. They really make my head swirl with possibilities. So much so I bombed last year with my sketchbook project as I was so completely intimidated. I need to redeem myself (though, I have to admit, though the "characters of hockey" book is still in bits and pieces - it just has to be put together, it might just get finished!).
In the meantime, I'm turning my attention to taking 27 photographs.
The project concept is that I will receive an "authorized" disposable camera in order to capture 27 frames on a single theme and then send back the results. The photos will be collected in to a traveling exhibition which will go from coast to coast - of the U.S.. I love that the project is open to anyone - anywhere in the world. Who knows, with enough participation we might get the bus over the border!
Simplicity | Afternoon Tea
photo taken 12 January 2011
Lee Currie
Of the themes available, the one I chose is: SIMPLICITY. Not terribly daring given the choices:
Very creative, no? I will definitely be tackling some of these ideas - sooner rather than later!
I have to have the 27 little pictures post marked by June 15th and the tour starts in September. This is going to be fun. No delete button! *GASP* Whatever will I do with the shots I mess up? I hope I get more than a couple worthy of submission.
And that is the fun.
I can't wait to get my camera in the mail. It should be here soon and then I'll be on my quest to record 27 shots of simplicity.
| | |
|
Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series.
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my lovely loquacious friend and inspiring photographer, Sue Sykes:
What age did you start keeping a journal? During my studio renovations this past summer, I found a tote with all sorts of memorabilia in it from my earlier years. I spent hours poring over old diary and journal entries and found some dated back to Grade 6! It was refreshing to go back and see my life in simpler times, when my biggest concern was if Marty was going to ask me to roller dance at the roller skating rink that weekend… :) I fell out of the habit of writing in a journal when I first got married, but with the arrival of children, it seems my scrapbook pages capture some of the memories and my blog tries to capture the rest of our everyday life.
Who’s diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read? Madonna. Annie Leibovitz. Amelia Earhart. Dr. Martin Luther King. Ansel Adams. Michael Jackson.
Who have you suspected of reading your diary? Oh my, it's humiliating to think that anyone may have read that early drivel!! I don't know who would have had access to my earlier diaries – my sisters were both married by the time I finished grade school and my parents weren't overly snoopy. And then I got very creative at hiding them when I was away at school and living with roommates… :)
What is your idea of the perfect journal? A perfect journal would be a leather bound book with a dark rich leather cover, and a ribbon bookmark. It would have lined pages to keep me on course, but the lines should be faint enough to allow for doodling or sketching if I was so inclined. It would have an elastic strap to keep it closed, as I tend to horde bits of ephemera and sentimental pieces. Oh, and it would be invisible to everyone but me until I die so I don't have to worry about hiding it away, keeping it in plain site so I can be reminded daily to write in it!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)? "At any rate…""Absolutely". "Awesome". "… But that's just me." "Oh. My. Heck." and a few four letter words sneak their way in once in a while.
What quote most speaks to you? I have a few that I absolutely love, but my favourite was one by Allyson Jones that was on a card, given to me years ago, by my cousin: "If I could wish for my Life to be perfect, it would be tempting… But I would have to decline, for Life would no longer teach me anything." I think it's a great reminder that Life may not always be easy, but each bump in the road makes us who we are today. I love it so much that I commissioned my friend, Katrina Murphy, of Skribblz Art to create it for my scrap studio wall. I will share photos of it on my blog, once my studio is finished!
Who (or what) inspires you? In my art, I find that while beautiful paper and awesome (there's that word again!) embellishments can make me want to create, I'm usually driven to actually start the creative process, once I've found the photo that I want to scrap. It's most often that I will pick up a photo and I'll immediately visualize an end result which spurs me on. I'm often inspired by seeing the wonderful work of talented friends and artists in this industry. But as we are not all perfect by-the-book applications, I have also been known to be inspired by song titles, merchandise tags, clothing, magazine ads, graphic design, paintings, home décor, and pretty much everything else with which I come in contact. My husband teases that I could be inspired by a loaf of bread… :)
Who is your favourite fictional character? At the risk of revealing my deep dark secret of a penchant towards sappy romantic novels, I will say that I, on a fluke, started reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and fell in love with Ranger. I also love Jaime Fraser from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. <sigh> But I think the character that has stuck with me the most since reading it was Aminata Diallo, from the powerful book by Lawrence Hill, "The Book of Negroes".
Who are your favourite writers? Matthew Reilly, Sophie Kinsella, Iris Johansen, Janet Evanovich, Clive Cussler, J.K. Rowling, Patricia Cornwell.
Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with? Patience. Unless of course, you'd consider the ability to fly a natural talent…?
What is your greatest creative talent? Composition in photography - I can picture scenes in my head even before I take them. Colour in art – I seem to have an affinity to mixing odd colours but making them work somehow – that's a talent, right?
What is your greatest creative challenge? Motivation. I love to do what I do, but I have a hard time getting started at it. Once I'm started, though – Look Out! I'm a train, hurtling down a track… Just try and stop me! :)
. . . . .
I live in Southwestern Ontario with my best friend and husband, Gary, our son, Connor (11) and daughter, Aili (6) {rhymes with Riley… don't worry – everyone gets it wrong! :)}
I've been behind a camera for more than 25 years, working professionally since 1998. While I began scrapping in 2000 as a complement to my photography career, it's become a rival passion! I consider myself fortunate to have worked on several design teams in the industry and to have been published in various scrapbooking publications, including a cover layout for Canadian Scrapbooker. But what I'm most grateful for are the friendships I have made. I've been a contributing writer for Canadian Scrapbooker magazine since its' inception in 2005 and am honoured to be part of such a great team. I also offer photography workshops in an effort to move people out of Auto mode and to get the most out of their DSLRs. It's so exciting to share my passion for photography with others!
Thanks to my sweet friend, Lee, for including me in this series! (You're very welcome, Sue!)
How do you know Lee? You joined my kit company site a few years ago, through a mutual friend and I'd like to think that we hit it off immediately and became friends! :) (We did, we did!)
. . . . .
Be sure to visit and be inspired by Sue at her blog Kewl Beans. It is such a wonderful mix of photography and family.
Up next? My friend Amy Eaton.
. . . . .
Thank you so much Sue for participating!
| | |
|
is the title of a new photo challenge, and I definitely have the song imbedded in my head!
My talented cyber-friend, Jack, is back! I've missed her greatly and am thrilled to be able to visit with her on a more regular basis. She has come up with a new weekly photography challenge:
Here is the scoop:
+ Wake up
+ Have your camera handy (doesn't need to be a fancy camera; a point and shoot or even your phone camera will do)
+ Wait for that perfect moment
+ And shoot, shoot, shoot away!
+ Post your Sunday morning shot on your site and tell us about it
+ Visit my Sunday morning post to add your link located at the bottom of my post
Simple. Right?
I love that this challenge is starting now. My Sunday mornings in the summer are so very different from my Sunday mornings in the winter - with only the watching of CBS Sunday Morning in common - and I'm looking forward to participating in this challenge!
What shots am I looking forward to taking?
What about you? Any specific Sunday Morning photos you want to capture?
Here is mine, for today:
Today was Cole's final practice with his current hockey team. Since September his sticks have been lined up by our front door so he has easy access to them: game stick, back up stick, road hockey stick, stick handling stick, tester stick, a stick for every possible purpose and more. Even though he doesn't stop hockey for the summer, he doesn't need as easy access so by the end of the day this sight will be gone and moved down to it's summer home, in the basement - or better - the garage!
. . . . .
Have some fun and be sure to join in!
| | |
|
Last August, Elsie Flannigan posted a simple and doable challenge.
My 4 Simple Goals, April edition, includes:
REWARD: This month will be full of rewards - so, done or not, there will be no extra rewards required this month!
What about you? Do you have a few activity oriented goals you'd like to meet? If so and you participate, let me know! I'd love to see what you have planned.
[Why am I posting a day early? I want to give Sue the whole day tomorrow for her interview post.]
| | |
|
listening to adele on my ipod. sigh. so good.
eating lunch with my friend char, later today. yay!
drinking a lot of water, now adding some lemon.
wearing sneakers.
feeling energised.
wanting new kitchen dishes.
needing to stay focused.
thinking about what to pack for az.
enjoying this quiet time between the end of hockey season and tryouts.
wondering if my house will ever be 100% clean. top to bottom.
creating the bones for a few upcoming projects. exciting!
procrastinating over teaching claire how to drive. eek!
pondering my next big project.
loving the new creative things i've learned recently.
anticipating a calm couple of weeks coming up.
idea discovered on this blog. where is your current taking you?
| | |
|
March came in like a lamb so the inevitable lion was expected - though I could have passed on the 10+ centemeters of blowing snow at the end of the month! Winter did start late, but it seems to have lasted forever.
My Month
inspired by Katie the Scrapbook Lady
What new things did I learn? Some people are unable to let bad things go. Some people don't know how to accept positive. There is always a negative spin. They want to live in negative. I can't let that affect me as I dwell in a place of positive. I have to embrace my own sense of self worth and leave them to their own destructive behaviour and not engage. Onward.
What fun things did I do? I indulged in creativity and lots of socializing this month. Completely unexpected and that was the best part!
What interesting people did I get to know? All people are interesting. So fun to get to know them better.
What important events occurred in the world? The disasters in Japan: earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor meltdown; UN air strikes in Libya; the space shuttle retired; not as important, but noteworthy: Earth Hour in our house was a bust.
What special purchases did I make? I am at the stage where I can not pick and choose product to aid my creative endeavours that are true to my likes and dislikes. I'm by no means a slave to the "latest and greatest" which makes choosing easier! It doesn't lower the bill though - I got a ton of stuff from The Art House while at my Donna Downey classes.
Any noteworthy accomplishments this month? The month was so crazy busy that my only accomplishment was simple survival!
What were my disappointments this month? I was sad for Cole and his hockey team. They work so hard and are so dedicated to excellence. They fought hard but just missed the mark.
Anything else? I got away from my daily walks at the mall. I really have to start again.
My Month in Pictures
Inspired by Rebecca Cooper
What about you? How do you document your months? In pictures? In words?
There was a lot going on in March and I do hope for a bit of a slow down. In order to make sure that happens, I'll be taking a holiday in April. So, though the life of my family will still be going full-speed ahead, I'll be enjoying some sunshine and quiet. Yay!
Life is good.
| | |
|
