High on Life

2011-08-30T11:43:00.002-06:00

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again." ~ Flavia Weedn

Needing to be Inspired ...

2011-07-26T13:11:00.002-06:00

Well I have used the word Passion (career way) lately in my conversations - as I am in the need of finding out what mine is in life. A friend of mine the other day took a leap of faith as it were ... she left her full time job to pursue her passion of speaking, writing, and sharing her story ~ in truth it left me speechless, a touch envious and made me look at myself and where I am.

Life is in a bit of a chaotic way of late, so it seems as if the passions (interests) ect. are being put by the wayside, and I keep saying "well when we finish this" or "when this gets settled" or "when a bolt of lightning hits me in the side of the head" ha ha ~ making life excuses to not even take a venture out and start feeling the waters.

So I decided this week I was going to start somewhere - I do have some ideas (a hazy form of a path dare I say) of where my passion may lay. Time to start my gluten free blog - this one is my personal one and on it I have collected and resources interests and goals, it has seen me travel through joy and heartbreak ~ I wanted to create a blog that does the same thing but with my learning to love food and being comfortable with being a Celiac, and my ups and downs of being a woman, a mother, a partner, a friend, a family member and a person learning to live gluten and lactose free.

my blog: http://highonlifeandglutenfree.blogspot.com

It's a start ...

2011-07-20T09:01:00.000-06:00

My son turns 21 today - seriously can't believe how the years have gone by. I am so very proud of the man he is becoming, and so very blessed from the day he came into my life (after many hours of labour ha ha) -

Happy Birthday my dear son - you will always be the most precious thing I have in my life - and my best accomplishment!!!! Love you :)

So ... Here I am ...

2011-05-18T10:52:00.000-06:00

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful. ~Barbara Bloom

There will be these days ...

2011-04-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

If I had a formula for bypassing trouble, I would not pass it round. Trouble creates a capacity to handle it. I don't embrace trouble; that's as bad as treating it as an enemy. But I do say meet it as a friend, for you'll see a lot of it and had better be on speaking terms with it. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

I have been struggling to keep a positive attitude ~ I have not been winning the fight with my health lately and it is amazing how not being well affects everything in life, the big one is your mental state and how you view your "world". I think the biggest and most important difference from where I am now and where I was three years ago - is knowledge and awareness. Three years ago feeling like this would control everything in my life ~ I would be so wrapped up in the pain and the misery of how I felt that my mental state would trully match my physical one, it would be a mess. There would be no struggling to keep a positive attitude, one would likely just not be found. How my life has changed since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease and putting a name to what my body was doing, how it was attacking itself.

It's no fun feeling almost like I did when I was first diagnosed, I know there are more issues and likely some different avenues I will have to follow once I have more testing done, but at least now I do what I can to make a difference. I do my best to watch what I am eating, I make appointments with doctors and specialists to get the ball rolling, and I look for avenues to inspire me and motivate me to keep my spirits up. And I try not to fall into the unwell "depression and anger" that I know is out there ~ I have a name for this now, something to continue to work with. And I try not to be as hard on myself as I know I can be.

Try Try Try ...
because that is all we can do in life ... going back to the "near-perfect" analogy :) It's what I tell my son even today - as he heads into finals and exams for University - "All you can do is try and give it your best, if that does not work - then you try some more."

There will be these days ... the days where I feel sick, achy, headaches, and the feelings follow of being edgy, and angry, and sad ... yes they will come ... but they will also go ... and then a better day will follow ... and I will "try" again to make it a grand one.

Today's thoughtful pause ...

2011-04-06T10:42:00.000-06:00

Dr. Dorothy Irene Height ~ A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question,'half empty or half full?'..... she fooled them all... she inquired with a smile "How heavy is this glass of water?".

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night.... pick them up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax, pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"

What are you planting?

2011-03-30T09:46:00.001-06:00

"Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious." ~ Bill Meyer

I came across this quote this morning and found it struck a cord in my thinking today ~ and I stopped to think "What AM I planting today?" I find our lives are ever changing ~ we have daily challenges, successes, goals, disappointments, frustrations and dreams. The reality of life today is that in our societies we are set up for the fast paced ever changing day ~ and sometimes it simply can be exhausting to look to far into the future.

I enjoyed this quote because it simplified the process a bit, it cut it down to simple thoughts ~ a thought at a time. I have more control over my day and my thoughts if I take them a thought at time. We are all going to have the odd "crab apple" thoughts - as that is what part of being "near-perfect" is all about ;) but what if we took the power - the energy - the spirit - then back in our own hands - and changed our "thought" to a "golden delicious" one? We can handle "one" thought can't we? One moment in time? It's a process that takes some effort at starting to establish, I know myself when "negative, depressing, frustrating, disappointing" thoughts enter my head - my first instinct is not to "smile and think "golden delicious" haha - no my first instinct is to let the feeling take over, to find support in my negative - and if I hit a positive wall (a friend who says oh it's not too bad) I cringe ha ha.

So it's a work in process to take a "crab apple" thought and turn it into a "golden delicious" one ~ I am constantly searching and exploring ways in life to do that. Whether it is to say something complimentary to my mate, my son, a friend or family member ~ sincerely and to feel the "positive" off their reaction ~ we just don't compliment those we love as much as we should. Or someone who isn't a loved one - it's intriguing when you sincerely say "you look great in that color you are wearing, I like what you have done with your hair, have a nice day" or "Hello" even to someone around you during the day who may not expect it ~ again the positive flow is a boost to "golden delicious" thinking. Or I go to the ever expanding internet and search up some inspiration - whether it's finding a simple quote like today or finding an amazing gluten free recipe to try, or just looking up some information or advice on an interest ~ take control and take charge of your thought/s. Or take a walk - enjoy something simple - a plant, a ray of sunshine, a child's laughter, anyone's laughter ... just breathe in.

"Easier said than done" - you say - "Yep" I say. :) But possible ~ if we just take it "one thought at a time". And don't put any more pressure on ourselves than that. And one thought at a time - it's possible. :)

I am sincerely wishing you a "golden delicious" thought kind of day ~ hugs. :)

Near-perfect ME :)

2011-03-23T10:21:00.001-06:00

I have fallen into a bit of a funk lately ... I think that the weather outside has alot to do with things ... our endless winter that is dragging me down and alot of my friends that I connect with everyday. Spring needs to come ... Spring is always a time of renew ... of action ... of a promise of longer and warmer days, green grass, more energy and opportunities to get out and enjoy life more. I have also been struggling with my health of late - a little frustrated with my body, have gained weight to the point of my dress clothes being uncomfortable ~ and have more tests scheduled in late spring to see if I can get back on track. So I have been less than thrilled with the woman in the mirror, a touch emotional and very hard on myself because of not feeling like I am "getting it right" - that I am not where I want to be and feel that I am disappointing others.

I love this picture of my dear friend Kelly - it shows her beautiful silly and playful side - and I think sometimes we lose that in our daily "deal" of life. This picture of her inspires me - and it always makes me smile. She wrote a new blog post the other day that really spoke to me - about perfectionism.

blog.mykellyf.com/2011/03/18/do-i-have-to-be-perfect.aspx

She writes:

Perfectionism is impossible, unachievable and highly overrated

That spoke to me - I need to remind myself - I am not perfect, I am not expected to be perfect, I will never be perfect - and I am okay with the woman I am and the woman who is going forward in life. In fact I need to remind myself that I love the woman I am - I am proud of the woman I am ~ and that I have people in my life that feel the same way, and that's what counts!

How about being Near-Perfect?

She writes about how about striving to be near-perfect instead of setting yourself up to fail by expecting the 100% of yourself right off the bat. To instead to strive for "near-perfection" which I have defined for myself as doing and being "the best I can be in that situation, moment or time" - this should be the goal. I can do that! I can be that!

And being that I am not perfect one of the most important ways I need to let up on myself is judging myself when I have an "Off" day. With all the sad tradegies in the world around us we tend to beat ourselves up when we are down about seemingly simple things in life, or even thoughts ~ and really we shouldn't be. Being not perfect also means giving yourself the space to be "sad, upset, worried, concerned" about whatever it is in life you need to do that with ~ I think the ticket is to not let this "moment in time" stop you from growing, reaching, hoping, dreaming, and loving life. There is so much in my life that I am deeply happy and feel sincerely blessed and humbled by, doesn't mean I can't have my "down" days ~ just means that I bounce back and keep on bouncing!!!

Thank you Kelly for reminding me that I am not perfect - and to remind me that I am okay with this and I am even better I am a perfect example of being the best "NEAR-PERFECT" that I can be!

Hugs

Gluten Free and loving the options!

2011-03-05T16:48:00.003-07:00

As I am a celiac I have really come to have a deep appreciation for good food ~ and since I have become a part of a couple I have found a love of making good food, as now I have someone to share, cook, eat, love and laugh with. We both eat gluten free and both of us have a lactose intolerance so sometimes eating out can be an issue ~ I know I have blogged about my favorite restaurant "The Creperie" but there is another spot that has also earned my commendations because I have never had a bad meal there - and it is honestly the first place I have found that I have had a decent and delicious hamburger at! Yep a gluten dairy free hamburger - really somethings you do crave once you can't have them like you use to ~ anyway I would be talking about the Delux Burger Bar on 142st (Crestwood) ~ I recently wrote a comment on the blog "Gluten Free Edmonton" - which on a side note has been a valuable and informative resource I have come to enjoy reading - new and old posts have so much information about products and restaurants and just living gluten free it's been awesome!!

Back to my post:
"WE have been to both West End locations ~ and I have to say I have never been disappointed with the burger (the guilt free gf free burger and bun) at the 142nd ave location. The burgers have always been juicy and cooked perfectly and on a soft and delicious bun, we have it with the side salad with a little of the vinegarette and it is awesome! Our West Edm. Mall experience was not even close to as good, maybe they are too busy in that location to show the same care in preparation?? We did comment on it while there, and the waiter and host were very good in saying they would research why the other burger was surperb and that our next dining experience there would be fabulous ... haven't tried it yet. The chef at the 142 ave location knows how to make a yummy satisfying gluten free burger! :) "

I have to say there is a real sincere effort in customer satisfaction at the 142nd street location ~ my guy and I were there a couple weeks ago (we had gone to a movie in the mall and decided we wanted a burger and so traveled to the Crestwood location - it's just never disappointed us) and when I was up paying our bill the gentleman at the till asked how our meal was. We had a nice little conversation - we talked about our experience at the WEM location and he was very interested in our observations and thanked me for my honest opinion - I did not complain just simply stated the fact that their burger at this location far surpassed the one in the mall. He then handed me his card, I found out he was one of the managing partners - Jim Skagos - said if I ever have any more issues or comments please to make sure to pass them along. It is that kind of attention to care and detail that I find refreshing in todays service market and one that keeps me as a loyal patron to a business. I sincerely believe that they would look into both locations and see how the can better service, and I just may head over to the WEM location one of these days soon and give them another try ... cuz every so often just gotta have that burger! :)

Cheers

Monday's quote:

2011-01-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong. ~Peter T. Mcintyre

Finding Inspiration ...

2011-01-25T13:14:00.004-07:00

I recently came to know about this site called Tiny Buddha - one of my friends had "liked" it on facebook and I took a look and quickly became a fan myself. It's really full of down to earth stories and inspiration ~ that apply to everyday life ~ the joys and the struggles.

I have had a struggle of late myself - of sorts ~ and I really really enjoyed this article today:

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/finding-joy-in-the-ruins-of-a-crushed-dream

I love when you are searching for "something" whether it be inspiration, motivation or even just a pair of nail clippers ~ and you find it when you need it haha. I love that "aaaahhhhhh ... nice" feeling it gives you. This article today did exactly that.

Good for the soul reading. :)

And today I am going to meet my friend Kelly Falardeau and get a copy of her newly published book "No Risks No Rewards - a burn survivor's journey from near death to success". So proud of my dear friend for opening up her life and story knowing that she can be a good inspiration to people ~ I say "wow".

My heart overflows ...

2011-01-20T10:44:00.005-07:00

Today on fb my scrapping and fb friend Darlene posted this on her status:

If you have a wonderful man, who helps balance your whole world, who isn't perfect, but is perfect for you, who works hard and would do anything for you. Who makes you laugh and drives you crazy, who is your best friend, who you want to grow old with, and who you are thankful for everyday. Who you could not live without... then post this as your status.

So I grabbed it and did just that ~ as every word rings true about Kevin and I was so touched when he grabbed this off of MY status and then reposted on his own profile but changed it to "wonderful woman" ... aaaaaawwwwwww so touched my heart and soul ~ a simple act really but means so much. I think that is something I really appreciate about this relationship and about Kevin. Is that we constantly do simple things to show that we care about each other, don't take for granted that we do ~ and that we are not shy or hesitant about letting others know we have that special person in our life. I think that has been the biggest blessing of this relationship - the fact I can share it with the world. :)

It's good to be this much in love ...

The Creperie

2011-01-18T09:35:00.003-07:00

Kevin and I went for supper on Friday night and we happily chose The Creperie to dine at that evening ~ this dining establishment (for it is surely more than a "restaurant") continues to be my favorite place to have supper at ~ and has fit a number of occasions. I have gone there with girlfriends, just having a friendly supper with two, for group dining - either work collegues or sister and her friends, and my favorite way to go is of course with my man Kevin ~ for a romantic and lovely meal out on the town. :)

For someone who has high standards being a Celiac - I think the service at the Creperie is an established bar set for other restaurants to look at. From the moment you walk in you are not only struck by the pleasing and cosy ambiance of the place, but the fact that they serve patrons with Celiac/Gluten Intolerance right from the "get go". Not only do they place a menu in front of you that looks the same as the other menus with gluten on them, bound and leather (not a binder or sheet of paper) but it is a full menu - they give you plenty of options. Appetizers, salads, full list on entrees and deserts! And the food is seasoned and sauced just like you would do in your own home, not a plain hunk of meat on your plate devoid of taste.

AND they bring you gluten free bread to the table as a courtesy starter ~ like any other patron that receives this courtesy. That from the first sitting at this establishment impressed me beyond any other experience I have had in a restaurant. MY OWN bread!!! Safe, warm, and yummy. :)

We started our meal with a delicious appetizer of Crab, Artichoke and parmesan cheese dip with tortilla chips and gluten free bread. It's delicious! For my entree I chose one of the dishes that has become my favorites - the Lamb shank, I remember the first time I ordered this dish how it was explained to me the slow process they have for preparing this dish, it's amazing the meat is so tender and tasty, literally falls off the bone ~ and served with a healthy portion of mixed seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Heaven.

The ambiance of The Creperie is so inviting - the front entrance really is nothing to look at and as you come down the stairs you wonder at first what kind of dive you are entering, and then you are swallowed up by old world charm, the cozy and woodsey feel of wine cellar, very private and romantic, or just cozy and intriguing ~ like I said whatever the reason I go to dine there, the atmosphere has always fit the bill. And I should not forget the staff!! From the host/ess, to the waiters and servers I have always found them to be pleasant, accomodating, and professional. And I have to tip my hat to those I don't see, the men/women in the kitchen who bring such talent in making the fabulous food that is set in front of me, bravo and thank you from the bottom of my heart and my stomach haha. :) The Creperie is a top notch experience and the best service in dining that I have found to this date in the city. :)

Definite thumbs up for us ~ and I can see myself dining there again and again for many years to come!

Shall we jump?!

2011-01-11T13:55:00.003-07:00

Into the new year?? I am starting to feel the tell tale itch of restlessness and the need to be inspired and motivated ... to do ... not to watch ... to be ... not to be still. :) Now it's just a juggle to figure out how to get the projects started that I want to ... how to look into researching the projects I want to get started ... find the time I need to dedicate to things I have put aside ... and learn to get the most "life" out of each day that I can.

I got a bit of a "crazy" idea the other day ... and the project is growing on me as well as the people I have pitched it to are all for it and want me to go forward ha ha (that's what happens when you let people in on your nutty ideas - they actually support it haha and then you are hooped to start being serious about it). It started with me diligently searching up recipes for Ukrainian Christmas, lead to searching recipes of Ukrainian dishes that I grew up on and so on ~ the difference is I want to re-create these fave dishes so that they are not only gluten free but that they are dairy free, as I am a celiac with lactose/casien intolerance. So here I am looking up recipes and then pulling other recipes together - 2-3 recipes here and there to make one that I want to try thinking man I wish there was a reference for a Ukrainian girl that wants to cook Ukrainian GLUTEN free ~ hhhhhhmmmmmm well maybe I should just thinking of writing a cookbook! Or I think Kevin and I should write one ~ well I mentioned it to a couple people and have received such strong feedback that now it has become a line on the list ~ there are certain ways I would like to go about it, and alot more reading and research will be involved, plus the big part we need to start cooking what I want to write about! ha ha I have been impressed with the resources that there is out there if you want to look ~ and the lack thereof on some counts ~ like I said maybe a crazy idea but starting to take shape nonetheless. :)

I have a feeling this year is going to be a busy and full one, and I am ready for this kind of busy and full - mostly the good, fabulous, amazing kind of year ...

My amazing friend Kelly is publishing her book and speaking about it ~

So proud of what she has accomplished in the last couple years towards her goal of becoming a public speaker ~ she has inspired so many people and with her truthful down to earth real story I am sure she will continue to do so.

:)

Reflection of 2010 ...

2011-01-04T09:50:00.008-07:00

I am sitting here thinking back to this time last year ... where I was at ... what life was like ... how content or happy or sad or confused I was then ... it has been a very full year ~ 2010. I lost my scrapbooking mojo almost a couple years ago now ~ it's amazing to me actually all that has happened in life in the last 5 years not even just the last one ~ but I am lately really getting the itch to get creative again. I am looking to be inspired - to be motivated ... I think parts of my life are full of that now and to keep the flow going I need to get creative and start back into a craft/art/form of expression that has always meant a great deal to keep me that way ... Inspired. So if I was to pick a word or words to sum up the majority of last year's events or happenings - I guess it would be "Adventure" maybe even "New Adventures" - some were not the best but a majority of these events/happenings that would fall under these words have been positive and life changing. A fellow friend and blogger Laura did her looking back in a couple ways that I really loved: one she did this in point form, and two she started with the positive - not the order of of things. I am going to blog-lift that from her hee hee: So some of the highlights of 2010 (in no certain order) :)

* I sat myself down and really took a look at what I needed to have in a relationship and a man that would make me or keep me committed to someone.
* I put my trust in a close friend ~ a male friend ~ and we proved to ourselves and others that two people of the opposite sex can have a close and trusting relationship without getting messy and akward.
* I MET AN AMAZING MAN - who we had an instant bond and connection from our first date - and for one of the first times - I went with it and trusted my instincts AND FELL IN LOVE and it has only grown deeper as time passes. Trully have found my soulmate. :)
* My son finished his first year of University.
* My son went to work at a labour full time job for the summer - matured for the experience, and changed his course in his schooling.
* He started back into his new school year with a renewed determination and dedication that I haven't seen in a long time ~ gave me confidence in his new career path.
* My niece had a precious little baby girl - and I became a Great Auntie! Wow!
* I got my passport!!! Finally!!!
* My amazing friend Kelly working on her book about her life story - she is amazing and I am so proud that she is on the path she is ~ she is inspiring.
* Kevin and I have gone on a few get aways - started with a trip to Calgary to visit friends,camping, then a trip to BC to visit family, Jasper for my birthday, and then in December our big trip - our get away to VEGAS!!! Amazing times, amazing memories. I have done more travelling with Kevin in the last nine months than I likely have done in the last 8 years :) and more are planned for the future!
* Had an amazing visit with my grandparents in September - short but so heart felt.
* Have been introduced to another whole new set of wonderful people that now are family - especially Mom Sylvia - she is dear to my heart and I am thankful she is the amazing woman she is and blessed that as Kevin's mom we have such a great relationship.
Dull or not so high moments:
* Lost another friend to their battle with cancer.
* Passed the first anniversary of losing dear Dave - missing him.
* My dear cousin Robbie's cancer coming back strong ~ his tiring battle to try to survive - he is three years older than me with boys close to my son's age.
* Grandparent's health taking a downward turn - both in mid 80's now, both have had cancer, and dealing with all the side effects that toll has taken on their bodies.
* Beginning of last year - had my heartbroken ~ and though it turned out for the best and changed my direction ~ still was achingly hard to go through.

I have a future ahead where there are some amazing things in the works ~ from buying a new home with my man to doing more traveling, to having family visit, to my son graduating from his University course, looking forward to my friend Kelly publishing her book about her life as a burn survivor, and my sister having her first show as a bead work jewelry designer, and myself maybe going back to school to take some courses in photography and photoshop. :) On the whole life is looking good ...
I am looking forward to getting my home organized, getting back into scrapbooking, spending more time re-connecting and connecting with friends and family, old and new ~ and enjoying life to the fullest. Turning obstacles that may seem like mountains into molehills and mere bumps in the road ... and sharing my life with a man I am extremely proud of, admire and love with all my heart.

To us all ... may the word for 2011 be "CHANGE" and may the changes in our lives be good, the heartaches few, and our blessings many.

Hugs to you all ~ Cheers

Off to see a little bit more of the world soon :)

2010-11-30T14:28:00.002-07:00

Need to take a mental break from work today so thought I would come in here and jote a note in my blog about my most exciting upcoming adventure! I am so nutsy busy at work this week because I am getting ready to take a break ~ and on part of this break time we are going to Las Vegas!!! I am so excited ~ I just finally got my passport this summer and now I will get to use it! Neither my guy or myself are gamblers but as I have been told and read profusely there is alot to do in Vegas and I am so ready to go and give it a look see.

So I am so very blessed and fortunate that I have a man in my life that wants to get out and spend a little more time traveling and is very happy that he too has someone in life to share the experiences with. He has been to Vegas a few times and one of the things he said we must to is go to a show of somekind ~ so he booked us tickets to go and see The Lion King production ~ I am so so looking forward to that theatrical production in the Mandalay Theatre. :) Going to do some shopping, some dining, and a whole lot of sight seeing ~ off to a new adventure. :)

I have in the recent years really come to realize we have all got to get out there and live the best life we can ~ now this isn't saying their won't be lows and highs in life and that we just push through with a smile on our face all the time, I don't think that is realistic, but we need to keep getting up when getting knocked down and move forward.

Okay need to get back at all this so I can go away with a clean head and know that everything at work will run fairly smoothly ...

Cheers :)

Sometimes .....

2010-11-12T15:44:00.005-07:00

and somedays it's really hard to keep up with all that is going on around me in life, all the things we are doing, experiencing, planning. And as hard as I find it to keep my life and schedule straight then I have others around me ~ I think life these days just flies by at such a hectic pace, it's funny and probably ages me ~ but I do remember a simplier time (long ago like when my son was born and before that) where life seemed to tick by at a more simple and slow pace. I really do miss that kind of life, can't say technology has done us a favor that way ~ everything is a "wham, bam, thank ya mam" experience these days ~ fast, quick, everyone on the run ~ having a hard time connecting. I just want to close my eyes and scream "SLOW DOWN!!!" somedays ...

Our trip to Jasper was lovely - too short ~ but lovely to get completely away, the mountains are always a good for my soul experience, for I find them so majestic, awe inspiring ~ I am a nature lover anyway, nothing pleases me more than to go for a walk down by the river valley or on some forest (or mountain) path and just take in all that is around me. The weather in Jasper was not that great - actually blizzarding on our way in on Friday night, cold and wet for the most part ~ but when we went for our jaunt to Athabasca Falls on Saturday the weather cleared for a few hours and it was so beautiful. Really humbles a person and trully makes you thankful for the simple beauties we have around us, we are very blessed to live in a place where there is so much natural beauty and breathtaking views a few hours away. Eating in Jasper - or I should say eating out was a 50/50 crap shoot this trip - the first lunch we had at a restaurant called Papa George's (it was on the internet as a gluten free choice) unfortunately the staff on that day were not as careful (?) or knowledgable (?) to gluten free eating ~ and both Kevin and I were a bit unwell after our meal. Surprisingly Kevin even more than I. So we were a bit skittish when it came to choosing a supper place, we were tired and cold from our few hours out in the beautiful fresh air, so we took a chance ~ went and talked to the front desk at our Hotel (The Amethyst) and they said the restaurant in the hotel (Anthony's) was very aware of gluten free eating and would be accomodating. So we went to our room and made the choice to stay in the hotel and eat ~ and it was lovely. They were more than accomodating, felt very safe in the knowledge of the staff and the chef ~ our meals were delicious and we felt no ill effects at all afterwards - I would go back and eat there anytime - no matter where we would be staying. So the get away was lovely ~ did have a few ups and downs but then doesn't everything? Nice thing is that Kevin and I are able to talk about it and usually smooth out anything that comes up quickly ~ we both understand the word compromise haha. ;)

It's been a bit of a dip for both of us lately ~ so the trip was nice just to refresh our spirits a bit ~ unfortunately the beginning of the week brought us back into the day to day stresses of late, but approaching each day and tackling whatever comes our way. Received some very upsetting news from my mother on Wednesday ~ my dear cousin Robbie's throat cancer has come back with a vengence, and he is heading into some very serious and hopefully life saving treatment. Unfortunately the treatment is so hard on his body that they have to hospitalize him while he is under the intensive chemo as it tends to shut down the lungs if they are not strong enough. My heart is aching for all his family ~ and my prayers and thoughts are with him during his next stage of battling this very cruel disease.

It is definitely another wake up call that we really need to pull happiness from life when we can, and really be blessed with our own little spot in the world ~ be happy for those we love, love dearly those we care about ~ and be thankful for each day we are given in fair health and roofs over our heads, hold our children closer and tell those we love that we love them ... right now.

I am so blessed for those in my life ...

Weekend Adventure .....

2010-11-05T12:34:00.003-06:00

I am so excited at the moment - I am being taken on a weekend adventure to Jasper and since it's mid afternoon only hours to go before we are on our way out of the city. I intend to do more travelling in the future ~ both in my very own province (I really haven't seen much of it at all) and also get out and see some of the world. I spent the first half of my life in a family of 5 girls - and with 5 children there were not alot of travelling options. Married young, and then had my son and soon divorced after and became a full time single mom ~ no travelling options there. No regrets on spending the second half of my life (so far - still lots to go haha) raising my amazing son ~ and now it's my turn. I have a man in my life that wants to see "life" with me ~ and I am ready and more than willing to get into the next phase of the "adventure". And we are going to do this gluten free. :)

Why I point out the gluten free is that it's one thing changing things within your own home - your ingredients, your cooking styles, your way of eating ~ and a totally other thing to go out to eat, or to travel and to be gluten free. But it is not impossible, just takes a bit more effort and planning. When we went camping - of course we could control our foods and cooking spaces, and when we went to Vancouver because visiting family again the situation was a bit more easy to accomodate our eating. Jasper seems to have some good options available as well - it is a touch frustrating to look up some of these places though online - you have to have the time and patience to look through a number of sites to get a handful of information.

Some of the most helpful sites I find are those that are everyday folk who have started gluten free blogs - now I want to start writing more about celiac disease, gluten intolerance and gluten free living myself - and I may just decide to start up a totally separate blog - and make it a public site so that if people put in for example "Gluten Free in Jasper" I can post information I have gleaned and then following experiences all in one place. :) I am just a little player in all this myself - as still relatively new to the gluten free lifestyle and very new to trying to incorporate that in family eating and travelling situation. I am going to have to give this alot more serious thought ~ I am looking for some passion and inspiration ~ maybe this is it. I do know that it is sometimes so overwhelming all the information out there, often confusing and maybe dedicating myself to building a blog for gluten free living - would not only be a benefit to myself - but to my family and friends that are looking for options.

Plus it wouldn't be a bad thing to get into learning and building a blog site - I know my sister Belinda who is soon wanting to launch a blog site for her new jewelry design company could use all the pointers I would glean by getting myself back into a blog setting.

Life is very full of late - it amuses me that about a year and a half ago I was miserable, alone alot, watching TV all the time ... and now everyday is so full of just living and I am not alone, TV is dusty and life is good.

I am so looking forward to this weekend away to re-energize, re-vitalize and re-boot ...... Cheers

Wow and the year is just a flying .....

2010-11-02T10:30:00.008-06:00

I really can't believe the year is flying by like it is ~ it has made me so very thoughtful about so many things. What life was like at this time last year ~ all that has happened in the last year, how life will change in the next year coming up. It's birthday time for this gal in a couple days .... and this birthday is going to be different than many that I have had ~ for so many reasons.

So much has gone on in my life in the last year (even the few years really) ~ so many life changes, and all affecting me deeply in some way. I have learned alot about myself ~ not all of it I have liked looking at ~ but I would say at this time in my life I can look in my mirror in the morning and say "Ok woman - not bad ~ always a work in progress but at least you are heading in the right direction for a change". In a few things I have taken a hiatus in the last year and a half - like my scrapbooking ~ which of late I have a great pull to get myself back into doing something creatively. I have actually started knitting of late - ha ha I know that may sound like a grandma thing to do ~ but I actually find it a calming activity and I can do it while watching the food network or Nascar races and I am a content woman ~ and I also feel a sense of pride that I am basically teaching myself - off the internet!! Awesome how handy the internet can be for so many things ~ while I agree that people need a healthy and aware viewpoint of all that can be found on the internet - it certainly has opened up communication and research in so many ways. I am looking forward to getting life to a smoother routine so that I can indulge a bit more in things I love to do creatively. Again this is something I look forward to in the next year.

I am also trying to start writing more again ~ journalling ect. ~ and I would like to get back to blogging on a regular basis, I find that prose is something you can lose if you don't keep it sharp. When I write I tend to think and figure things out alot more clear headed ~ lifes little ups and downs are easier to travel and big decisions seem to be alot less intimidating. Changes in life feel more natural. And life is full of changes ..... seems in the last almost eight months it has been just plump full with them. On one hand it's been great ~ I accept change as a growth in life, a way to step forward and get it done! So to speak haha - and in other ways change has been hard - I have had to watch friends and loved ones die, leave friends and try and figure out what I really want in life or out of my life.

I have found an amazing love in life ~ it only took me a few decades haha but I am blessed actually to have had this man come into my life at this time, even a year earlier in my life and our relationship may have not weathered as well. When they say it's all in the timing - correct - at least for us it was, and I am so grateful that we met at a time where we really could "see" each other and also be patient to know and understand all the work involved to keep a loving relationship ... well ... loving. It definitely is work everyday - but like he says when there are two working towards the same end then it is half the work and twice the fun. :) Agreed.

I have been blessed by some amazing friends in life ~ people that support and care for me as I do them, that I can talk openly with and share life experiences with ~ we learn from each other and we are all growing in our own ways. I have learned the valuable lesson that sometimes no matter how much will you have to be someone's friend - it takes two - just as in any relationship ~ two to work towards a common goal - and even more valuable that you can't make this work with everyone. And that is not a negative aspect of life, just a real one ~ even if you think you are a good friend and can get along with anyone, in reality this is just not so ~ and just as in good friendships and relationships it is important to learn to "Agree to Disagree" it is important in life to "Learn to Let Go". I use to be so upset if a relationship ended - whether personal or friend wise, would wonder constantly "what did I do wrong? What could have I done to make things different?" I have finally found some peace in life in just the last year realizing that it wasn't me or the other person ~ that made it not work ~ it was "US", and sometimes you just have to let something go rather than analyze it to death, remember the strong and good points and get on with it. :)

So with my birthday fast approaching ~ and for a first time in a long long long time I am going to celebrate it with a special someone, and he planned something special so that I could have just what I needed this year ~ for my soul and for peace in my heart. I am actually looking forward to celebrating it and kicking off another year - will be another one full of change and growth - and looking at things with a brighter perspective and hope in my heart. I am even trying to re-capture (as he is) some joy in my heart for the Christmas season ..... and think of this as a fresh start to find peace and happiness deep inside and hold on to it.

Yes Birthdays are definitely refection points of the year ..... mine and others .....

Cheers :)

Forever Friends .....

2010-09-13T15:14:00.003-06:00

"Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end."
---Unknown

If you have one friend like this you are fortunate ~ I am blessed to have some of these "forever friends" in my life ... and am honestly thankful for this every day.
Hugs goes out to you all ~

write the bad with the good ....

2010-09-12T11:01:00.002-06:00

I am so very angry right now ~ and in reality I know I need to keep more of a documentation of things in life so in other words "write the bad with the good" -
this is a letter I wrote a friend today - slightly edited of course ~ but I want basically for myself to wake up and realize I need to get control of what I am doing ~ feeling like major crap right now, my own fault as the letter explains:

"Hello my friend,
I am so unhappy right now and I need to tell my friend. I feel like such a loser. When am I going to learn I am not normal? At all? And going to learn that no matter what "precautions" people may take, if they try and treat me normal ~ well it's not going to work? I feel so freaking stupid and upset today ~ and I am ready to just throw in the towel on all this. Who am I to think that Kevin wants to be saddled to this "abnormal sickly ass" for the rest of his life? Or that his family should have to put up with this? I know I am babbling before I explain. We had the Volunteer Appreciation dinner last night, now Kevin's mom went through so much to check and see that things were safe, and it is really all on me. It was still buffet style and though most of the dishes were suppose to be safe, I should
know that I am ultra sensitive, that cross contamination is a huge issue, that even a little starts a reaction, but no I am thinking - oh I should be okay eating at a buffet - they have been careful they are aware that I am a celiac, I will just avoid the dishes I shouldn't have. Like seriously?????!!!!!!! WHAT THE F**K??!!
Who do I think I am??? Do I think that I all of a sudden have a different system than the f**ked up one that I have? Do I think I am super woman? Do I think that all of a sudden because people said "oh we are careful, and we are aware" that all of a sudden all the other issues that I would have with that kind of meal would
go up in smoke? Who the h*ll do I think I am? Am I god that I can just change my body at will? I feel like the biggest loser in the world, and right now I am the biggest sick loser in the world. I knew last night I was in big trouble, and tried my best to not show his family as I zoned out and went into my stupid semi - catonic
state that I go in when really reacting. Kevin dropped me off at home, to change and pick up my car, and he went home to await my arrival. Did not happen. Once I hit my own home, the cramps took over ~ and the reaction set in full force. Wearing two layers and shivering in a fetal position on my couch, and feeling oh so
unhappy and sorry for myself. What a f**king wuse ~ as I did it to myself!! Of course I passed out, and when I woke it was after 1:30 in the morning, and then I was even more unhappy ~ as I was all by myself at home, so I staggered up and went and put on my pj's and crawled into bed and apologized to my boyfriend. And I
shook and went through a horrible night, and woke alone and feeling like crap, and woke alone as I really should and realized this once again is TOTALLY my fault. I am in total relapse, emotionally and physically ~ and I am feeling like the biggest selfish loser in the world right now. Seriously who do I think I am?"

Yep the bad days with the good ~ not in a good place right now ~ and simply the majority of that is because I have poisoned my own body really good. And it is not happy with me at all, I feel low ~ stupid, selfish, and sick. Not a good day at all. :(

And summer is flowing by ...

2010-08-11T14:17:00.004-06:00

Man oh man this summer is just whipping by ~ it's been a wonderful summer in the fact that I seem to have gotten out and enjoyed so much more of it this year ~ certainly makes a difference when you have someone in your life that wants to go out and really live and experience life with you. We are so fortunate to live in the "Festival City" and together Kev and I have spent more time going out and catching a little bit of this and that ~ we've been to a live play, taken in "the Works", "Capital Ex", and Cariwest Parade ~ spent time hitting the Farmer's Markets ~ and going to different restaurants and shops ~ went camping and soon plan to take a trip to the coast to see family.

In a couple weekends we will have experienced my 25th Grad reunion - man that ages me ~ have to say I have been a bit of a bundle of nerves thinking of going. I really haven't touched base with more than a couple people from school - and didn't really know very many as it was, but yet I really don't feel like I can miss it ~ so off we shall go, glad that Kevin will be with me - I can always pretend it is just the two of us going out among a bunch of strangers and just focus on time with him ~ that will calm my nerves I am sure.

My very good friend Dawn is going to Disneyland for holidays this summer ~ man oh man I envy her, but one day soon it will be others turn to envy me as I head off to somewhere warm in the winter months. I applied for my passport last week, and soon I will have no holds barring me from traveling out of Canada ~ and look forward to planning a winter holiday getaway with my man.

I am getting excited at the thought of my soon to be born new great niece or great nephew ~ I am so blessed that my nieces and nephew (by ex-marriage) still consider me to be their Aunt and want me to always be a part of their lives. It has been a while since I have been able to be around a little one, as my own sister's all live in BC and so my nieces and nephews live very far away ~ so I haven't been able to spend much time with them while they have been growing.

I wrote this on my facebook status today:
"Optimist: someone who isn't sure whether life is a tragedy or a comedy but is tickled silly just to be in the play." ~Robert Brault

Tickled silly just to be in the play ....... Yep :)

Wow ....

2010-07-21T12:41:00.010-06:00

My son turned 20 yesterday ~ it takes my breath away the amazing man he is becoming. I am very blessed in my life ~ and sometimes we need to take stock of the people/relationships/experiences that make life the fabulous ride it is.

Alex and I have been on our own since he was two years old ~ and I am so grateful that we have the strong bond we do, have always had, and I hope continues for the rest of our lives. And though the life experiences we have gone through haven't always been easy, or fun, or even comfortable ~ I am pleased that he has a base understanding of honesty, compassion, forgiveness, kindness, generosity, and love. He is a man I can look at and know he will be okay in life, may not always treat him well - but that he can come through anything and will keep walking strong.

His relationship with Sarah has actually at times been a bit of an inspiration to myself surprisingly haha ~ like our roles have been reversed in some ways, him carrying out a last and loving relationship, me just finding my way. I am pleased I am in a loving, supportive, and strong relationship myself now ~ so I can be the role model for him in even another aspect, he may be 20 but never too young to learn life lessons - for in truth I myself still am learning everyday.

Wow I say ..... a young man ..... grew up right in front of me and keeps on growing ~ and I am so so so very proud of my son. Happy Birthday.

Thoughful .....

2010-07-04T18:19:00.002-06:00

Lost in thought alot lately ~ I am missing my dad ~ it's been so long since he has been part of our lives that is true ~ but he is always in my heart and seems the older I get the more I miss him. Especially of late ~ life has been such a balance ~ or is such a balance, and though I have always felt that I come through and keep on trucking, I have a need to do more than just go from day to day. I know my son Alex is feeling the same way ~ getting the working everyday blues ~ we had a good talk the other day and cleared some air ~ he has been so tense and short tempered of late, he just wants to get back to school, finish it up, get started on a career, buy a house, and do some traveling and live life ... RIGHT NOW! haha I totally get where he is coming from I have been feeling the same way ~ especially in the last few years, people that mean the world to me have passed away ..... and I feel changed.

So now I am trying to balance things ~ the need to just get out there and live life don't stop ~ don't slow down, grab any and all happiness where you can find it and fly fly fly .... and with reality ~ that even dreams take time, that things like getting my life organized after the mess I have made of somethings - like my home, take time and patience to work through. That even being in love and looking towards sharing a future and sharing some of those things I never thought I would have like: a house, a chance to travel, someone to grow old with ..... take time ~ and that things do happen as they are meant to, you can't force fate.

And I have been missing my dad, I have been missing Dave ~ I have been missing Baba .... people in my life that I would have wanted to see me be happy ~ wanted to see me be okay in life.

I am finding this balancing a hard thing to do ~ I have not been feeling myself as much as I would like to lately, and I am struggling a bit ....... I am even trying to work on priorities and what is really worth keeping and what I need to let go. Or even who I need to let go .....

finding Balance.

2010-06-25T13:34:00.003-06:00

I had my first ever motorcyle ride a while ago - haven't been able to go out again yet but what a rush that was. Thanks to my friend Randall - for getting me the helmut and jacket and letting me sit on the back of his bike haha ~ I sure enjoyed being able to see the city from a bit of a different perspective, and look forward to getting back out there and riding again in the future.

My love and man Kevin ~ love this picture taken of us. :) Actually my mom took the picture which shows you with time and patience one can be taught how to take a proper picture, way to go mom!! I have to say I am one pretty happy woman of late, very much in love and looking forward to all the adventures in the future that being in a good relationship will bring.

I can't believe my young man is going to be 20 this summer - time has seemed to just fly by ~ and in honesty I really miss my little boy at times, but I am oh so proud of the man he is and what he is accomplishing in life. He finished his first year of University this year, wow that took me for a loop and made me feel a touch old, and we are standing in front of his new 1996 GMC Sonoma truck - which he is so proud owning and I am so happy for him that he is really enjoying this time in life and that we are a close knit family ~ he means the world to me.

My foray into being an organizer comes to a close ....

2010-05-18T13:17:00.002-06:00

I had a bit of an upset last night, as I was basically tying up a loose end that has been more than just a simple irritation of late. I have been the co-organizer of the Edmonton Women's group,and I had to take some drastic steps last night. The organizer, Sherley, while she is a very nice woman, and I enjoy her company as a person ~she and I have very very different organizing styles and have a different view on what the group should mean and the direction needed to make it a stronger viable alternative to spend our time on, especially when we both have very busy lives. So basically my options for myself had come down to ~ either she stepped down or I had to step away, well .... she feels she doesn't want to step down and so I went forward and said okay no hard feelings but I am stepping away. I know I put too much heart into things, and if I am involved with anything I put in usually 120% ~ therefore my attitude on things sometimes seems overboard, but being part of (a member only) another group, the 30 something, where Selene and I are becoming good friends, and she has alot of the same outlook and that group is thriving and getting better all the time, I feel that how I think is a good and strong way to deal with an internet group like that. I can't see myself being able to do that with the present leadership roles we are playing in the Edmonton Women's group ~ and all I have been is frustrated and unhappy ~ and everyone around me has stated that if it's not adding I need to make changes. I sat and trully thought about the changes I would have to make, and then had a meeting with Sherley last night.

So though I know I am doing the right thing, I feel I will be disappointing more than a few gals who really like who I am and what I have done with the group so far, so that made me a bit down ~ and I felt a bit disappointed that after all my efforts I really do need to step down. I was talking to her and I was at different points thinking "Well maybe I could make this work", and then she would say something and I would say to myself (there was alot of talkin my brain last night during this meeting haha) "um no that would drive me bonkers and I can't see us agreeing on that". She is a mellow soul and wants love and fun for everyone, I am a more hard ass woman who believes people need to be accountable and fair to the others of the group, and have no problem dealing with people that feel they can waste my time and the time of others. My end game is fun too ~ we just have very very different styles as to how we could accomplish that. So I need to step completely back and let her do it her way, I am very busy as it is and in truth I have more than enough other "social" things to do if I want ~and so I am good.

I was just feeling some lingering disappointment in ending my run as a co-organizer. In saying this I have one more scheduled event that I will host ~ we have a movie night tonight so I will get this done, and then tomorrow pull my status and let her take it away from this point forward. I am sure out of the 200 + women in that group she can find a co-organizer that better suits her style and viewpoints,and I can go back to joining the odd event ~ and letting the stress go that this has caused in the last weeks. Sherley and I were going to meet again on Thursday night again to discuss it some more (she was running short of time last night) but I think I am at peace with what I decided so I am good. A few of the girls suggested I start my own group, and Sherley agreed last night but I am not interested in doing that at this time. I will spend the extra time I am going to have in my home (it's a freaking mess), visiting with people I care about, and going to other organized events where all I need to do is show up and be my charming self haha.

It's been a long long while .....

2010-04-13T20:14:00.005-06:00

My blog ~ a creative outlet ~ a space to throw out some thoughts ~ a place to fulfill my need to type out and hold moments in time, to be able to go back ~ see growth, change, experience joy and once again read about how events have touched my heart, broken my heart, healed my heart ..... I would say that I would get on here and faithfully write all the time again, but I can't ... for in truth I have really many varied outlets now and who reads this haha. I can't believe the change in myself in the last year ~ I hope a change for the better, a stronger, happier more confident woman ~ I have embraced the gauntlet dear Dave left us all when he passed last year ~ to live life more, to enjoy life more, to get out and connect with life, with people, with just plain living.

It's hard to know where to start ~ I feel blessed in my life by the relationships I have developed ~ like the love, respect and friendship with my sister Bel, and the same plus the sense of connection with my amazing friend Dawn. Without these two women in my life I would often be sunk haha ~ they threaten to kick my ass almost daily if I need a slap here and there and my confidence shakes ~ as it is want to do when you are searching for the meanings of life haha. :)
In fact I just got in from going with coffee with Dawn ~ life has been hard lately and we don't get out to connect as much as we would like ~ but hey an hour here or there and we are usually golden. Then I send her back to her family ha ha and I go and do the same. We both have lost our crop mojo, but we are still amazingly good at "scrap shopping" hee hee ~ and we hope to attend a crop very soon here and get our creative sides humming again.

My dear sister Bel is approaching her 40 b-day very soon here ~ it just makes me shake my head at how the years are passing us all by ~ again somedays I feel anxious that I am not doing enough, not feeling enough, experiencing enough and that I may not have enough time in my life to do things that I really deem important ~ but I then realize as long as I take the experiences that I do have and live them to the fullest ~ hey I can be content........ for now.

Of late I have found a deeper meaning to a few things ~ the words friendship, and cherish, and love, and surprisingly I have found a meaning for the word "happy" I honestly thought at one time it was rather a lame and empty word, not expressing any deep feeling. Through meeting some amazing people in my life I can see that sometimes it is just the word that "fits". I have been touched by a special relationship ~ I find it hard to describe how my heart has been taken - I feel deeply blessed that timing ~ something that has been illusive alot of my life ~ worked, and Kevin has come into my life. It's like I carry a smile around in my soul all the time, a deep sense of "this is true, and right and good" and simply amazing. He makes me happy.

I struggle when I see people I care about or love get hurt, be sick, or feel lost. I have friends that are going through life altering soul wrenching changes and I feel helpless ~ we all just want to protect the ones we care about ~ we have a natural inclination to "fix", make 'better', find answers ..... part of life is learning how to support, to just be there ~ and when they call - make sure your hand is out to pull them back to the shore. :)

On another hand I trully am blessed with having met some amazing new people in the last year ~ and I have tried new things because of it too!!! I have tried bellydancing and curling (oh I know not at the same time hee hee) I have gone out pubbing with strangers and at the end of the evening I have more new friends. I am looking forward to the spring days coming ~ getting back out in the beautiful river valley and area and walking ~ going on picnics in the park ~ having my friend Randall take me out on his motorcycle and seeing the city from that perspective, and trying something new with someone I care and trust to keep me safe ~ I am looking forward to the summer ~ going camping with loved ones and friends, getting out to city festivals, spending time just chilling on my deck (can't wait till it is flower planting time) and once again surround myself with new experiences, what? I don't know ~ I'll find them, I will also find new love, keep it ;) and grow friendships that last lifetimes. Last summer-winter experiences included horseback riding, and doing the corn maze, meeting new people every time I went out ~ this year what? Maybe quadding and zip lining? Who knows. :)

I would love to get back up in the sky and do either a tandum jump or take another plunge at skydiving ~ pun not intended haha - plunging isn't the best when skydiving hee hee. ;) I would love to go to the mountains and do some hiking, maybe buy a bike and get out and see the city that way ~ I want to explore, spend time with friends, and enjoy every breath I take. There is always sad, there is always "stuff", there is always "deal" ~ but I am going to pull life, love and laughter out of the equation to and I am going to find balance and yes "happy" moments. :)

It's time ..... I am ready ....
here we go :)

Life is busy ...

2009-11-30T09:44:00.002-07:00

I can not believe that the time has flown so quickly since the last time I have updated my blog ~ I sometimes think I should just discontinue it, I don't think many check it and there is always other forms of communication if your friends want to keep in touch. :) That being said - I am in the mood to update things today so I will do that ha ha ~ life has been busy. Full of new experiences ~ going to the varied groups and events put on by the meetup.com bunch has been in the most part a great experience, I have met tonnes of new people ~ found a few good new friends, and have enjoyed getting out and seeing the city more also. I have in the last many many months lost my mojo for scrapbooking ~ but have of late been working on getting it back ~ I found scrapbooking always to be a very important part of my creative side, and though socially I have been busy and life has been fuller, I have missed the quiet times at home where having that outlet of art is so vital to keep life on a smooth level, it helps me think, it provides an outlet for creativity and working with pictures of people I care about, or things I love is always good for uplifting the soul. So recently a friend asked me to be a part of her circle journal - the group is small, and she is very strict on guidelines for getting things done and sent off ~ I had two failed attempts at being part of a circle journal group ~ so I took the leap and felt this may be a good way to jump start my mojo :) So far so good.

Wow the summer has flown .....

2009-08-23T11:50:00.002-06:00

I can't believe how the last few weeks have flown by - sadly summer is coming to an end, and it is a bittersweet one. Full of some great new experiences and memories, and yet with school coming - for "my" kids off to college ~ it means some big changes. My "other" son, for this is a young man that has grown with my son ~ and is a dear member of our family ~ is off to Nova Scotia tomorrow on a Football scholarship - and though I am happy that he has this amazing opportunity, he is already deeply missed and it's going to be a somber reality when he is gone. I call my "kids" - one mine - two honorary :) the three musketeers because they are constantly together, and have formed such a strong bond - I like that my son has found some really good people in his life, and share his sadness at his best bud flying away. Life does change ~ and I am gearing up to embrace it more and more. Bring it on! I am ready for the challenges.

Cleaning today - and I found some bubbles - yep left over from a wedding or something ~ so I proceded to go out on my deck and spent about 15-20 mins blowing bubbles, just watching the amazing colors, interested in how far some of them went - loving the way they took off on the wind. I love bubbles - such a simple thing but more than therapeutic in a way. I am learning to bounce back quicker and quicker from disappointments or false starts, shifting my direction towards more solid ground and better building blocks. :) Listening to fate a bit more ~ and trying to learn the lessons as they are delivered the first time. Last night was a good example - I was suppose to go and enjoy an event out of the city - with people I have not touched base with for a good long while - some school graduates - wasn't sure if I was even wanting to go. I got all dressed and ready to go, but my vehicle had other plans - and home I came. I was feeling quite put out and upset - but I just simply went to bed because today is a new day - and obviously wasn't meant to go out that evening. Today is a new day - today is a bubble day haha.

Going to be a busy week - I have recently joined some meetup.com groups to spend a little more time getting to know more people in the city I love, as well as maybe seeing a bit more of the city. So among coffee nights, and movie nights, and walking nights - this week is going to be a busy one in the evenings ~ which is good as at work right now I am under some pressure and stress - big project coming up that relies on my know how and clear head (ha ha who knew?) so the days will be long and full, and really glad that I have enjoyable things to look forward to in the evenings to decompress.

Balance - that is what I am striving to find in life a bit more, the dips and hard times - the sad moments, need a balance of joy ~ and this I am well on my way to finding a path.

Deep breathe - back to cleaning haha - bubble play time over, and I wish you all a very good week!

Cheers

Okay breathe in .... and exhale

2009-08-09T15:29:00.002-06:00

I put my blog to rest for awhile ~ life has been a jumble of whirl wind events some amazingly joyful to others heart wrenchingly filled with sorrow ~ so I have been knocked of balance of any kind in the last hhhhmmmm looks like from my last blog post almost a year. My focus on life has shifted and changed ~ and I definitely in every sense of the words right now am a "Work in Progress" so why am I blogging again? Well I think I am looking for inspiration in life and drawing it where I can ~ I have just started reading the book "Julie and Julia" by Julie Powell and already by reading a few chapters I have been moved to get back to my blogging, if just to be recording my struggle and efforts to find out where I "fit" in the world. Life can be made "simple" but simple does not mean easy ~ and I know I have a long way to go before I feel settled and really can say I am content with where I am in the world. I am not afraid of some hard work though, and lordy knows I know alot about false starts, wrong paths, and getting up and regrouping in life ~ and this is just another phase where I need to do just that. I think though because I am not a young woman anymore I do have an added sense of "getting it" right this time, or actually feeling like I will come to a place where my soul will be at peace. I have a saying that I use often ~ when I feel a bit beaten down by life and circumstances that it is time to BOUNCE ~ meaning that when you feel like you have hit a rock bottom there is only one way to go ~ Bounce back up again. So I am on the bounce side, and I am searching ~ and I have a great need to find more energy, motivation, inspiration and good soul moments in my life. I know I have many changes that need to be undertaken, and there are many new experiences out there for me to live, and at the same time needing to keep the balance of things in life that need to be dealt with and just the work of living day to day life.

So for today I say "it's bounce time" and I think I shall go and read a couple more chapters of this book and then do some dishes ~ balance.

Quote

2009-08-09T15:18:00.002-06:00

"The only way of finding limits of the possible

is by going beyond them into the impossible."

~ Arthur C. Clarke

Fair Tuesday it is .....

2008-12-16T15:28:00.002-07:00

Boy I can't believe how time is flying by. My mom and her hubby's first anniversary today ~ so sweet ~ I am very happy for my mom that she found this man to be with her, love her, and stand by her ~ the rest of their days ~ gives hope for me haha ;)

Went to Scrapalicious again at the beginning of December ~ and I am already looking forward to the one in January ~ I find it very enjoyable, we have alot of space to work, good company, lots of snacks, and a great amount of time to crop. As well I went to my first evening of the CTMH hostess group I have joined, my friend Mel came along with me, and now has joined as well ~ so this is another event I will be looking forward to on a monthly basis. The new year is holding some exciting things ~ crop times, retreats, hope to head back to Hinton with my girl Kelly and do some more classes with the awesome ladies there ~ my son's grad, my Grandparents 50th Anniversary ~ and a few more exciting milestones. I am looking forward to 2009 ~ to improving and building on the friendships I have, to continuing to improve my health - not only physically but mental growth as well, to much more scrapbooking and bonding time, and precious memories and moments with family.

Right away I get some lovely holiday time from work, and I hope to spend it in my home and get to some pushed away chores to help me bring in the new year on a positive note and push ahead to a bright 2009 ~

I hope to maybe even meet some cyber friends that I have come to know a bit ~ maybe get together in the "real" world haha ~ another bright and positve aspect to look forward in the new year.

Okay off for now ~ I hope you all have a wonderful week :)

The coffee .... does it to you everytime

2008-11-29T00:48:00.004-07:00

Here I sit awake just kinda surfing ~ Miss Dawn came over for a few hours this evening to get in some scrapbooking and quality visiting time and brought a yummy coffee from Starbucks, well I am wide awake and though I could still be scrapping ~ I am surfing instead.

It's been an long week this one has ~ full of ups and downs. I got to touch base with a friend I have been thinking about Miss Tammy B. and have some supper one evening ~ it was good to just sit in a relaxed setting and touch base. So that was an up ~ then the very next day I received some news from my younger sister that a close friend of her and her friends had passed away in a freak hunting accident. A young man same age as my sister, newly married this summer ~ and it broke my heart ~ so much grief felt all around, my heart went out to all of them ~ for it will be a long road. It made me think of priorities and happiness ~ of what trully are things that make me happy, and how important it is to get out and really "live" life. I have a saying "that we just have to bounce" ~ for when we hit a seemingly bottom of any situation, and we feel we can't go lower there is only one way to go ~ bounce up!

So I am going to take deeper breaths, going to stretch higher, expect more of myself ~ and set attainable goals ~ and do some more living. And I hope my friends do the same ~ we honestly don't know what tomorrow will bring, but if we live in the moments of today, and not the regrets of the past or the fear of the future ~ we will face each day with a smile.

So bounce people ~ love live ~ live each day as well as you can ~ it honors those in our worlds that can not do that anymore.

Rest in Peace Faber - I know you are well loved by your friends and your family.

A catch up .....

2008-11-21T10:24:00.002-07:00

It's only been a week and yet seems as life is picking up some speed and becoming a mash of one thing after another. Before my update ~ I want to send out a sincere heartfelt thought to my friend Christine, who recently lost her dear sister ~ there is alot of pain and sadness in her life and my heart is thinking of her. A few of my friends have lost dear family members of late ~ and others are fighting battles, life is so so precious ~ and everything can change at a moment's notice, so I trully hope that all my dear friends are pulling what they can out of life, and really living. Hugs to you all.

I had a chance to enjoy some living myself lately ~ last weekend my dear friend Kelly ~ from Memories in Motion ~ asked me last moment if I would be willing to travel to Hinton with her to help her teach some classes, I literally jumped at the chance to get out of the city and do something a bit different. And the benefits of the weekend are still with me. :-) First we traveled out to Thorsby to the Strawberry Community Hall (such a sweet name for a hall don't you think?) and then to the Heartland Inn for a short stop as well, Kelly did her thing by offering the ladies there a chance to shop in the mobile store ~ her big Lime Green Van is a welcome addition to any crop day or retreat ~ and we were greeted and welcomed in both places warmly. Then on to Hinton! ~ we again were greeted with much warmth and excitement, and we soon got into the two classes that were planned for the evening ~ a canvas class and a Christmas chipboard mini album ~ I had a great time with the classes, for my first time teaching this type of event ~ it was a definite positive and came away with avenues how to improve the experience in the future. We didn't finish teaching till after 10 pm and then Kelly and I proceeded to stay up and chat till after one haha ~ believe me 8 am came early the next morning ~ Kelly spent a couple more hours with some of the gals shopping in the store, and then we were on the road again ~ exhausted but feeling great!!!

Then this Wednesday evening I went to the James Blunt concert with my friend Mel ~ oh my we had the best time, it was worth every penny of the ticket for sure. I love the sound of James Blunt's music ~ and he gave a great performance, and was quite engaging to boot! Mel started off my evening as well by giving me her bday present - she was in Mexico the week of my bday lucky gal haha ~ she gave me a delightful Memory Makers shoulder bag ~ perfect for evening crops ~ I love love love it!!! Such a thoughtful and timely gift for a scrapbooker on the go haha.

So it has been quite the week, haven't really gotten anything in my home accomplished ~ but that is what weekends are for!!!! I am hoping to maybe be able to join some friends at a crop put on by my friend Andrea of Scrapgetti ~ so going to have that as a goal in mind while getting things done. I also may have a chance to see an ex boyfriend of mine this weekend ~ so kinda a twitter about that haha ~ and my son has handball I believe this weekend as well ~ so it's looking to be a full and crazy weekend ~ just how I like them. And then to cap it off the 2 hour premiere movie for one of my fave shows ~ 24 ~ shows Sunday night, can't wait to get some more of Keifer Sutherland ~ yippeeeeee!!!!!

So I am wishing you all a fabulous Friday and lovely weekends - stay safe and try to do some good "living" this weekend ~ Hugs.

Been awhile .....

2008-11-13T08:27:00.003-07:00

Wow so much has happened in life lately ~ that I would not even know where to begin. The most recent event is my son's trip to Cuba, almost :( ~ there trip ended up being cancelled on the account of the Hurricane that hit Cuba last weekend, so they spent 3 days in Toronto, sitting in a hotel room, and then came home Tuesday morning. I so feel for them all, it was crappy to have their trip ruined ~ but I am thankful that they were not already on the island when the hurricane hit. So the week has been a weird one, I had all sorts of plans made ~ ones that didn't include my son being around haha, and those have kinda gone by the wayside, but Go with the Flow is my new motto ~ so I am trying best to live by that. I have had so many friends/aquaintences go on trips in the last few months, has really made me double think just getting away somewhere ~ at this point a weekend in Hinton would be a get away. I don't necessarily have to cross the border.

My bosses are going on a short trip here soon to Vegas, and I am so happy that they are going to get away for a little bit of a trip. It's been a hard month around here, with the results of his latest scans coming back, and they not being good results, and actually news to shake us all to the core. A friend of mine recently lost her mother to cancer as well, my heart and prayers go out to her and her entire family. As well in our family we just passed the 1 year anniversary of my Uncle's passing of cancer last year. So it's been a very reflectful and sobering time in my life.

Recently went to the Scrapilicious crop in Sherwood Park ~ it was so great to be able to attend once again on a Saturday. Though I have missed the people I worked with at my weekend job, I don't at all regret the decision to stick to the one, and have my weekends back ~ it's amazing how it has changed my entire week, I think I took the time for granted ~ a new perspective on things is always good.

I so enjoyed seeing the product of my friend Andrea, she has started a company called Scrapfetti and the stuff is awesome! She introduced me to glimmer mist, and though this product may have been out for awhile ~ it was the demo to show exactly how easy it is to use, and the fabulous results. Of course I had to pick a favorite and then proceed to buy papers to match ~ will have to post up the results soon. I recently received a newer computer and while it is making life easier in some ways, I can't find my scanner driver and haven't figured out how to take a decent picture with my digital of my layouts, I don't have any kind of photo editing software ~ so I am hooped for the moment. So really I am busy creating ~ just can't figure out how to post any of it. :(

I will have to post pictures soon ~ have some recent ones to update with, and some nice ones of the crop at Scrapilicious.

Hope everyone is having an awesome week!

And another week starts ....

2008-10-20T10:32:00.003-06:00

So much happening around me lately ~ and not all so great so I haven't felt like posting much lately ~ want to try and keep the stressing to a minimum ha ~ so for now I will just post up two Halloween layouts I did last weekend, first ones I have ever done. I have for some reason felt like scrapbooking Halloween of late, whether it's the cool weather starting ~ or the awesome Halloween colors out there that are drawing me I don't know but for now I will just post these two layouts ~

Time to be Thankful .....

2008-10-09T12:34:00.005-06:00

I trully think that one of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving ~ The weather is beautiful (usually no snow quite yet), lots of sunshine ~ fall colors still to be seen, schedules usually even out from the bluster of summer ~ activities get going ~ sports and social related, life seems to settle a bit. It's easy to sit and be thoughtful about what in life makes you so thankful everyday ~ decided time my blog needed a bit of a list of what I am trully thankful for in life:

I am thankful for:
~ for my son ~ he trully is my inspiration in life. We have been a family of two for a long time, people come and go in our lives but I always know where he stands in mine ~ and it is a rock that I have held on to a few times.
~ for Sarah ~ I am thankful that Alex has found someone in his life that is good to his soul and that it is visa versa. I know many will say that they are young and have a whole life to live ahead of him, but I say it is great that he can have this amazing growing experience ~ and build the foundations of a strong and lasting relationship.
~ for my family ~ I am trully thankful for my relationships with my sisters, though we have all had our periods where one or more of us wasn't seeing eye to eye or were estranged, I trully have unique and special relationships with them all. Love them much. And the support my mom and hubby show for my son especially has meant the world to me, my family loves him and lets him know this, very important to me. My cousin Bonny, we finally saw each other again this summer after years of only communicating by letter and email ~ she has become one of my closest friends, and I am thankful that she is part of my life and that we are able to share openly with each other, she is good for my heart. My work family ~ especially my employers ~ Dave and Dale, have been a part of our lives for over 10 years now, and we all have lived through together ~ trials in our lives, triumphs in our days, and just simple day to day living, I am so thankful that I have been blessed by being drawn far away from my then home ~ to come and work for this husband and wife duo, I have grown so much.
~ for my friends ~ friends come and go, some stay ~ some get stronger, some change and become more of aquaintances ~ but it is an amazing experience to have them all in my life. From cyber to close tell all my secrets to friends ~ these men and women have all touched my heart in different ways, and continue to add to my ever weaving tapestry of life.
~ for the art of scrapbooking ~ it is one hobby/craft/art that next to photography has added so much to my life. Through expression and lovingly creating art out of special memories ~ I have been able to get through dark periods, celebrate more the good times, reflect on things I might have just brushed by, and meet amazing and talented souls ~ who if anything we connect by our love of pictures, memories, family, friends, pets, special moments, and love of art. It has kept the creative side of me alive, which has been instrumental in my growth and curiousity of life ~ and keeps me grounded and moving forward.

These are a few things I am very thankful for yesterday, today and tomorrow ~

What are you thankful for?

Hugs from me to you ~ I wish you all a Lovely Thanksgiving ~ however you spend it!

It's a thoughtful time .......

2008-10-08T09:12:00.002-06:00

As we near the Thanksgiving holidays ~ it magnifies the thoughtful aspect of the day ~ usually this time of year is a time of reflection for me ~ summer coming to a close, fall is my favorite time ~ where I find myself being more aware of the outdoors and my surroundings more than any other time of the year ~ kids back in school, events, activities ~ starting up or ending ~ etc etc etc. At this time my thoughts are constantly pulled back to my amazing bossman Dave and his family ~ for those that are close to me they know how close I am with my employers and their family ~ basically we have grown together. When I came to work for them my son was just a young boy and now he is a young man, I have been here for over 10 years and really my employers and their family is my work family. I have openly discussed how 2 years ago when Dave was first diagnosed with cancer and started his fight, how it affects everything ~ from the inspiration that he gives me for all that he has gone through, his amazing mind set for what he is still going through, and his facing reality of what is to come ~ he is an amazing man. Since his cancer has come back earlier this year ~ and he had to go back into chemo treatments ~ it's been a long go, the treatments this go around have taken alot more from him, strength, health, his hair ~ we have come to dread his chemo weeks knowing the days to follow take such a toll on him, completely drag out everything he has and beats him up ~ it's a hard time. This week is his last chemo treatment for this go around, which in itself brings all sorts of stress ~ next week scans to see if the last go around has done enough damage to the lesions so they can operate ~ or if his care from this point forward will only be pallative ~ I feel like my heart is twice it's size lately, with the ache I feel for them all. Last year I lost my dear Uncle Harry to cancer, he also had a long and difficult battle ~ and I struggle to understand how to come to terms with this very cruel disease that robs people of their lives and affects everyone around them.

I have friends that are also dealing with a loved one being ill with cancer ~ and my heart goes out to all ~ and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Only Tuesday ......

2008-09-30T13:16:00.004-06:00

and wish it was Sunday haha ~ so I could sleep in a bit and stay in my jammies if I wanted to. Not feeling so hot right at the moment, have this sinus / head thing I can't shake, and so hoping it does not progress any further. Headaches, earaches, neck aches ~ and feel like my eyes are going to pop out of my head from the pressure ~ ha lovely picture eh?!

So haven't been doing alot of scrapping ~ I did go out to a crop with my friend Kelly on Friday night - it's so nice to be able to just sit and chat and scrapbook together ~ she usually has her mobile store with her that she needs to watch, but at these crops ~ no truck so she is able to really join in and we get some great catch up time. I did do a layout and will have to get it scanned up ~ one of my sister's kitty ~ Zoe. It was nice to get out to a crop again, it seems like it had been a very long time.

Wish I could join the gals this weekend at the Scrapilicious crop ~ but this Saturday is my last day at my second job ~ so I will be working, I am glad the crops and activites to get together have started up again this fall season, and I will look forward to hopefully joining some of them again for the November one :-). I have joined in a small hostess group for Close to My Heart for the next 6 or so months, with some ladies I have never met ~ just the organizer ~ Micheline, briefly at a crop weekend, so I am looking forward to that starting up as well. Having little intervals of scrappy together time with other talented and fun ladies keeps my motivation and scrap mojo on a roll ~ one of the reasons I so love the site Creative Scrappers ~ Kristine has built a fun and always challenging group ~ lots to do and see, and always something you can comment on or plan to join in on. It's great, especially for those times where you can't get out of the house but would like to connect with the scrappy world and some great people. :-)

Now I just need to get rid of this little set back of me wanting to lop off my head haha, get feeling better ~ and I will be on my way to some good times. I hope this little update reaches you all in good health ~ hugs.

Last Night's Challenge .....

2008-09-24T13:36:00.003-06:00

Creative Scrappers had the montly 1 Hour Sketch Contest last night ~ and above is the layout I did of my niece Carys ~ little sweetie.

I totally love the challenge of getting a sketch and then completing it in an hour! It has really challenged my scrapping skills and how I think about getting layouts done, now have completed a few of these challenges I realize it does not have to be so over-thought, scrapbooking I mean, and that I can create something I love without having to pour many of my precious hours into it, so I have lots more time then freed up for even more scrapbooking and doing other things I love to do ~ watch my tv shows, read a book, or just chill with family and friends!!

:-)

Okay Okay I give .....

2008-09-21T10:43:00.009-06:00

I have been tagged a few times here, and I will try and get to them ~ going to start with the most recent tagging from my friend Kristine haha, and get it done ;-)

I love Sundays ~ they are my favorite day of the week, at the moment the only day of the week I do things on my terms, at my pace, on my time ~ I am looking forward to a full weekend of this soon ~ but for now I will cherish my Sunday. Okay on with this tag ~

The Five TAG:

10 years ago I:
1. Starting a new job ~ one that I had just finished some post secondary education to do ~ went from retail to business.
2. Decided to make a big move into the big city, to be alot closer to the new job.
3. Was in the middle of issues with a relationship.
4. Had a eight year old son ~ and was dealing with the issue of finding him after school care.
5. Felt unsure of who I wanted to be, and where I was going.

5 Things on "today's to-do list":
1. Tidy my space - scrapbooking and household
2. Get at least one tag done haha
3. Go and watch my son's first Handball games of the season
4. Hopefully touch base with one of my sisters and maybe a friend
5. Look at my week ahead and do a little planning for it

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Hawkins Cheezies
2. Crispeas
3. Lungberg Rice Chips
4. Popcorn
5. Lara Bar - dates and nuts

5 Things I would do if I was a Millionnaire:
1. Buy my son and I nice reliable vehicles
2. Decide where I wanted to live and buy a house
3. Open up my own business
4. Help my family out
5. Go and do some traveling

5 Place I have lived:
1. Edmonton - Born and raised for the first 7 years
2. Fort Saskatchewan - mom's home
3. Fort Saskatchewan - apartment, condo, townhouse ~ with husband
4. Fort Saskatchewan - townhouse - on my own with son
5. Edmonton - condo, house and now again condo ~ my son and I

5 Jobs I have had:
1. Work Experience - Flower shop and then hired on
2. Different Flower shop
3. Fabricland - Asst. Mgr.
4. IGA - Cashier, Customer service, then Office
5. Business Centre - office work

Tag 5 Friends:
1. Laura
2. Mona
3. Tracey
4. Renee
5. Kelly F.

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

Okay now off to tackle some of the to-do list after I go and let those gals know I have tagged them. :-) (which I will have to do tomorrow as my computer at home won't let me, it's getting worse can't wait to get a newer one!)

Cheers

A good visit .......

2008-09-16T11:05:00.004-06:00

Well my close friend Kelly-Ann made it to the city on Saturday ~ and we decided to go out and do a little dancing at Oil City Roadhouse in the evening. This is my son Alex taking our picture on the way to the bar, he was generous enough to be our designated driver for the evening, not only driving us to but coming at 2:30-3:00 am to pick us up! haha Awesome kid I have, but it certainly gave Kelly-Ann and I an opportunity to let our hair down a bit and have some fun, which we did. We also went the next morning and had breakfast with our friends Donna and Chris out by Ardrossan ~ god the country is so beautiful, I think I need to go on some more weekend drives to really appreciate the beauty before the snow flies, or we lose all the beautiful colors out there. All in all it was a great weekend ~ time at home, time with my friends, and time to appreciate the world around me. :-)

This is us as we got home that night, I would definitely say not bad for 2:30-3:00 am in the morning, after a night of drinking and dancing haha ~ it's the awesome karma we share, she is a good for my soul friend, and look forward to another visit soon.

Hope you are all having a lovely day!

kinda been a tossy turvy week .......

2008-09-10T14:21:00.002-06:00

Wednesday it is ~ though for some reason the week seems to be going impossibly slow and it should be Friday I think haha.

Tonight I am heading over to a Celiac "Anti-Panic" session - On the Celiac Association website it explains the session like this:

Linda and her helpers will take you on an imaginary trip to the grocery store. You will be shown a large variety of foods that are available, learn how to check labels, and how to use your kitchen wisely.
This is a fantastic way to learn how to eat well and be healthy on a gluten free diet. So, bring along your family, friends and, of course, your questions.

So I am not quite sure what to expect, but I am excited to give it a go ~ I know the more I learn to live a smooth day to day existence with Celiac Disease ~ the better off I will be physically and mentally. Some days I just feel very overwhelmed and trully lost as to how to do this, disappointed and down when I make slip ups (like today ~ had a beverage that did not sit well and now fighting to just stay sitting up straight) and lost ~ and then other days I am on the top of the world, feel like I could accomplish anything and have a new zest for life that is refreshing and uplifting, and all I want to do is share insight and love with everyone I care about haha.

Now the trick is to balance the two ~ and I have it made. :- )

My friend Kelly-Ann is traveling up from Calgary this weekend to spend a couple days in the city ~ and I can't wait! I have missed her terribly since she moved to Calgary, and though just lately we finally have been back on more of a regular communication basis (she took mat leave so we lost touch for a while until she could get internet access) it's just not the same as a face to face chat. So that will be a big highlight of my coming weekend ~

I hope everyone is having a lovely week!
cheers

It's late and I am sitting here awake ....

2008-09-07T00:00:00.002-06:00

Not sure why ~ I think it was the half a cup of coffee I had late tonight ~ trying to get a little more out of the weekend. Long work day but working with Sarah and Angela today so it was alot of fun ~ I do know that I am going to miss all the awesome people I work with on my weekend job ~ especially Miss Sarah who I mostly work with on Saturdays, she is awesome and I miss her already!

I bought another awesome ceramic plaque today from work, saying:

"If you have no regrets, you need to get out more."

haha love it ~ and so correct, got to get out there and live life, and yes it is not always going to go the way we want it to ~ but that's okay, on we go ~~~~~ :-)

I have another one on my fridge that I got a while back it says:

"Wise enough to know better, old enough to care less."

Love that one too, could you say I have a bit of an attitude? haha yep maybe ~ but I think it will serve me well, I am ready to take a bit more of a hold on life, and run with it. I owe it to myself, and I owe it to the people in my life that can't do that anymore.

Okay since I am so wide awake I am going to go and do some scrapping ~ and maybe a little dreaming ......

Little ones on the brain today .......

2008-09-04T10:33:00.002-06:00

Little Devlin goes in for double hernia surgery today, the little guy has gone through so much since he was born premature in May ~ and I am hoping once he gets this little problem fixed up today he can get on to the business of growing nice and strong. My heart is with his mommy Kelly-Ann, and sending her strong cyber hugs and support her way. And a huge good recovery kiss to Devlin.

Quite the day ~ my friend Donna also became a grandmother this morning ~ her daughter Desirae gave birth to a beautiful baby girl this morning. Hayleigh did not come easy, but she is now here! My congrats goes out to them and the whole family.

I so love the long weekends!!!

2008-09-01T11:13:00.004-06:00

It's Monday and here I have another day at home!!! I so love long weekends so that I get to just spend some quality time doing what I want ~ yesterday I cleaned, and did some scrapbooking and some reading!! And I think maybe today should be full of the same ~ here is my layout that I was inspired to do yesterday by this weeks creative Sketch on Creative-scrappers.com ~ I so love the inspiration I am drawing from the group, it is amazing when you see sometimes 20 layouts or more go up of the same sketch and they are different! Really opens up your imagination and also shows that if you love a sketch there are so many ways to use it again and again in your books, and by changing this or that, flipping it, turning it sideways using different techniques it's a whole new layout! So so cool ~

I hope everyone has a fabulous Monday ~ I think I am off to do some scrapping this morning as I was inspired by a new TECHNIQUE challenge on Creative Scrappers! Cheers :-)

Friday Friday Friday! :-)

2008-08-29T14:28:00.004-06:00

Well the week is ending like it started - pretty darn good ~ I am over the worst of my reaction and starting to feel good and healthy again ~ yippeee!!

In fact last night I sat down and did a layout - using the sketch from this weeks sketch challenge on Creative Scrappers ~ love the sketch and think I will be using this one more often. Using one of my favorite subjects of course my niece Carys ~ she has changed so much since these 3 month pictures haha as of course she would.

And on Monday night we had another 1 hour Sketch challenge on Creative Scrappers!!! It was the site's third and my second one ~ I so love the inspiration I am drawing from this group of very talented ladies, and being able to delve into my love of using sketchs while scrapping. Two layouts in one week so far ~ hey that is a record for me in the last while, and I hope to keep on a roll :-) Maybe after a little housecleaning tonight, I will sit and do another (we have a bonus sketch this week as well that I am itching to do) I am feeling so inspired! It's so good to be on the good side of a bad reaction now ~ and up up up and away!!!!!!!

Have a lovely long weekend everyone!

It's crazy the difference a day makes .....

2008-08-28T08:13:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I was in a fabulous mood in the morning ~ Tuesday night not only did I finally convince my sister to join the online scrapbooking group Creative Scrappers ~ she needs inspiration very badly ~ she is a tool collector has some really cool things I don't haha ~ but she needs to find her creative outlet and actually USE THEM! So that was a big plus.

And I also reconnected with a friend that night, had an awesome chat that left me feeling great about everything ha ~ I love those kind of chats ~ re-energizes me and makes me motivated to get things done. And I am so happy to say ~ and in large because of all the talented and friendly gals on Creative Scrappers ~ I feel like scrapbooking again!!!!! Course I have to balance it with all the other stuff I let go of late haha like housecleaning but I am feeling inspired. I just wanted to get through the work day and go home and do some balancing hee hee ~ some cleaning and some scrapping ~ it's so good to feel inspired again! Then I got to touch base again in the day and chat with my lovely friend Kelly-Ann ~ she is back on MSN messenger on a more regular basis so I am able to connect with her more often ~ I so so missed her ~ and she confirmed she will be coming up to see me in a couple weeks or so, and I can't wait to see her and spend some quality time with her.

Well that was Wednesday - I was feeling on a high and went home and started some organizing of bookwork I have been ignoring for a few months ~ bad me ~ and got right into it as I was making supper ~ which turned out to be a very good thing that I got something done before I ate. Now here is my vent ~ I started to crash as soon as I ate (telling me that somehow I had contaminated myself with my food, and that I still have a ways to go to make my cooking in MY KITCHEN gluten free). As my body started to slump I got so angry and depressed (it's all part of the reaction though dealing with it isn't getting any easier) and then I further compounded it by eating something that I was unsure of (like that makes sense) because I was trying to ~~~ I don't know ~~~ better my mood? What I did was crash my whole system entirely. I became almost frozen with pain and discomfort and my body felt like it was falling into a drug induced coma ~ it's so hard to explain to people what it means to slip up ~ and I am not sure if the reactions are just worse when I slip up now ~ might be as your body is usually pretty gluten free and it is a shock to your system when you slip up. And I know part of the anger, that I start to feel unreasonably quickly, is because unlike indigestion or a mild stomach upset - I screw up my system for days! I mean I am up and at work like I have to be today, and my stomach pain has eased ~ but the drag on my body (like you are getting the flu) stays with me for days ~ therefore erasing all the wonderful motivation I had just a day before ~ lord it is frustrating. And there is not a thing I can do about it, not a pill I can take, or a way to eat something to offset it ~ I just have to ride out the reaction and try not to screw up too badly in the meantime. Which is frustrating in itself, because of course my lunch today is my supper last night (had no choice as it is all I had made in my fridge) it was either take that or starve today ~ which may end up being the choice in the end. I may have my son bring me some cereal (gluten free of course) for lunch ~ that may help that.

It's a bit overwhelming at times, and of course at the moment my mental health also takes a dip when I have a reaction ~ for it is harder to handle simple stresses in life when you are feeling like a truck hit you ~ but at least now I know I can climb out of this fog and there is a good place to be evenutally ~ I am usually in that good place most of the time now so I am going to try and take this dip and stop being so hard on myself. It does show me though that I have more work to do in my home, after having replaced so many things ~ I still have some research and changing to do. I mean a plus is that I have a whole new set of pots and pans, of bakeware, of cooking utensils ~ that is cool (if expensive) for haven't had new stuff for years and years, kinda fun to have new stuff.

Okay so that is part of Celiac Disease and learning to live with it ~ incredible highs and mind numbing lows ~ and I am striving to have more and more highs in my life (and I am well on my way) than lows. So today I am sick and unmotivated and feeling crappy - but in a few days I will be back on top of the world and back at it!!!!!

I promise myself. Hugs to you all ~

Monday Monday Monday .....

2008-08-25T15:24:00.003-06:00

to all my friends who have "tagged" me on their sites of late, I will get to the tag never fear, though haha I won't have anyone to tag myself as you are the ones I chat with at all through my blog haha.

Well it was a very nice weekend, I went out by myself and joined my mom and her husband Ron out at the lake for a relaxing weekend. It was so nice and very much needed ~ just to be able to kick back and totally relax because well you have no other choice. Seems as if I missed too much of the summer this year, and will strive not to do the same next summer ~ too much work not enough play makes Sherri a very dull girl haha. I need my weekends back I have decided, and while giving up a second job I really enjoy (people, place) and the money that comes in from it ~ will be very much missed, my whole weekend and peace of mind will be a gain.

I keep waffling as to when, always something to save or pay for ya know ~ but I do know before the snow flies. Camping this weekend was so nice, we took a huge walk around the lake and went and viewed a few (from the outside) lake lots that are for sale, most with pre existing houses on them ~ my mom and Ron thinking of investing in a lake lot. I know it maybe a while coming yet for them to make a decision but it would be a definite plus to have a year round get away. When the world gets to be a bit much to be able to head out and not be too far from the city ~ just far enough to regroup and then get back at it.

I have been missing getting out on a regular basis and seeing my cropping friends, but they have all very busy lives right now and doesn't look like a meet up anytime soon. All fine as I have found a comfortable niche at home, and a great site for inspiration (Creative Scrappers) and I always have other lovely friends out there like Mel and Kelly that are a call away if I need some good ol' friend scrapping time. Fall is coming too and soon most will start back into regular routines, school starting, and while this brings it's own busy time ~ seems as if the scrapping world starts to come alive again.

Touched base with my friend Kelly-Ann this morning, it was good to hear from her ~ little Devlin is going through a bit of a rough spot, has a double hernia that he has been booked for surgery for, precious little one ~ and it will be nice when he is over these hurdles and can get to the business of growing strong and healthy. I am hoping to see her soon, she is going to try to come to Edmonton for a weekend and some good friend time, once the little one is finished his surgery and well onto healing. I can't wait to see her ~ and I hope that all goes very well with his surgery and his recovery and he is feeling tonnes better soon.

It's been a quiet week so far ....

2008-08-21T15:41:00.014-06:00

And that is fine by me ~ last night spent a few hours scanning and posting pictures on facebook of our BC vacation - here are a few of my favorites!

Me and my Alex

My sister Barb's precious little bunch

Just proves that no matter how old they get you can't keep them clean haha

Alex and Rob

My two youngest sisters, Barb and Amanda

Little Beach bum

My cousin Bonny

Alex and my sister Belinda

Alex and gf Sarah

Alex and my Grampa and Grampa

Special times, special people!

And Monday starts another week .....

2008-08-18T11:23:00.002-06:00

Last week ended up being such a whirl wind ~ wonder what this week will bring haha. Thursday night of last week I ended up going out for supper with my friend Krystal ~ she has been my amazing and wonderful stylist for years, and we have become friends over that time, finally decided it was time we go out and have a good chat ~ and made supper plans. It was great, we get along very well and she is a pretty down earth gal ~ which suits me to a T. :-)

Saturday I was back at my retail job for the day, and truthfully had to drag myself to my sixth day this week ~ missing so much of the summer and starting to drag at the heavy schedule each week. We are going camping with my mom and Ron this coming up weekend ~ so so looking forward to getting away and just chilling. Really need a break ~ it's funny, as I actually had a vacation this year (first get away vacation in the last 4 years), to say that, but that time was so busy and so full of traveling and visiting and traveling and visiting and ...... well you get the picture ~ that this weekend feels like the only true get away time I am going to have this summer. I enjoy my time at my weekend retail ~ I work with great people, get a chance to get back to customer service (which I miss sometimes) and it's not stressful ~ but the six day weeks are starting to catch up with me, not as young as I use to be haha, and I have to start weighing the bit of extra cash against my declining life haha. So I will have to do some re-thinking over the next couple months, and go from there.

Sunday it was so hot here in the city ~ and though it seems silly to wish for cooler weather ~ considering what is to come haha ~ I am doing just that. My little place is an oven and therefore not much gets done on a day off where I just don't have the motivation to move haha, so Sunday was a quiet day. I did finish putting together the layout of my niece, below ~ and I was pleased with the end result. Just need some details from her mom, date and location to finish off the journal box. I hope the week cools as promised too, so that I can actually spend some time in my scrapping room and put my newly refound creative mood to work haha.

And we will see what this week brings ~ maybe this week will be the more quiet one and the get a few things done around the house one haha ~ if our weather cooperates and cools a bit. Otherwise maybe I should contact some friends and go sip a marguerita on a patio somewhere in the evenings haha, or go and take my new camera for a spin and get out to see some of the city ~ who knows the week is young ~
I do hope all of you have a fabulous one!!!
cheers
Sherri

Heading on UP! :-)

2008-08-14T10:19:00.002-06:00

Well it's Thursday ~ and though I still have Friday and Saturday to work, the week has definitely taken an upward turn ~ as I knew it would haha. I do have to say with this new lease on life, by knowing what was causing alot of my health issues ~ having Celiac Disease ~ and being able to REALLY deal with it, have some control over improving and maintaining ~ and the big ONE to know that when there is a dip or a slip I WILL be able to change it and feel better ~ has me never staying down for long. It's amazing how everything is connected in our bodies ~ how it affects not only how we physically feel ~ but how we mentally feel. I can't ever trully explain how grateful I am to have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease ~ it has trully opened up a new chapter in life, and I am enjoying the challenge. The more I learn the less I slip ~ the better I feel ~ the more I want to learn ~ yada yada haha.

And here I was planning on having a quiet week at home, working on catching up around the house ~ keeping on the down low ~ it's funny how things in life can change so quickly. Along with my health improving this week, (and I feel great today!!!) with it came energy, and then things started getting busy, as they usually do ~ energy attracts action! I even started a layout of one of my beautiful nieces earlier on this week ~ it felt so good to be sitting at my scrapping table and creating some more art. Ran out and met my friend Mel one evening ~ and picked up my Epicure order ~ I love Epicure, it's safe and helps me put some of the spice back in life haha ~ only spice I get lately so better be good hahaha. I stopped in to our local Library on the way home, and got a new Library card!!! My son called me a dork haha, but I was amazed all that is in the Library now ~ I am so itching to spend alot more time in there ~ my new lease on energy has me thinking of researching and learning about new areas in life ~ there is so much knowledge out there and not enough hours in a day, who knows maybe I will find some new answers that will help connect my soul. That same evening I got a call from an old school friend, we hadn't connected for over 20 years really!!! It was great ~ we talked and talked for over an hour ~ I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. The funniest part was that this week he is watching his 14 month old twins, while his lovely wife and young daughter are on a mini holiday ~ his antics of what those two cuties are putting dad through had me in tears ~ reconnecting with a friend does wonders.

My dear cousin Bonny is a bit glum these days - her beautiful daughter Kali is off to college - in Nebraska! Far from their home in Kelowna ~ but Bonny says that she has talked to her and she is happy and excited, and we all know that though it is hard to watch our loved ones follow a dream that takes them away from us - it is very good to the soul to know they are happy spreading their wings.

Last night we went over to my mom's place - had to go over and check out all the amazing yard work that Ron has been doing, he finished laying their new sidewalk in a cobblestone brick design, and then we went over all the new plans for their front landscaping soon to start. Hope to get my son Alex over there to help level the yard with the bobcat, will be a good skill to learn and add to his resume. We also were introduced to the newest member of the family - Little Sara - a beagle ~ she is about a year and a half old, full of life, and a perfect fit for mom and Ron.

And it's only Thursday haha - have more plans tonight now and who knows what the end of the week will bring haha ~~~~~

Hope you are all having a FABULOUS week!
cheers

Monday already ......

2008-08-11T10:53:00.003-06:00

I guess I should really blog the bad with the good, if I want to keep an accurate journal for myself ~ then you can always look back and see that there are good and bad times, and life goes on. I have hit a serious low of late ~ and I know I will pull out of it, just a touch of summer blues combined with a few disappointments, a couple worries thrown in there, and a spirit lacking for scrapbooking of late.

I liked this quote I found today:

Milton Berle:
I'd rather be a "could-be', if I cannot be an "are'; because a "could-be" is a "maybe" who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a "has-been" than a "might-have-been', by far; for a "might-have-been" has never "been", but a "has" was once an "are'.

I think I need to look a bit into me more and find out what keeps me ticking and then build on that ~ get things back on track. I think part of the reason I am off is because I screwed up my eating early last week, which put me off for a good part of the week last week, and I just haven't climbed back up. Combined with the heat wave, and some stress ~ I am a bit of a physical mess right now, but I know I can improve that just need to figure out what I am continuing to eat that is hurting me, and try and let some of this stress go.

My dear employer ~ which some of you know has been battling with cancer, and was just shown to be cancer free early this year, like February ~ is once again ill and back on chemo ~ this has made my heart so very heavy. Their family has gone through so much, and it is so hard to watch loved ones go through this ~ as I know many of my friends can attest too ~ which also makes me very sad.

A friend of mine just told me of this quote she heard:
Olympist:
"Don't worry about things that you can't catch your breath, remember the things that take your breath away."

This is what I am striving for, more "take your breath away" moments ~

I am missing my sisters ~ though visiting is always hard when you don't have your own space and stuff around you ~ it really made me realize how very far away they all are, and not knowing when I will see them all again ~ just breaks my heart. I am fortunate to have relationships with all my sisters, I have friends that have none ~ and I have found over the years as we have gotten older, our relationships mature, change, and sometimes for the best sometimes they need a break. But the end line is ~ when we need each other ~ there is a sister there. I have been watching Charmed lately, haha so maybe this is even strengthening the missing the sisters thing ~ I knew having the last sister (my youngest) to move to BC was going to be hard, but I really wasn't as prepared to feel so lonely and so very far away from all of them. Course this was the first trip (my vacation) to see them in 4 years, and the reconnecting time also I am sure is adding to that. I just miss them all dearly.

I am glad today is cooler weather, it actually feels a bit chilly ~ but I would rather this than the horrid heat of last week. I find that the heat, once I walk out of work, just zaps any energy from me ~ I honestly don't get anything done at home or in life. So this week is going to be catch up week, as I see forcasted for the weekend back to the heat and all next week ~ so I am hoping to kick out some of these summer blues with some good ol' roll up your sleeves and get at it work ~ and blow the mood, the bad stomach and the feeling of despair ~ right out of the water haha.

And I wish for all of you ~ a fabulous week!
hugs

YYYIIIPPPPEEEEEEEE .......

2008-08-05T16:52:00.003-06:00

Little Devlin at home for the first time since being born on May 18th ~ snug as a bug in his new bed

Sweet little Devlin went home from the hospital today!!!

Way to grow little one, keep it up ~

So precious :-)

A great big thanks ....

2008-08-05T11:34:00.002-06:00

Goes out to my fabulous friend Kristine - from Creative Scrappers.com ~ she is amazingly talented and created this new blog header for me, which I so love ~ and also posted great instructions so I could actually get it on here :-) ~ SHE ROCKS!!!!

yippee .....

2008-08-03T12:15:00.004-06:00

We have a long weekend here in Alberta ~ and I am so thankful for it!!! Ha ha for me that means two whole days for myself and my home, and to relax or work in my space. Though for the most part I have gotten into a routine of working the six days a week again ~ I sure do enjoy my time off more, and cherish being able to just be at home, or having the energy to go out and do whatever shopping or errands that the full week of work zaps. I do have tonnes to do in my home, but today I think I need a day just for me ~ to catch up on things that I need to keep me even steven so to speak.

Need to catch up on some computer surfing time, get over to my friend Mike's blog and see how his trip is progressing ~ though from the heading showing up on my sideline I think he may have had another set back, that sucks ~ I know he wants to get on the road and continue his ride home. My thoughts and heart go out to him.

I love checking into my friend Sean's facebook site ~ he keeps us all updated on how my dear friend Kelly-Ann and little Devlin are doing, I do believe that precious little one is soon to come home ~ amazing little journey starting out, and soon home with his family. I can't wait to be able to get down to see him, and maybe even give him a bit of a cuddle soon!

Have emails to return, friends and family to keep in contact with ~ and have some "me" time to get to. I haven't scrapbooked in ages, and I can feel the tilt of life being a little off ~ scrapbooking for me is a calming and relaxing therapy to life, and I have been missing it dearly. My friend Kristine had the most awesome Sketchfest this past weekend, and though I missed participating at the actual time, I have so much inspiration to gaze at and get my mojo kick started again.

I think for the most part I have fallen into a bit of a summer funk - but I have every faith in myself that I will blow it away soon ~ life is good and full and as my health gets better and better ~ I can feel the energy and motivation returning, I have a bit of catching up to do all around me, but I have the faith in myself that I will get things done, and that now is really the beginning of the next phase of my life, and I only see bright and beautiful things from here on out!

I do hope that you all have a peaceful and beautiful day, whatever and whomever you spend it with - till next update ~
cheers

Wow - life is just a flying by .......

2008-07-24T09:59:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it is the 24th of July already - vacation come and gone ~ back to the grind at work/s haha. Today is actually my 10 year anniversary at my main employment - wow 10 years, it's amazing to me all that has happened in my life since I came into Edmonton to work, and then also moved here. How my son has grown since starting here, he is now a young man and doing well in life, he does my heart good. Our moves, the changes in me and my life, outlook and friends ~ weddings, funerals, divorces and special births ~ 10 years - a decade of time and experiences.

My vacation was really nice, guess you appreciate things even more when it is 4 years since the last one haha. As I knew I would I loved getting on the road with the kids, Alex and his gf Sarah - and taking our first leg of the trip to Kelowna. My cousin Bonny had supper ready and waiting, just threw the steaks on the barby when we arrived, and we had a lovely evening visiting with her and her family. The next day we went to the Kelowna boardwalk - strolled in the sunshine, chatting, people watching ~ stopped to get a henna tatoo, have some lunch and visit. It was lovely - really had a good time visiting with my cousin Bonny, first time I have ever been out to visit her and already looking forward to the next time we can get out and spend some time there.

I really enjoyed going out and re-visiting BC, seeing my nieces and nephews (they are all growing so fast) and spending time with my sisters. We spent some time at Harrison Beach just out of Chilliwack - with sisters Amanda and Barbra and kids, the afternoon on the beach ~ my family all being beach babies (and me in the shade haha) had a great time building sand castles and playing in the water. My son Alex thinking he was going to start his summer color, did just so, with a fiery red at the end of the day - silly young man, so he was a bit sore for a few days until things stopped cooking, and much more respectful of the sun ha.

Went up to Bridal Falls one morning, a nice little hike and then the beauty of the falls - the kids (niece Hayley and nephew Austin) were so enthralled with the fact that they could drink right from the falls, haha though my little niece promptly told us she spit it out - she is only 4 and though ready to try was not so sure we were telling the truth that the water was fresh ha. So cute. I envy them living so close to all the natural beauty of the area.

Traveled into North Vancouver to spend some time with my sister Belinda and her family - we went to Grandville Island for the day, shopping, eating and walking - love Grandville and all the cute little shops there. Also spent some time shopping for gluten free stores and stuff, that was fun. My sister Belinda is very into understanding celiac disease, and wanted to make my trip as smooth as possible ~ and also get some education herself in case her tests come back positive. Groundwork so to speak haha. We started getting ready for my son's big party on Saturday. Had fun getting the yard decorated, went with a Hawiian theme - Belinda's ideas came to life before our eyes and I was very pleased with the effect. We had a great time, lots of food, family, and visiting.

Back we went to Chilliwack to finish off our trip ~ went on a steep and tiring hike up Tea pot hill - don't let the flowery name fool you, nothing tea pot about it haha - but the amazing view at the top was worth it, could see the valley ~ awesome. Then back down down down the trail, and then to the lake for the rest of the afternoon, my sister Barb and I took Austin and baby Carys and went off to bring Austin to his hockey practice - that was great, he puts on those skates and he gains about 3 years in maturity - how sure of himself and smooth he is on those skates, fun to watch when I wasn't running around after my little niece haha. And then back to the lake for supper and the evening with the rest of the crew.

On our way out on Tuesday morning, my sister Amanda decided she and Barb and the kids should come just out of town with us and we should all go to Othello Tunnels before we left for home. I wanted to get on the road, but I am so glad I let her talk us into the detour, not only did we get to spend a little more time with the kids and my two youngest sisters, but I really enjoyed soaking up more of the beautiful area, the tunnels and the white water running in the valley - just breathtaking. I decided I really need to start getting out more too and enjoying the wonders and sites of my own area - lots of beautiful places and spaces in and around the city too.

It was more than a little emotional to say good-bye, not sure when I will see them all again ~ even my little sister Amanda was a teary eyed as I was, she just moved out there, after living her whole life near me ~ and it was hard to leave my sisters all in BC, not knowing when I will be able to spend time with them again. I know my mom and I are really going to feel Amanda now being gone as well, makes me so sad ~ but I am comforted by the fact that she has a beautiful place in Chilliwack and she is happy to be there and starting a new adventure in life. I wish her and her honey Rob well.

And I am so so so glad to be home myself, nothing like a trip away to make you appreciate your space and routine in life I tell ya! I missed my bed, my couch, and even as weird as it sounds my fridge haha, yep my fridge.

I had some time today to go to my friend Mike's site and read up on how he is doing on his own motorcycling trip down around the states and back, he is stuck in California right now with some bike troubles, I hope he gets on the road again soon. His blog has been like reading a really good novel, he is a great writer, you can almost see things when he describes the sites and sounds ~ the amazing information age eh?! Hard to even think what we would do without the internet ~ okay well I am off to actually do some work today, been an easy day ~ first day back and my employers are off to the Indy today - I hope they have a great weekend end enjoying the races, they not only deserve it - they need it.

And I hope all my friends and family have a great week too!!!!

I am humbled ....

2008-07-07T16:06:00.002-06:00

by life ~ and the trials and tribulations that some who are so close to me are going through. I am awed by the miracles, some small some great that I have witnessed in the last months, and forever grateful for those moments in life that still can take my breath away ~ or for those simple things that just make me smile.

I am a bit preoccupied today ....

2008-07-04T11:41:00.002-06:00

Little Devlin is going through a tough patch right now and it is a bit of a worry ~ they just feel so far away. I read on Sean's status today, that he is back on antibiotics, and they have stopped feeding him again and is scheduled for more tests. One step forward two steps back right now - such a little fighter that little one is ~ he makes my heart swell with wonder. Going to visit him really affected me, I have a deep sense of awe that I can't shake, and a deep calm ~ you really see how small you are and your problems are when you witness such a beautiful miracle ~ hard to explain. He really has filled some of the places of my heart that have been hollow lately, he is amazing.

How was your Canada day????

2008-07-02T15:28:00.001-06:00

As my son was off in BC helping my little sister move there - I kept busy around the house, so much to do ~ yesterday I finally got up my bedroom curtains (have just had venitian blinds for years) and I can't believe the difference in the look. I love it ~ Went out to buy some bottled water also and thought I would slip into Linen n' Things to see if they had a curtain for in front of my washer and dryer set (the huge mirrored doors that were there can not go back up as the dryer is too big now and I walked out of the store a mighty bit poorer haha - bought a new pots and pans cookware set and a new bakeware set - I need to replace all this cooking stuff now that my way of eating has been changed - sounds weird I know - but even the smallest microorganism of gluten sets off a reaction - and after cooking with gluten heavy foods for years you can not get any cookware clean enough - crazy I know!

And as for my little sister, Rob and my son Alex. They are pulling a 14 ft trailer from Budget Rentals. They took it with their own truck to BC the first way on Monday, the load was impossibly heavy, I was a bit worried ~ they even had to go and change out the hitch and get some equalizer bars put on the load before they left on Monday - Ron (my mom's hubby and a truck driver) didn't like what they had. Anyway the load proved to be a bit much for their truck, because something went wrong, and their truck had to be left in Chilliwack because it needs repair and they had to rent another truck so that they can bring the trailer back, and pick up the remaining stuff here. So they had to rent a truck to bring back the rented trailer to Edmonton, they didn't end up leaving Chilliwack till about 6:30 BC time, traveled to just before Valemount ~ stopped at a Huskey just outside ~ met a very shaken woman who had just been caught at the end of the mudslide - Rob was going to push on anyway, but the highway police stopped them at Valemount told them the highway was closed, so they had to spend the night there. Said that they could continue on once the highway was cleared figured about noon today - but no - just before noon the highway and Mount Robison pass has been closed completely and they were turned back, so they have to head back to Kamloops and then take the Rogers Pass way ~ a good 16 hour driving day for them, lordy lordy it has been quite the trial this whole move, from start.

I will just be happy when they are home here safe with my son, and hope they have a safe drive back to BC. Won't be settled until they are back in Chilliwack.

Heart in my throat today ....

2008-06-30T13:53:00.003-06:00

Well yesterday was a busy busy day - getting my sister Amanda and her man Rob all packed up for their move to BC today. They are on the road today, with my son going along to assist in their unpacking, with their crazy heavily truck and 14ft long trailer packed to the brim. My heart is in my throat for a number of reasons - first because of their trip, I hope they all stay safe and that their trip is smooth and uneventful, a bit more than nervous at the weight of the load and them traveling through the mountains. And two because my last sister who was here in Alberta is now moving to BC ~ that means all 4 (three of who I am still in regular contact) sisters will now be living in BC, and it seems so far away.

It makes me sad, you know that they have to do what makes them happy ~ and they all seem to gravitate to the coast for some reason ~ we all originated from here not BC but the mountains and ocean calls them I guess. Myself I am an Alberta girl, true I like the mountains fine enough, to visit, but in my heart I am a prairie girl, I love the flat open spaces and being able to see fields and rolling hills for miles and miles when you hit a high spot in the terrain. I like having 4 definite seasons, even like the snow on occasion haha, I know come deep winter when it seems like it will never end I may be retracting those words, but now with the sun shining brightly outside and the green grass a-swaying I can say that I like my seasons, all of them.

It also just makes me sad for that is less family at holiday time, means all my sons Aunts and cousins are in BC (on my side of the family - really the side he sees) ~ and that now with the rise in gas prices, and the expense of living we won't get to see them on a yearly basis ~ and that will make them seem even farther away.

So I am in a very thoughtful mood today, as my youngest sister heads West to join the others ~ I will miss having her close, and hope that we don't lose touch ~ and wish her all the happiness in the next step for her adventure called life.

Take care all,
cheers

Tuesday again?!! haha

2008-06-24T08:27:00.005-06:00

HHHHmmmm see I haven't updated my blog for a bit now, must remedy that right now. Course not like anything huge has happened but like I said my blog is not only a connection to some cyber friends I have out there, who one day it would be awesome to meet, some good friends, but also a running tally for myself on how life goes by.

I went and took a trip to see my friend Kelly-Ann and her sweet little premmie last weekend, it was basically a there and back trip ~ but I am oh so glad I was able to spend a few precious hours with little Devlin ~ who as of today is up to 3 pds 1 ounce and growing. He was a tiny little miracle, his little little fingers, little toes, soft little fringe of eyelashs just finally growing. He is going through alot and it is hard to see the little guy hooked up to tubes and machines, but he is growing and getting a little stronger everyday ~ I sure wish we lived closer to one another, they seem so far away right now. I was just awed by his tiny little person, and very humbled about life in general. And I so am missing my friend Kelly-Ann, I wish we could melt the miles away ~ it's hard to support friends the way you want to when they move away. And I miss our spontaneous nights going out to supper, or going to the comedy club, or kicking up our heals a bit. Here is a recent photo daddy Sean posted up of mom and dad with sweet little Devlin ~ got to love Facebook I have been able to see him progress and grow, such a sweet little miracle that one.

I am in a pretty fabulous mood today, went out on a date last night ~ yes those of you who know me well will be gasping in shock haha, yes yes I did. And I had a great time ~ it was with a guy I have known for a number of years, so this will be the start of a rekindled relationship?! I do think so ~ but I will take things day by day and see how it goes. Both of us work all the time, and don't have much spare time to give to anyone ~ but our history and knowing exactly where the ball is at may just work in our favor I think. Time will tell.

I haven't seen much of my scrapbooking gals lately, going through a big withdrawl ~ but going to see them this Friday for a crop so at least we can touch base a bit then ~ a little reconnecting time in order.

Life is finally evening out a bit ~ and maybe even taking an upward turn and getting a bit exciting in the process haha - I can use it.

Hope you all have a lovely week!
cheers

A little creating time ...

2008-06-08T14:43:00.008-06:00

I just did four 8x8 layouts of my mom's ceremony in December to add to my gift album I am doing up for my grandparents ~ almost completed and should be ready to travel with me to BC this summer ~ thought I would share the wedding layouts :-)

Monday Monday Monday .....

2008-06-02T10:10:00.002-06:00

and back at work today ~ feels a bit strange, but all good.

It's been a bit of a quieter day today, not too busy just steady ~ so gives me the opportunity to check into a couple sites, and run in here. Want to go and check out some more blogs today ~ there is a never ending supply of inspiration out there, really makes me wish I didn't have to work to pay the bills haha, so I could sit home and just create.

Should be a smooth week this week, I don't have alot planned in the way of going out ~ a bunch of my scrapbooking cropping friends are heading off to a crop retreat this weekend coming up. :-( I decided that vacation has to rule precident for now, so I could not join them ~ but so looking forward to getting to BC in the summer, I haven't been to BC for 4 years now, and haven't seen some of my family there since then.

Feels a bit weird to really have no big plans for the next while ~ I have been on the go so much the last while that I have to re-learn what to do with down time ~ lots has been piling up at home to do so that will keep me busy for awhile, and now that the weather is getting so nice I really need to look at getting out more and getting some exercise ~ maybe start a regular walking schedule and once completely healed maybe use that gym membership I pay for monthly hahahaaha ~ my kid would be so surprised hee hee.

Well ladies I want to wish you all a very good day, and have fun whatever you get up to.

cheers

and how am I feeling?????

2008-05-27T20:05:00.002-06:00

Well not too bad, though I have been sitting here at the computer adding my new scrapping friends from Creative Scrappers and now I am a bit tired and sore, so time to lie down again.

Have to say they give you some great drugs at the hospital haha, so for the most part my discomfort is kept to a minimum. I do have to comment I have some really good people out there not only in cyber land but around here that have wished me well, and thank you all for that ~ it warms my heart.

Okay back to the couch for me time to have a little more rest time, can't wait till I feel good enough to start scrapbooking again, so I can join in on the fun of the new sketches challanges on the Creative Scrappers site. Kristine and friends have done such a great job getting things going, lots of fun and always something to be inspired by on there!!

www.creative-scrappers.com ~

Okay the couch calling ~ take care everyone!

Monday hhhhmmmmm ......

2008-05-26T10:20:00.002-06:00

Well I am heading to the hospital soon, having a little day surgery ~ nothing life threatening ~ but I am a bit nervous all the same. I haven't been under a knife since my son was born or even before really when I had my tonsils out at 17 haha ~ so it's been awhile. Kinda in a upsy downsy mood ~ keeps flipping all over the place ~ but I am told that is a very natural and normal thing, so for once I am acting normal ha.

I am so loving how the recent rains have greened up our space in the world, spring is really finally here ~ soon I can get my flowers and plant up all my containers and then it will feel like summer! I also really want to start thinking about giving my little space a fresh coat of paint, we have been here a while and it still has the original dull grey white on the walls. As I get feeling better and better on my new diet, my motivation and energy is returning so I want to renovate!!!! haha My body and my ds may not be ready for that just yet but I can't wait to start splashing some colors on the walls, my home is really my peaceful place ~ and even more that I have my love of scrapbooking and it has become my place of creation, I want to spruce it up.

And all the green and sunshine out right now inspires me :-)
I hope everyone has a lovely week!
cheers

How quickly things change .....

2008-05-20T11:59:00.002-06:00

Little Devlin John Magill was born on Sunday May 18th ~ 1 am ~ 12 weeks premature. Both mom and baby are doing fine at this time ~ the little guy is just 2 pds 4 ounces yet reported to be 32 cm long! Going to be a tall little guy. It was quite a shock this weekend, we were not expecting him for another 3 mths, but he decided it was time to get out into the world ~ so please all who read my blog send your good thoughts and prayers that he gets stronger everyday.

hugs to all and hope you all had lovely weekends!

It's Friday .......

2008-05-16T16:10:00.002-06:00

And the first long weekend of the year for most - I myself have to work two of the days of the long weekend - but I am going to pack in a day full of life on the one I am off haha.

And I am wishing for great weather for all, I know more than one person traveling this weekend, whether to go and visit family or friends, weddings, camping etc _ I hope this awesome weather holds so that everyone has one full of sunshine.

I have a good friend coming over this evening to do some visiting, bring me a lovely caffiene drink and sit and scrapbook the evening away - all I can say is YIPPEE ~ that will be a highlight. And I am finally able to get in and see my hair stylist so she can fix this ever growing mess that is atop my head haha, so I like my reflection in the mirror every morning again. So off to get a new do after work and a great visit in with my stylist who is also a good friend.

So I wish all my friends a great weekend - go out ~ be safe - be happy whatever you get up too!

Just me ~

Monday it is ........................

2008-05-12T14:31:00.003-06:00

Well the weekend went by so fast, but I really enjoyed having the full two days off, and at least with this coming weekend being a long one I will have another two day weekend as well ~ so hip hip horray for that one. :-)

Did some fun running around on Saturday, and Sunday (Mother's day) my son and I went and spent the afternoon with my mom and her hubby puttering around in their yard. The weather wasn't as nice as it has been in some years but the sun was a shining and no snow to be seen, so it was a very very nice day indeed.

It gets at this time of the year I just itch to get into the planting and the dirt, but living in a place that I can only container garden I don't get my flowers till the beginning of June, so I am going to have to be patient for a couple more weeks. I am so looking forward to getting the deck set up and having that space back outside, looking into getting myself an electric BBQ this year, just got rid of the old propane one to recycle finally ~ and as I am not totally comfortable with propane, and my sister won't let me buy bricket/charcoal one because of the recent studies on how the fumes are cancerous with that, I am looking at electric. Anyone ever had any experience with those?

My son and his sweet girlfriend just passed their 11 mth and are heading towards their one year anniversary of being together, now some people would scoff at that, but I give my son kudos for it's longer than any relationship I have had in a few years, and they are a great couple. Both sides of the family (hers and his) like spending time with the couple, and are all looking forward to taking them both on family trips this summer. My son's girlfriend will be coming with us when we head to BC this summer to visit with family, and my son will head with theirs to go to a family reunion. This may sound funny, but honestly watching them as a couple I hope that one day I myself find a relationship that is so solid, course I could do with out all the silly young couple stuff, but the mutual respect and blending with family would be nice. :-)

I am so happy to see no snow on the ground anymore, touch wood ~ even though the spring is a bit chillier than some past years ~ I WILL GLADLY TAKE IT haha - that way we know that summer is on it's way. I was very excited to see my tree out in front of my deck this weekend start to show real buds, very excited ~ and soon flower weather, and vacation time ~ and I am happy! Though I am not happy with our gas prices going up and up, sad when you think that the majority of money saved for vacation will be spent on gas money. My sister said so what things are we going to plan when you are down, and then we both almost said at the same time - well as long as it doesn't cost to much haha. Good thing I like my family, and that there are so many there to visit.

My youngest sister and her beau are planning to move to BC by the end of next month, this makes me pretty sad ~ she was my last sister in Alberta, the rest are already moved to BC and have had families in BC. But I guess they have to be where they are happiest, as I am an Alberta girl ~ and it would take my son wanting to relocate to BC for me to go there, I guess in someways I can understand. But I still miss seeing them all, just have to gather my scrapbooking "sisters" and friends closer ~

Here is one layout I did that really touched my heart - I love the song and thought it fit my little niece's picture so well ~ Have a good Monday everyone!!!

It's Friday !!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-09T13:03:00.003-06:00

I was a busy bee scanning more layouts last night, I have up-loaded them to my layout gallery and will on and off post them into my blog ~ I counted I had over 30 layouts that I have done since the beginning of the year, that I wanted to scan. It takes so long to do so though, that I only do a bit every night ~ think I am almost caught up with the ones I want scanned ~ and on we go haha.

I am very excited ~ I actually took a Saturday off just for me ~ the six day a week work schedule has been wearing at times ~ though my first big reward of the extra came last week! We were able to buy a new dryer,!!!!ours was not only dying quickly but so so unsafe mechanically ~ I am very happy with my new lovely machine. Every time I walk down the hallway I give it a little approving and welcoming pat haha ~ it was a blessing to do towels the other night and be able to dry them all fluffy, a real pleasure. It's been awhile haha.

So our weather here is beautiful with the promise of a lovely weekend, just in time for Mother's day ~ I plan on doing some scrapping of course, but resting and visiting as well.

I want to wish all my lovely friends a Happy Mother's day, and those who are not mothers (per say - my sister is the mother of a cat haha) have an awesome weekend!

cheers

some newer layouts finally scanned .....

2008-05-04T16:28:00.009-06:00

It's snowing ~~~~ Again!

2008-04-30T10:11:00.003-06:00

Well I have to say I am trying to stay very positive about life lately ~ doing more things for myself and things I love, reconnecting with friends, making new ones, and taking care of myself ~ health wise, etc. and looking forward to little things and big things to come ~~~~~ this snow though is making it tough hahaha. I want green grass, sunshine, and buds on trees and in flower beds ~ I want to be able to leave my window open at night, sit out on my deck and not lug my scrapbooking stuff through the snow or cold weather. For now we have snow, yet again ~ but at least this time of year we can be assured (YES WE CAN!) that it won't stay long. Though I am sitting here wearing two sweaters at work, and you know on the last day of April that just doesn't seem right ~ but I am looking ahead to a warmer weekend, let's hope!!!

Taxes - that is almost a dirty word, I skipped a scrapbooking party last night because I had not done my taxes yet and didn't want to leave to the very last day to get them done haha, just second last hahaahahahahah. Well I go home from work, make some supper ~ watch the news and then figure okay time to get at it. And the QuickTax won't load on my older computer !!! Yikes - I admit I was a bit shaky there for a bit, sat and thought for a bit ~ and then just loaded myself right back up and went back to the office ~ so here I was sitting in a dark and empty building till almost 11 at night doing my taxes haha, figures. And then of course I can't Netfile them like I usually do because I have left it so late and the lines are jammed! So into the mail they will go today ~ ha next year I think I had better plan a touch better, don't need the stress hee hee.

Well coming up is National Scrapbooking Day (May 3rd) ~ what are your plans? I am working of course, but I am going to go with my wonderful friend Kelly to a crop the evening before ~ so that will be fun celebrating a bit. Also on my msn group - Enchanted Scrappers - my lovely creative manager Lori, has set up a week and a half long online cyber crop for the event - with challenges and classes, and games ~ so it will fit alot of our schedules on the group as we can drop in when we can. So looking forward to joining in on that fun as well.

My son had his Handball Provincials last weekend ~ and though working through part of it, I caught the last three games. I love Team Handball ~ it's an intense and exciting sport, and I am very glad he has kept up with it all these years ~ gets better and better as they get older. So the boys brought home the Bronze medals - they of course wanted Gold (that is what they won last year) but we told them to strive for it again next year, and be happy they placed in the medals ~ they played some awesome teams and they more than held their own. And my son brought home the MVP award for the left wing of the weekend, which he was very pleased with.

I attended a crop night on Friday - it was part of a Charity weekend crop for kids - held by my friend Shannon. At the end of the weekend she had a cheque for $1600 to give to Kids Kottage, and a number of donated items ~ so that was WONDERBAR!!! I was happy that I could contribute to the event in any little way ~ it was a fun evening, I even was able to spend some cropping time with my friend Melanni, and meet her friend Debbie.

Healthwise I am getting things underway and organized ~ I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease ~ and my life is going to undergo a huge change ~ but I am excited to get it all underway and start to feel better and healthier. Had my lovely gastroscopy last week ~ to confirm and take a look at the damage ~ for the most part that went smoothly the hardest part was trying to get an IV into my dehydrated and small veins, have lovely bruises to show off haha ~ but I feel blessed that a light is in the tunnel and I feel I am heading towards a good direction. My new way of eating is going to be a bit of a challenge, but I am up for it ~ especially as I feel my energy and drive returning ~ makes every sacrifice worth it!!

Well happy Wednesday to you all ~
cheers

Something nice to end the week and start the weekend with ...

2008-04-25T16:25:00.002-06:00

I got this in an email today ......

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend. And then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, you will be shown the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your partner.

Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your parents.

Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.

Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' another,'Let's fight together,' another, 'Let's walk away together.'

One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings.

But what ever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself....... Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several.....one from 6th grade, one from high school, some from the college years, a couple from old jobs.

On some days your mother. On some days your neighbor. On others, your sisters, cousins. And on some days, your daughters.

So here is to all my girls that have made a difference in my life,
LOVE Ya! And Thank you ~
hugs

Thanks Kristine ...

2008-04-23T16:13:00.002-06:00

I asked her to send me the directions to update my blog with a cool header ~ a pic or something more personal. So I need to now follow her great directions and hopefully soon, when I have some time, I will be on my way to having a cooler site! For me anyway haha, still lots to learn on what I can do with this blogger site, fun to learn.

Another Friday rolls around :-)

2008-04-18T14:36:00.002-06:00

I do hope you all have a fabulous weekend ~ it's going to snow and blow here in Alberta ~ so any of you that have sunny skies could you please wish a little of that this way haha. BBBBBrrrrrrrrrr but on the bright spot we are in April and no matter what mother nature throws at us, nicer weather is sure to prevail soon. :-)

I have a busy busy day tomorrow - I have a meeting first thing in the morning, then a meeting at the bank with my treasurer of my Community League, and then I am off to work. This 6 days a week sometimes bites a little, but I am about to see some payoff for all of this ~ I now have enough saved up for a new dryer!!!!! I am very excited, so I hope to get that all wrapped up in the next week or so ~ what can I say I am a simple girl ~ simple things can please me. We are also getting new front doors and screens in our condos to match the new windows put in a couple months ago ~ that has me really happy. Mine is on it's last legs and I was looking to some money to try and fix it, now that will be taken care of, I can't wait.

I did have some very sad and upsetting news about a family member in Southern Alberta, my cousin who is only a couple years older than I ~ has developed a very fast growing and aggressive cancer, scary ~ they don't know if they can treat it as yet. My heart goes out to him and his family, and I pray for a treatment that will help him fight this.

I am extremely thankful for my life, and the recent tradegies in my family have really stressed how precious it is. I continue to strive each day learning how to live life more full, more happily, and getting more out of it.

I wish a wonderful weekend for you all ~ weather we end up under snow or now ~ just keep safe and stay happy!

Cheers

weekend approaching - great!

2008-04-11T15:00:00.003-06:00

At 17 weeks

My close friend Kelly-Ann is expecting a little boy come this August, and I am finding this really an exciting time.

At 21 weeks

She is being a real sweetheart and faithfully taking pictures along the way ~ for her scrapbooking friend so I can do a layout of her as she grows. :-)

She is coming up this weekend (she moved to Calgary on me last August) for her next doctor's appointment, and I am really happy she and I will have some visiting time. I have a crazy busy weekend this weekend as per the norm lately, so this will be a wonderful highlight in and amongst the regular responsibilites and errands.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and a safe and wonderful time with family and / or friends!

hugs

Need a smile?? haha

2008-04-09T14:43:00.008-06:00

And it all starts with a kiss tee hee -

Just thought I would post a few silly pics of some of our cropping fun. :-) It makes me smile ~ most of these pics are from one of our first cropping adventures together ~ and a couple from other fun times ~ I look forward to more of these nights!

Our little mascot ;-)

And we don't even drink at these things haha

I needed a smile today so I pulled up these pictures - hope they made you smile too - cheers :-)

Can you feel the change in the air????

2008-04-03T10:50:00.003-06:00

I can and I do love it ~ warmer weather and sunshiny days are coming, and I am so so so very happy to see spring arriving. Not even our cooler day today can bring me down, I am on a high today and only have sunbeams in my eyes haha. Which reminds me I need to get some kind of sunglasses this summer to wear with my glasses, man the glare is crazy already haha.

I had a great evening ~ my friend Mel invited me over for supper (who can turn down a meal cooked by someone else, not me haha) and then we went and did a little mall walking and shopping together. It was really nice.

I am feeling the spring time in my scrapbooking, seem to always have a layout on the go or in the planning lately ~ need to get a digital camera so I can share more ~ it takes so long to sit and scan and stitch things when I want to just be playing with my paper and glue some more haha.

I posted a challenge on the MSN Enchanted Scrappers board (a group I am an assistant manager on) to do a spring themed or colored layout ~ I am excited to see the participation from our little group, and can't wait to see everyone's work. Two of the layouts at the moment that are sitting on my CREATION STATION are springy colored and I am itching for the work day to end (haha still in the morning hours here so I better learn some patience haha) so I can go home and do some SCRAPPING!!! haha

I am in a very up mood today and want to wish everyone a cyber sunshiny day ~ I know the sun is not shining in my area right now ~ but I know it will be :-) Spring is here!

cheers

Oh my it's been a while ......

2008-03-25T12:50:00.004-06:00

I so want to post some pictures up on my blog, but I haven't had time ~ so I end up not writing at all, so better get in here and at least update a little ~ but I am still reading ladies and will try and get around and leave little stamps (notes) on the blogs that I check on regularly. I have been thinking of getting a digital camera just for this purpose, so that I could get things onto sites so much quicker ~ like recent pics of family and events, and also of the scrapbooking I have done lately.

It was a busy busy weekend in my life ~ Friday night went out to my friend Tammy's place to celebrate our friend Kelsey's birthday ~ it was a night full of laughter, sometimes at the weirdest things mind you but oh did we laugh haha ~ it was nice to spend some time with Mona, Kelsey, Tammy, Dawn and Marguerite ~ we even played "American Idol" haha and brushed up our singing voices tee hee. What a blast ~ and also got to spend some time with Tammy's precious kids ~ her youngest took a shine to me and I had the best little shadow all evening. Nothing can make your heart as full as a little child saying "I like you". Definitely does the soul good.

Went out to a family bday (my ex father in law turned 75) the next day, not as much laughing haha ~ but went smoothly and it was good to visit with my nieces on the other side of the family. I don't like to get to out of touch with them, and so we have planned some lunches and visits in the near future. Sunday was again spend with family for Easter, yum yum turkey ~ and my mom made natchinka ~ especially for me ~ and I loved it. Spent some quality time with my son this weekend, at the family events, and watched a few movies together (girlfriend of course included) so that was really nice.

Monday was a busy day at my second job, but it made the day go by quickly ~ I can really feel my age after a day there for I come home beat and a bit sore haha, not use to the physical stuff and being on my feet all day. But all good, I am enjoying it, and as that is only one day a week very easily handled. So I am a busy busy woman of late, but again that is a good thing.

I have changed some of my habits lately and I have to say it is having an effect, for the good. I starting to feel my energy returning, and I am looking forward to starting to feel healthier and stronger soon. I also look forward to some more cropping time with my friends, old and new ~ like my friend Shannon's Crop for Kids coming up at the end of April, and of course continuing to try and get out monthly to crop with my regular scrapbooking divas. And hopefully make a date soon to crop with a new group of friends too! I am blessed with how this scrapbooking art has brought so many good souls into my life, and look forward to meeting new and also having other experiences with the gals I know. Life is good.

I do hope you all had a blessed Easter, thinking of all of you ~ and wishing you well.

hugs

Monday blues ~~ maybe maybe not :-)

2008-03-10T13:44:00.002-06:00

Mondays ~ don't they somedays seem to come way way too soon?!! I think so ~ the weekends are far too short and far too full ~ and we are faced with another start to the work week! I seem to have lists and lists to do ~ and yet not enough hours in the day to touch them much, but I am determined to chip away and with the days (seeming) to get longer ~ maybe more and more done each day.

Now that I am working 6 days a week time is flying by, soon we will be Easter and spring is in the air and just around the corner! I am so very thankful for that, for some reason this winter in some ways seemed a bit longer, and to be able to see the grass, brown though it may be, has been a delight.

I have many a sick friend out there right now, and at least one that I know reads my blog ~ so please consider this another get well wish sent your way ~ and hope that you soon can appreciate the warmer weather and feel the sunshine with out the cold and sniffles.

Went to a late night crop with the gals to Urban on Friday ~ I sure attribute these regular cropping nights to the work I have been able to complete in the last months. Even just sitting and chatting inspires me, and I always go home feeling like I should get down to it and get some pages done, or a project finished. Not sure the actual amount of cropping we get done at these LNC's haha, we do get alot of shopping done ;-) haha, but all good ~ as long as it inspires some of us after we leave it's all good.

As I don't have a digital, and not enough time to sit and stitch I think I will take a roll of new layouts I have done and scan a pic so I can put some of my new layouts on here. Honestly I have been doing some creating of late haha, just don't have the patience or the time lately to tediously scan and stitch layouts together so I can post them.

I wanted to say again how grateful to my friend Mona that I am for introducing me to the "thankful thoughts" ~ I do mine in a special journal once a day, and it has been a real soul uplifter on days where I may have not been very happy lately, because somedays it is hard to start to think of one thing ~ but once I start there is of course more than a few so it does tend to lift my spirits ~ so thank you Mona for that yet again. You are an inspiration ~ and have a light in your soul.

And to my friend Angela ~ for inspiring me with her Art Journal - I have gone and bought myself a sketch book to get started haha so ready when inspiration hits ~ just have to figure out what I want my journal to be about and what to hold. Hers was so very amazing, and though we were not allowed to read it (private thoughts) it was an endless art form of inspiration ~ I am so looking forward to getting myself a bit more organized and focused and diving into some inspiration myself.

And I do want to thank all the wonderful women that do update and post inspiration and thoughts on their blogs on a regular basis ~ I do find reading and viewing your awesome creations to be well ~ can I use the word too much? ~ INSPIRING :-) Also I have lifted some really awesome blogs and sites to view others amazing work, and tonnes of ideas. I really need to win a million or two so I can stay home and just create ha.

So until next time ~ get well wishes to all those fighting illness
and a wish for a good week to everyone!
take care

Gotta have a little rain if ya want a rainbow ...

2008-02-29T15:07:00.002-07:00

I figure if I am going to blog mise well blog the good, bad, sad and stupid too ~ hopefully sometimes just letting things out means you can let it go. I have such a need to create lately for the peace of mind it brings but I find that life and all that it is holding lately is getting in my way. Or maybe I am just letting it get in my way, which I hope in time will pass as things are resolved.

I wanted to post all those pictures of fun times ~ the one from the Scraptacular and the ones from the last SG crop ~ for those times have been such a soul saver lately. Sometimes we don't get alot done hee hee, but it is the atmosphere of the group that refreshes my soul. I have recently found out I have some health issues to deal with ~ and I don't know if it is the issue itself or my reaction to how life is going to change, but I am terribly fatigued of mind and body lately. The days at work are longer, and at the end of the day this gal is done ~ I see the housework piling up, and the layouts and projects I have yet to start or need to finish ~ and all I do is sigh.

I am hoping that spring time will bring with it a time of refreshment, that I will be able to soon start addressing health stuff that will help me also feel more alive and energetic! I am wishing all of you a lovely weekend, one full of love and laughter ~ and sending cyber hugs your way.

Feb Spruce Grove Crop

2008-02-28T14:19:00.009-07:00

Haha I know I am posting these in the wrong order since Scraptacular was attended after this crop, but I finally did some scanning last night ` here is a few pics of our fun full day cropping time at Spruce Grove :-) We hope they have another day like this soon!

Little Pooken Touquen Andrea :-)

Dawn, Angela, Nicole, Andrea and Alex

Mona and Dawn
Marguerite, Tanya and Donna Tammy and Kelsey Angela and her very cool door prize ` a soft soft cuddly robe ~ so cool and a big surprise :-)
I really enjoy the cropping times we all get together ~ has inspired me to get back at scrapbooking and I actually can say I am getting alot more done than I use to, it's been great :-) And alot of fun, we all need the stress relief of being with good people and doing something we enjoy!

Cheers

Sherri

Scraptacular 2 was Scraptaculous!!!!

2008-02-26T14:41:00.003-07:00

Well Scraptacular 2 in Cold Lake was where we went this weekend ~ and it was a great time! Miss Marguerite is missing in the picture above because the lucky duck had to leave early because her family had tickets to Riverdance!! But the others in the picture from left to right ~ Angela (Andrea's mom), Andrea, Dawn and myself (Sherri) ~ the theme of the weekend was Beach bash and the decorations were awesome. The ladies at Cold Lake certainly know how to throw a crop weekend, and they treated us all so well from beginning to end ~ always feeding us with snacks, giving us little treats, and handing out door prize after door prize as well. They had some awesome fun challenges that you could enter, and win prizes for ~ and their vendor fair was amazing ~ honestly there were almost too many vendors ~ but the prices were good and if ya love to shop like some of us gals tee hee ~ it was heaven. Being we were out of town we had to reserve accomodations on the base, and they were more than adequate ~ definitely very clean and totally suited our needs ~ for all we needed was a bed and shower haha, the rest of the time we were scrapping!

We are so ready to head out again there next time, we all came home more than tired but happy with the great experience. And I had an added plus going out there, one of the ladies that was there from the Ladies Guild - serving us a very yummy lunch on Saturday, well she was a long long lost friend. She came up and tapped me on the shoulder ~ I turned around and there stood Kim ~ we were close friends when our sons were small from about 1-4 years, and we lost touch during and after my divorce ~ we were both overjoyed to see each other again, and even better she facebooks haha, my biggest addiction ` so I look forward to catching up with an old friend in the future, and keeping in touch.

All in all it was a great weekend ` and coming up this weekend a bunch of the gals that I crop with on a regular basis have decided they want to go out dancing haha, so I think we are going to find ourselves a place to do just that, and spend some down time together ~ should be fun.

I have recently taken on a second job on the weekends, so my down time is even more precious to me ~ but my second job is a light retail position with a bunch of fun people to work with, so ~ so far so good. :-)

Oh and I wanted to comment on the neatest idea ~ I am sure it is not new ~ but Angela generously let us take a quick peek at her art journal this weekend, it is just amazing and such an inspiration ~ I know more than one of us that saw it this weekend are making plans to start similar journals of our own, the constant art applied and the neat way of journalling is bound to be inspiring ~ I can't wait to get one going myself! So many ideas so little time haha, I almost need to win a lottery so that I can stay home full time and create, instead of taking on more work haha. Well I will have lots to do once life slows down hee hee, whenever that will be.

Hope you all have a great week!

cheers :-)

I can't believe the time is whipping by so fast ...

2008-02-06T10:09:00.002-07:00

Isn't life just a constant busy pace?! I am looking forward to a few awesome and fun events at the mid to end of the month, and yet I wish I could slow the days down just a touch. Enjoying the milder weather we have had this week, compared to the deep freeze of last week, one of the guys in the office was even commenting on how pretty the blowing snow was today coming off the roof ~ all sparkly in the sun! Quite a change from the grumbles of last week hee hee.

So what is coming in the few weeks ~ I have a very close friend's (Kelly-Ann) bday coming up, so I am hoping to share some time with her ~ she is a special woman and though has moved away on me, we have managed to stay in very close contact and still see each other on a pretty regular basis.

I have a retreat in Cold Lake (Scraptacular 2) that I am really really looking forward to ~ will be cropping with my friends ~ Dawn, Andrea, Angela, Kelly, Marguerite and Trisha and maybe more ~ it's always a treat to see some of the creations these talented women come up with, and hey let's face it a weekend away with the gals scrapbooking away can be nothing but good right?! haha. Plus it will be a different location and group, so I am looking forward to meeting some more scrapbooking friends, and checking out the event.

And then the very end of the month, actually the beginning of March (so that is nice starts off March well) my friend Kelly-Ann is coming for a visit from Calgary ~ so again I hope to have some great quality time with her.

Of course in between I hope to spend some lovely coffee date time with my friend Dawn, it certainly breaks up a long long week when we can sneak out for a couple hours and just chill ~ the time we spend has become very special to me. And of course any time I can get in there cropping with my friends also is just a bonus upon a bonus. :-)

A good bunch of us were all out at the Kinette Club Spruce Grove crop on Saturday, it was a great time and the hours flew by so fast. Thanks to Dawn, Andrea, Angela, Nicole, Mona, Tammy, Kelsey, Marguerite, Donna, and Tanya for being a part of the day ~ as well as a big big Thank you to my friend Kelly for inviting us all out there in the first place. It was a very affordable day ~ only $10 ~ and included supper and 12 hours scrapping time, and the location was great. We hope that the Kinette Club found the event to be a success and not too much trouble and does it again sometime, we certainly would love to join them again!

I wish everyone a wonderful Wednesday ~ and hope your week is going smoothly.

Cheers

Well what's up next?

2008-01-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

So I am home from my retreat from this last weekend, figures it was on the coldest weekend of this year haha, and for the most part it wasn't too bad. Unfortunately ran into some heating problems which put a big kink in our creative processes, and our bones, muscles etc. haha ~ and gave the owners of The Barn Loft some idea that they need to make some upgrades, which they were already busy brainstorming about. I did get some layouts done, which when I have time I will get all scanned up so I can post some in here, I really think it's time I start thinking about investing in a digital camera, how simple it would be if I could just take pictures of my layouts ~ so I could post right away. I am hoping the facilities at the Scraptacular 2 event in Cold Lake are comfortable and warm ~ and hopefully I can sometime schedule in a retreat weekend in warm weather too, see what the difference is haha.

So today I am still chilled through and a bit tired, but as I have another cropping day long event this weekend in Spruce Grove I am hoping to get re-energized soon. The really nice thing about going to this first retreat is that I did put together a number of packages and only got through about 1/4 of them, so I should have lots to do for the upcoming event and the one at the end of February so packing should be a breeze. :-)

Looking forward to Saturday ~ and spending out in Spruce Grove with a bunch of my scrapbooking cronies, and being able to support my friend Kelly in one of the events she has organized. Going to have some great chat and inspire time with: Dawn, Mona, Andrea, Marguerite, Tammy, Kelsey and more I hope ~ and we can scrapbook to our hearts content for the day, and support a good cause, The Kinette Club out there. :-)

Going to be busy this week clearing all the space around my windows, so hopefully I will still be getting those replaced at the end of this week, but who knows what the fridgid tempertures will do to their schedule, have to wait and see. Tonight I am going to tackle my craft room haha, as it is the most work ~ once it is done I can breathe easier and then look forward to the new windows!

Wishing you all a great week!

It's getting closer !!!!

2008-01-21T15:05:00.001-07:00

... Meaning the retreat I am attending with my friend Donna at the end of the week ~ at one time it seemed like it was such a long way off, and now here it is just 5 more days to go until I am away for the weekend ~ creating and chatting and visiting and relaxing. I am so looking forward to this first retreat / weekend event of the year ~ and so excited to say I know there are more coming haha.

The biggest thing is drawing inspiration from all my wonderful scrapbooking friends, as I won't have access to a computer (hhhmmm a weekend without a computer ~ probably my biggest challenge haha) and all the beautiful layouts that make me oooohhhh and aaaaahhhhhh ~ but I have put together a couple dozen packages (pics included) so that I have lots to do ~ I really would be happy if I even managed to create half as many wonderful pages, I really am so ready to go!

Not much else to say, I hope I have some lovely layouts to post next week and thanks to my amazingly talented friends for continuing to post layouts and ideas and links to more ideas ~ you are amazing my friends!

hugs

I am trying hard ..............

2008-01-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

To keep my blog updated on a regular basis, I think in alot of ways it will be an awesome tool to make sure I continue to regularly journal and track life in general. I know I constantly find so much inspiration from those who update their blogs on a regular basis ~ and especially the scrapbooker in me loves to see the updated work of the wonderful talented ladies I know ~ so thank you Mona, Janine, Trisha, Lynn, Kristine, Tracey and Corri to name a few who post their creations and update their blogs on a regular basis ~ simply you inspire me.

I have a scrapbook retreat coming up at the end of the month ~ and I wish I could bring a computer haha, so that I would have all this lovely inspiration at my finger tips for when I could use it most, while I have the time to scrapbook for hours at a time. :-) So at the moment as I don't have this option, I am trying to soak up daily all the inspiration I can find, so that once I get to the retreat I am raring and ready to get creating ~ I am quite excited about this retreat, as I have been to this location once before (my first and only retreat so far) and know so much better what to expect, and how to prepare. It's with a group of people that I never see at any other time, so it will be nice to visit and catch up with them all also ~ I see a couple late night ~ early morning scrap and chat times coming up, and this time I am going to bring movies, books and magazines and have some relaxing rejuventation time as well. :-)

My condo association is redo-ing all the windows in the next couple weeks as well, and that is going to be a huge packing and moving session with my craft/computer room ~ don't know what kind of notice we are going to get before they actually schedule my condo in, making me a bit nervous ~ life has been busy the last little while, as well as I have been ill with a stomach flu ~ so of course nothing has been done to this point, and as all the windows are to be done, not sure where we are suppose to put it all when we have to move it haha. And at the same time I am trying to organize and get ready for a retreat ~ I am in a bit of a tizzy, and time is just flowing by.

I am excited to say I have another crop weekend coming up in February as well !!! Going to attend the Scraptacular 2 event in Cold Lake ~ very excited about this one as well ~ totally new experience, and a whole different group of awesome ladies to spend the weekend creating away with :-) Have to say starting out 2008 on a strong high, going to have to keep it up, with spending more time with friends and some quality time with family ~ and already I do believe 2008 is going to be a very good year!

Some of my recent fave layouts!

2008-01-10T16:07:00.001-07:00

New Year is here ~

2008-01-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

2008 here we come ~ I was saying to my son the other day how much I like the number 2008 - it looks so round and curvy and calm ~ yep just like how it looks haha, and I am more than ready to be going into this new year. The last year in review was a bit of a rocky one at times, but also a great one for renewing the importance of family and friend time, especially getting together with my new scrapping galfriends ~ their love and support, and the sharing of their own lives with me has really touched my heart in a deep and wonderful way this year, and I hope to continue this trend over the coming year. I have to get some pictures developed so I can post a few things myself ~ some special moments and fun times, and hopefully I have a better working computer coming to me from my sister in BC soon, so I can do alot more at home than I can right now.

I have been reading about people making new year's resolutions ~ in magazines and on blogs ~ and it has inspired a project idea that I can't wait to get started on. I am going to make some resolutions / goals for this year ~ attainable ones ~ and then I am going to kinda track and journal how I am doing throughout the year. At the end of the year I should have an inspirational album for myself, to help with the blessed feeling I have trully come to feel in the past while.

Went out with my friend Dawn for coffee last night, I have to say that these little escapes from the daily routine have been so wonderful to me. I like specialty coffees in the first place, but to be able to share them with a friend and sit and just chat back and forth about life and what is in it, have been inspirational to me, and part of my wanting to document more of life. I suck at journaling pages, so I am looking forward to the challenge of overcoming this particular obsticle and having a great year.

Have a couple crop/retreat weekends coming up in the first couple months of this year ~ I am so excited to be getting ready for these, figure I have learned alot more about organizing and packing up supplies in the last months of cropping haha, so I hope to get alot more accomplished and so so so looking forward to the companionship of my friends for those weekends.

I hope to keep in touch more with some of my far away friends and family this year, as well as maybe meet a few this year ~ I have to say how much I am thankful to this art that we share that brings us all together.

Alrightly then ready to bust into this new year!
hugs

My sweet Baba ...

2007-12-26T14:49:00.001-07:00

My sweet Baba passed away yesterday evening ~ and I so hope that she finds the peace she has been deserving ~ She had such a rough go of it the last few years, this was a picture taken of us during a good time of this period ~ when she still could remember who I was with some prodding. I am so full of so many feelings today ~ I am so very thankful she is finally at rest and away from the pain and suffering, yet so very sad that growing up does mean that those who we love are getting older and that this is the way it is. I am fighting with myself today, but I know that deep inside all will be okay ~ Love you Baba so much ~ and rest now.

Wishing you all .....

2007-12-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

A Very Merry Christmas full of friends and family, and all the good things you wish for it ..............

And a Very Happy New Years ~ safe and fun ~

Here we come 2008 - May it be the best year yet!

hugs to all

Surprises keep coming haha ....

2007-12-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

This last weekend (yes I know it is already Thursday haha) went down to Calgary for a brief time, the trip was way too short ~ a friend of mine had me and another friend down for Christmas supper. That was lovely ~ and though it would have been nice to lengthen our visit, there was a certain Christmas sparkle in the air, I can't wait to go down again sometime.

To make what could be a long story short, when I got home ~ my mom and her man Ron came over, and proceeded to tell us that we are invited to a wedding this coming up weekend, on the 16th and that would be theirs!!! Quite the surprise, totally unexpected ~ my one sister who was also on the phone at the time said she knew something was up haha, whatever ~ not this chickie I was totally surprised. So we here have a wedding to attend and also help put together this weekend, and they (my mom and Ron) are very happy and excited ~ so it will be a good weekend. I will be doing up all the flowers for the ceremony, and the bridal party ~ so looking forward to doing this for them.

:-)

Wow Merry Ho Ho ......

2007-12-06T10:11:00.001-07:00

It certainly looks like Christmas out there ~ does it not?! Actually if it is not too cold ~ I don't mind it at all, winter I mean ~ a brown Christmas always seems a bit out of place.

My sister's significant other has gone through his surgery, and though they had to go through with the more complicated and serious route with his surgery ~ it is done, and I am hoping for some peace for them both from this very difficult ordeal, once he has recovered from this last surgery. He has a bit of a healing road ahead of him, but he is young and strong, and has a woman by his side that is adamant that he take the time to heal ~ so he is in good hands haha.

There have been some stress and sad stuff in the last while, but surprisingly I think it has strengthened my resolve to have a wonderful Christmas full of love, friends and family. I am so thankful for all the people in my life, for the ones that I spend my time with are good solid peoples ~ and I find it very easy to only have good strong supportive thoughts of them. I have opened myself up to more relationships this year than I have in the past, and though on one hand that means I am open to maybe more sadness and rollercoaster times with others lives being inter twinned with mine, I have found I have also opened up a fountain of good feelings, love, support, and some really awesome personalities in my life ~ that have become important to my daily life in so many touching ways.

And next year looks to be shaping up for more of the same, some very up and some downs coming this way ~ but really that is life, and as long as we stand strong in the faith this is the way it will be, we can still find some happiness in our days even at the most sad moments.

This kinda sounds like an end of the year post haha, but my friends and family that are going through different trials at the moment have been so on my mind, and that is mixed in with the new found wonder I am pulling in for the season, so makes a gal thoughtful.

Take care all, and cyber hugs sent your way.

Tomorrow ....

2007-11-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have taken the day off work, as I will be going to sit with my sister in the hospital, while her significant other (who we consider to be a very important part of our family) undergoes a very serious surgery. Tomorrow will be a very long day, and I will spend it chatting with my sister and her guy's mom, and hopefully keeping their spirits up.

There are so many things in life at this moment that are pointing to me to make sure I don't take anything for granted, and to live as much of life as I can, and try to do it in a way that I am happy, thankful and not only feel loved but to love life.

Want to send out a thankful thought to all of you:
Thank you for being a part of my life, in any small way you are ~ friends, family, or even online aquaintances all add to my day. Thank you.

A heartbreaking time .....

2007-11-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Tammy Brownlee is going through a heartbreaking time right now,

Part of her status line on facebook:
"Tammy is grateful to have had the chance to have meet her baby boy Paul Matthew Nicholas Brownlee, born and passed on Nov. 21,2007."

She recently wrote a touching and heart wrenching note (on facebook) about the loss of her precious one, it was not only a beautiful tribute to her love, joy and sorrow connected with their little one, but it was a learning note for the rest of us. As a whole it is hard sometimes to know how to care for and act with grieving family members, and she is amazing in how she put all this across ~ and has said she wants us to grieve with her, not to be afraid or hesitate to talk and share, and not to forget how much this child meant to her and her family, and always will. I am incredibly thankful to have this beautiful woman in my life and to call her a friend, and have an incredible sorrow in my heart for her and her families loss.

To the little angel Paul Mathew Nicolas ~ you are loved.

An inspiring moment ....

2007-11-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share. :-)

My friend Mona has taken some inspiration from another friend of hers to write down 7 things weekly on her blog that she is thankful for. Her lists are touching and inspiring, and have inspired me to start a little project of my own. On the weekend, I took a note pad that I have at home and decorated it up a bit, the title on the book is "My Book of Thanks". I have decided to sit at the beginning of my day and over my coffee just list one thought a day ~ my thankful thought for the day ~ haha not saying I won't think of more at the same time, but just list one a day ~ to start my day off this way.

I am in the planning stages of a plan to change some things in my life, and I thought this would be a strong positive way to get started ~ so thank you my friend Mona ~ thanks for the inspiration. :-)

Life has been full of ups and downs ......

2007-11-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Life is definitely full lately ` and surprisingly I am feeling very much at peace with my surroundings of late. First of all my uncle passed away last Tuesday, Oct 30 ~ and while it was sad that he had such a fight and that he was dealt a rough hand, he is peace now and the long battle (this last one lasting 3 1/2 years) has come to a close, and he is at rest. We are actually having his memorial this coming Sunday, and if it does not sound too morbid I am looking forward to it. I believe it will be a wonderful celebration of his life, and a family healing time. My Aunt has stated quite clearly "no sad", no sad anymore ~ celebrate his life, celebrate our lives. We are going to play Jazz music, laugh alot and be together ~ I think it is a fitting tribute to the man my Uncle was, and I am happy to be here and to be a part of that.

On to other parts of life I had my big 40 birthday supper on Sunday, and though I had been in a turmoil of turning 40 ~ I found once the day came and we were all there having supper ~ I was very happy. I had a bit of a time even deciding on what I wanted to do, and then who I wanted to be with me. In the end I found it to be the best evening, I had a bit of a different group around me than in years past, I mixed it up ~ all family ~ work family, friends family and family family. It felt good to have this group around me, and we enjoyed our evening at the Japanese Village ~ yum yum yum ~ it was awesome.

Looking forward to the crops this month ~ Scrapalicious is this Saturday and in a couple weeks we are heading back to the Urban for a night of laughing, eating and shopping ~ gotta love it haha. I am so enjoying this Circle Journal idea also, in two of them at the moment ~ really that is enough haha ~ and the groups are pretty laid back and easy going, and we are passing off versus mailing ~ so it has been some fun. And alot of the girls, well most ~ that I crop with at different times of the month are in them so that is so much fun.

Well I am starving off to lunch time here at work haha ~ my computer at home is once again gone on the fritz so all updating has to be done from work, good thing I have a job where I can do that ~ or I would feel so out of touch.

Hope you all have an excellent rest of the week!
Take care
Sherri

The weekend ....

2007-10-29T10:49:00.000-06:00

Well I haven't had internet service at home for the last week, it's been quite the withdrawl believe me, so the computer has not been on as much lately. On the weekend I needed it to do some work for my CJ's which I am working hard on haha, wink wink well I am trying, and when I brought it up on Sunday ~ low and behold my internet was back! I did find it much easier to tear myself away and continue on with my work that day, so maybe a break at home is what I needed to cut that umbilical cord to my computer. It was enjoyable to work on something light and creative this weekend, kept my mood up as well as a visit from my Calgary friend Kelly-Ann that was a real treat. I was in no mood to go out to any event this weekend, not depressed or anything, just not in the mood for the bars and stuff, was happy to be at home. She was down to go out for a friends birthday, so went out both nights ~ but came and spent Saturday afternoon, and then back again Saturday evening before she went out. It was nice to just chill on the couch, eat popcorn, and chat. Greatly gave me some friend time to help with the soul ~ and she will be driving down again this coming up weekend for my 40th birthday dinner.

Yikes 40, I don't know where the time has gone ~ really, and on we go.
I want to wish everyone a safe and happy week, and if you have little ghouls out on Wednesday ~ here is hoping you have an awesome Halloween!

Very good to watch ...

2007-10-26T13:49:00.000-06:00

this was sent to me by a good friend today ~ it is a really good watch, so please click on the link and take a few moments out of your day, it may change your day. It's a clip from an Oprah Winfrey show ~ shown on Youtube, honestly you won't regret taking some time from your day to watch this ~ I was so glad she thought of me when she saw it herself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0aO64aKqek

hugs to you all

The sun is out yet ....

2007-10-25T15:04:00.000-06:00

I am in a bit of a sad mood, it's a hard time for our family right now ~ and though I try and laugh, and create, and work and basically go through life as always ~ I find a bit of a subdued sadness in behind the scenes all the time. I know a few of my friends know that my Uncle, after going through cancer when he was in his early 30's, and it going into remission for almost 20 years, has now has been fighting the last 4-5 years again. And now he has come to the end of the fight, he has been made comfortable, my mom and aunt are with him, and will pass peacefully soon. He is not suffering at the moment, they have made it so he is out of pain ~ and this is one small mercy. Not much more to say right at this moment, I mean the world keeps going, and will. I will say from my heart, "We love you Uncle Harry, and we know you will be an awesome angel watching us, we wish you peace now."

And I thank all my friends that have given condolences, you all mean the world to me ~ I trully know we all face similar situations in many of our families, and love you all.