It looks like it will be another nice day. It is 14 C already and it is only 9 am. Not sure if that is any real sign of the weather but it always seems like the 'start of a good day' to have sun shining, blue sky and a decent temp.
I had quite the day yesterday as my hair dresser had called the day before and left a message that she had 'double-booked' me and was NOT able to do my hair this morning. "Please call me so that we can work something out" she said. To me, that only meant 'another day', not today, and likely next week! Yikes. I know when I had booked with her 6 weeks ago, she had said "Oh, you are already booked. I guess you did that at your last appointment." Then she second-guessed herself and said that maybe it was her 'other Linda'. She was going to check it out and would call me if there was a problem. I didn't like the sound of that.
So, she did call me and there was a problem. Unfortunately, she didn't call me until she got the call from the 'other Linda' who called her to confirm her own appointment!! I guess I was at the end of all that confusion!! Fortunately, and to make a long story short, I was able to make an appointment with her cousin who I have had occasion to use before. She does a good job as well, so I am not in a bad spot - really. However, I could have been, if she was unable to do my hair at this last minute!!
Again, rather than dwell on the negative, I am being thankful that I have an 'alternative' that worked out well. However, it will cause me now to likely 'phone ahead' to confirm the appointment. At least for the next few! I think I have said this more than once (if not in my blog, at least to my hubby and friends) that being a woman and having to worry about hair cuts, hair styles, hair colour, hair products and now....even hair loss....that I do wish that I could have been 'a man' and had less worry, less work, and less cares. He does not agree with me on that but that's a whole different story!
Carpe Diem!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Appreciation
At a meeting recently, we were talking about 'appreciation'. The leader read a few lines out of a book which caused me to go out and buy the book. It's called 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp. It did not turn out to be the kind of book I thought it would be. It's funny how your mind interprets things. Anyway, not to say that the book is not good...it is...it's just that it 'reads' differently than I was expecting.
Having said that, so far, one particular thought she expressed stood out to me. Now, I am taking it a bit out of context, but it has a significant meaning in the way I want to express it. Here goes...
"Do not distain the small. The whole of the life -- even the hard -- is made up of the minute parts, and if I miss the infinitesimals, I miss the whole."
Now she was talking about something different, but the thought remains intact. Think about the small things in your life, appreciate them and give them their proper recognition. The small things add up to the whole.
How is your life going? Perhaps if you are complaining, or feeling let down or sorry for yourself, take a moment to look at the 'small things' and begin the appreciation there. Giving thanks for them and building on them for a better and deeper appreciation of all that happens in your life. Even the valleys in your life can be appreciated later from the mountain tops.
As I sit at my kitchen counter, looking out my full screen door at the lush green of my backyard, listening to the birds chirp and the sun cast shadows against the fence, I so appreciate the freshness and newness of the morning. I will start my day with these 'thankful' thoughts and try to appreciate each new experience as the day goes on. How 'bout you?
Having said that, so far, one particular thought she expressed stood out to me. Now, I am taking it a bit out of context, but it has a significant meaning in the way I want to express it. Here goes...
"Do not distain the small. The whole of the life -- even the hard -- is made up of the minute parts, and if I miss the infinitesimals, I miss the whole."
Now she was talking about something different, but the thought remains intact. Think about the small things in your life, appreciate them and give them their proper recognition. The small things add up to the whole.
How is your life going? Perhaps if you are complaining, or feeling let down or sorry for yourself, take a moment to look at the 'small things' and begin the appreciation there. Giving thanks for them and building on them for a better and deeper appreciation of all that happens in your life. Even the valleys in your life can be appreciated later from the mountain tops.
As I sit at my kitchen counter, looking out my full screen door at the lush green of my backyard, listening to the birds chirp and the sun cast shadows against the fence, I so appreciate the freshness and newness of the morning. I will start my day with these 'thankful' thoughts and try to appreciate each new experience as the day goes on. How 'bout you?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
I'm Thinking
It is a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining, it is 15 C and it is only 10 am. The birds are chirping and singing and there is no traffic hum like there is during the week. Even the caw caw caw of the crows is melodic this morning.
Yet, while the serenity of the backyard sounds and its beautiful view are comforting and relaxing, I am distracted with the knowledge that our next door neighbors are dealing with the reality of their mom's sudden passing. Whether or not you know someone was sick, or if they are dying of some disease or they suddenly pass away due to accident or injury, the news - the final news - is the same. Shock. Disbelief. It takes 'time' to mentally assent to what has happened and to deal with it and make it real.
I remember when they turned off mom's life support. The noise of the machines stopped and so did her breathing. It was quiet, it was peaceful but it was not happy. She slipped away - like someone at a party who leaves without saying goodbye. They are there one moment and gone the next. You remember just talking with them and then you turn and they are gone.
Ok, a little melancholy for such a beautiful day. It is a fact of life though...this dying. It is what we ALL will do one day. I do believe there is a more glorious life ahead...after this one...and so, and maybe that's why, I strive to enjoy each moment I am granted and make the most of the days given to me. As they say, "the best is yet to come", yet I still want to appreciate and live each moment of the here and now.
To our friends next door, the sadness of the moment will be with them always but will change and mold itself within them to a new understanding and appreciation of life, of relationships and of the world to come. All we can do is to continue to support them in prayer.
Psalm 16:8-11
I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me wth joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Yet, while the serenity of the backyard sounds and its beautiful view are comforting and relaxing, I am distracted with the knowledge that our next door neighbors are dealing with the reality of their mom's sudden passing. Whether or not you know someone was sick, or if they are dying of some disease or they suddenly pass away due to accident or injury, the news - the final news - is the same. Shock. Disbelief. It takes 'time' to mentally assent to what has happened and to deal with it and make it real.
I remember when they turned off mom's life support. The noise of the machines stopped and so did her breathing. It was quiet, it was peaceful but it was not happy. She slipped away - like someone at a party who leaves without saying goodbye. They are there one moment and gone the next. You remember just talking with them and then you turn and they are gone.
Ok, a little melancholy for such a beautiful day. It is a fact of life though...this dying. It is what we ALL will do one day. I do believe there is a more glorious life ahead...after this one...and so, and maybe that's why, I strive to enjoy each moment I am granted and make the most of the days given to me. As they say, "the best is yet to come", yet I still want to appreciate and live each moment of the here and now.
To our friends next door, the sadness of the moment will be with them always but will change and mold itself within them to a new understanding and appreciation of life, of relationships and of the world to come. All we can do is to continue to support them in prayer.
Psalm 16:8-11
I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me wth joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Friday, May 25, 2012
In Remembrance
Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbor, Karen & Jerry, at the sudden passing of her mother last night. The picture below is one that Karen had put on her facebook site for this past Mother's Day. I hope she does not mind me using this picture as well.
 |
| Rose Zevelis |
Her passing brings to mind my own mother who has been gone now since 2001. The time has passed quickly (at least looking back from today's date) but she has been missed by me every day.
 |
| My Mom - Hazel Field |
A mother is special - you might argue with her - disagree with her - but she's always there for you. She is the person you talk to about what you did, where you went, how you feel, what you want. My mom was a great listener. She didn't have a lot to say but when she did, I usually listened. Guess that is why I talk so much - she just listened!
Anyway, please send up a quick thought and prayer for the comfort and peace of Karen and Jerry during this sad time. They will appreciate it, I'm sure.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Jasper Long Weekend
Home safe and sound from the May long weekend. Weather was wonderful. A little cool on Fri evening, with a light snowfall blanket to wake up to on Sat morning. Things dried out quickly with the morning sunshine and the rest of the weekend was beautiful. Of course, even if it rained all weekend, we would have enjoyed the time in Jasper.
Our new trailer worked well and it was nice to have a washroom close by and our own even closer to use! No more treks to the washroom in the dark in the middle of the night. Although it was easier to decide to stay in bed at 4 am than to go out into the night through the woods to the biffy! Now, I just whip in and whip out in my pjs!
The weather was beautiful for camping - not too hot and not too cold - just right!
Even Old Man Mountain was smiling (still under a pile of snow). See him? Just his face and nose sticking out! The picture below shows it better. The above picture is not at the right angle to see him.
There were lots of people camping and lots of people on the road coming home too but thankfully no accidents. Another one for the record books!
Our new trailer worked well and it was nice to have a washroom close by and our own even closer to use! No more treks to the washroom in the dark in the middle of the night. Although it was easier to decide to stay in bed at 4 am than to go out into the night through the woods to the biffy! Now, I just whip in and whip out in my pjs!
 |
| Signing in at Jasper Park, Wapiti site |
 |
| Beautiful day, beautiful scenery! |
 |
| His nose is showing through the trees! |
 |
| Athabasca River |
Monday, May 14, 2012
A Special Day
Well, Mother's Day was yesterday and it was pretty uneventful. I did get an email card from Brandy which was very nice and it started the day off on the right foot. I guess that is the way of today's young people rather than the old-fashioned snail mail card. I use it too so I can't really complain too much or too loud! Of course, my husband says I am not his mom so it's pretty low key from him. He did take me out to Moxie's for lunch which was really nice as I was craving some Eggs Benedict. They were giving out carnations to all the mothers so I was able to get flowers too! You can never get enough flowers!
On our way home, we stopped at the South Common Farmers Market. The vegetable stand lady was giving away packages of grape tomatoes to mothers (a good ploy to get people into their stand). We ended up buying more tomatoes and one large red pepper. This Farmer's Market is not cheap!
I was able to do some reading on my deck in the afternoon as it was so warm outside. Finally! In the evening, friends called to say they would like to come over and check out our trailer so we enjoyed some refreshments on the back deck after the tour. Our next door neighbors were also home so we did a tour of their trailer as well and they also joined us for a cup of tea.
A friend called in the evening who had lost her mom a few years ago and was feeling the sadness on this 'special' day. We talked for awhile and hopefully she was feeling a bit better by the end of the conversation. A loss is a loss no matter how much you 'sugar coat' it but it is always better to talk to someone when you are feeling down. I said it was 11 years since my mom had passed away and I think of her every day. She thought she was supposed to 'move on' and I assured her that life does go on but that does not mean you have to forget. I count the memories that pop into my head as little gold nuggets each day and just enjoy them. Usually they bring a tear to my eye but it's a warm, reflective feeling. Nothing or no one can replace your mother.
Well off to work again today. I am actually looking forward to it today for some strange reason. Must be something good in store for me!
To my friend 'out there' who may read this blog occasionally, and who often is overwhelmed with negative thoughts and feelings, I say to reflect on this verse of scripture:
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
On our way home, we stopped at the South Common Farmers Market. The vegetable stand lady was giving away packages of grape tomatoes to mothers (a good ploy to get people into their stand). We ended up buying more tomatoes and one large red pepper. This Farmer's Market is not cheap!
I was able to do some reading on my deck in the afternoon as it was so warm outside. Finally! In the evening, friends called to say they would like to come over and check out our trailer so we enjoyed some refreshments on the back deck after the tour. Our next door neighbors were also home so we did a tour of their trailer as well and they also joined us for a cup of tea.
A friend called in the evening who had lost her mom a few years ago and was feeling the sadness on this 'special' day. We talked for awhile and hopefully she was feeling a bit better by the end of the conversation. A loss is a loss no matter how much you 'sugar coat' it but it is always better to talk to someone when you are feeling down. I said it was 11 years since my mom had passed away and I think of her every day. She thought she was supposed to 'move on' and I assured her that life does go on but that does not mean you have to forget. I count the memories that pop into my head as little gold nuggets each day and just enjoy them. Usually they bring a tear to my eye but it's a warm, reflective feeling. Nothing or no one can replace your mother.
Well off to work again today. I am actually looking forward to it today for some strange reason. Must be something good in store for me!
To my friend 'out there' who may read this blog occasionally, and who often is overwhelmed with negative thoughts and feelings, I say to reflect on this verse of scripture:
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Our Newest Addition
We brought home our newest addition yesterday. After spending almost 3 hours getting instruction on how to look after it, where everything is and how to fix it (if problems arise), we drove her home and parked her on our driveway.
She is rather cute! How do you call a trailer cute? Beautiful? Sleek? or just Big? It is a lot different than our tent trailer which is now occupying half of our daughter's garage in Vancouver! Our trailer is occupying most of our driveway right now. We need to measure for plastic tubs etc and decide where we will put them. It will be nice to take time measuring things, at my own leisure instead of having the salesman around waiting to lock up. Although he said for me to take my time, it was hard to concentrate with him standing there 'waiting'.
There is lots going on this week and weekend, so I will putz around for the next few days. I don't want to rush into buying stuff, if we don't need it. We still have all the things we used in the TT so it's not like we are short of stuff. Still...when it's new....the thing to do is to buy new stuff too!? Isn't it?
Here's a few pics of her...
She will get her first 'run' next week for the long weekend. I am sure everything will be fine but it is always good to plan. Looking forward to it.l
She is rather cute! How do you call a trailer cute? Beautiful? Sleek? or just Big? It is a lot different than our tent trailer which is now occupying half of our daughter's garage in Vancouver! Our trailer is occupying most of our driveway right now. We need to measure for plastic tubs etc and decide where we will put them. It will be nice to take time measuring things, at my own leisure instead of having the salesman around waiting to lock up. Although he said for me to take my time, it was hard to concentrate with him standing there 'waiting'.
There is lots going on this week and weekend, so I will putz around for the next few days. I don't want to rush into buying stuff, if we don't need it. We still have all the things we used in the TT so it's not like we are short of stuff. Still...when it's new....the thing to do is to buy new stuff too!? Isn't it?
Here's a few pics of her...
 |
| In front of our house |
 |
| On our driveway |
 |
| Inside - with the slide out |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Last Week
We had a wonderful week with the family in BC. The weather worked for us - only a bit of rain - but sunshine was the most common visitor! We were busy heading out to practises and floor hockey games which took us to a variety of places. We all went and it was enjoyable to 'be part of' the regular day of our kids. "I don't know how she does it". I guess it is not much different than what MY mom would say to me as I ran around and accomplished my myriad of 'to do' list! However, I did not have four kids.
Well, that's it for now. Just an idea of how we enjoyed last week. The grandkids do make life enjoyable and interesting!
 |
| Quick visit to Steveston Docks |
 |
| Waiting for our Fish & Chips order |
 |
| Steveston Cannery - photoshoot! |
 |
| Backseat Antics! |
 |
| The girls upon our arrival! |
 |
| Ethan - #4 in black offensive! |
 |
| New home for 'our' tent-trailer |
 |
| The kids enjoying their new tent-trailer |
 |
| Brandy & Grace at the hockey game |
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Last Day
We had good weather for our last day in Vancouver before heading back via Jasper. The kids had a 'professional development day' so we took off to Steveston to check out the boats and stores. We ended up getting into the Toy Store so each got something they absolutely HAD TO HAVE!!!
Yesterday, just Grace and I went for a walk around the block. It had rained all morning (the other kids were in school) so we took her dollies and went outside when the sun started shining. It was a very nice walk!
We will miss these munchkins!
Yesterday, just Grace and I went for a walk around the block. It had rained all morning (the other kids were in school) so we took her dollies and went outside when the sun started shining. It was a very nice walk!
We will miss these munchkins!
 |
| Walking her dollies |
 |
| Gramma & Grace |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)