Thursday, December 30, 2010

Get Lost

Today was a self indulgent day. The last couple of weeks have been draining. We all slept in and were lazy most of the morning. Lil 'g had received some money for Christmas and it was burning a hole in her pocket so I thought I would take her to the mall and try to take advantage of the Boxing Day Sales. The sales were crazy good. I treated myself to a Kobo. I had been researching them for a month and debating whether to go Kobo or go Kindle. I know you are probably thinking why not go with the iPad, well price for one, I have a great computer, and I am not into apps.
The Kobo has been sold out for weeks before Christmas. A bit of restock arrived just in time for the Boxing Week Sales, they had 7 left when I got to Indigo! today. I didn't bother getting one put aside because I still was not sure if I was going to make the investment. So Lil'g  and I browsed a bit. When I got to the checkout and said I would like one, "we are sold out" was the reply. In one hour, 5 days after Christmas they sold 7? Nope, make that 6, there was one left and I got it. And since I left my current read at my inlaws I am stuck for a book. Not anymore, I have 100 classic titles to choose from that came preloaded on my little kobo. So many to choose from, I don't know where to begin. I have decided to begin with Dracula and am loving it.
Will I give up hardcovers? Probably not but the kobo is so convenient. I can take it with me to the doctors office which I am required to sit for 30 mins once a month (the staff always ask what I am reading this month). It will be great to take on the plane when I go to St. John's and Toronto too.

I love getting lost in a good book. I am hoping I will have more time in 2011 to do just that.

There is no time for sadness Mama

I am not going into details on such a public place but we lost a very special person the Christmas. My father in law died Dec 15th. It was a complete shock. I am very sad and cannot express the sorrow I feel. We brought Grant's mom back to our house for Christmas. We are going through the motions but it doesn't feel like Christmas, until you talk to my 10 yr old.
As I tucked my precious daughter into bed on Christmas Eve I got sad - that's what happens,waves of grief and sadness pour over me - and I shed a few tears on her pillow. Lil'g patted me on the shoulder and said "there is no time for sadness tomorrow Mama." So right and so young. I went to bed reminded that Christmas is a day of joy and celebration. It wasn't the same but we had a good day and made same great memories.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

I've Felt better

I spent the day at home, nursing a cold. You know when you think you are feeling better and then you try to do something (for me it was a bit of work on the laptop) and you realize you should've stayed in bed. Well, it was one of those days. I finally got out of bed at 4:30pm. One thing you should know about me is I have to keep my hands moving all the time - even when I am sick. It became the perfect time to sit and work at a hobby. I have a few.
I put the Christmas music, grabbed my needle and some wool and voila! Homemade felted Christmas ornaments. Like I said I have a few hobby - some require a lot of concentration, like the doll making. But felting is mindless and a great way to release some tension. Jabbing wool with a very sharp needle until it takes form. It's easy and quite enjoyable.
Someday I hope to play around a bit and really see what I can create with a bit of canvas and bits of wool. For now, my skill is limited to embellishments, birds and Christmas ornaments.

Friday, November 19, 2010

"That is a good book which is opened with expectation and closed with profit."
~Amos Bronson Alcott


one of my favorite mugs & a good book
Reading was never really encouraged when I was growing up. I stuck to Archie comics and when I got older I moved onto Cosmo and People magazine. A few years ago I made a New Year's resolution to read a book a month. Since then I've been hooked. I love escaping into someone else's world. Sometimes I wish the story would never end, other times I can't wait for it to be over.

A friend of mine has Shelfari on her blog and I thought what a great way to share the books one has read so I have added the feature. Good, Bad or just plain weird I willl eventualy get my titles all added. Currently I am reading The Birth House by Ami McKay. Canadian Literature is great. I am not very good at writing reviews, either I like it or I don't. So far I am really enjoying this one.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Assembly work not for me

For 2 days we have been stuffing, labeling, licking and stamping envelopes for our 2nd anniversary celebration. Over 3000 to be exact. Tedious work and I realized that this was not my cup of tea. One of the girls commented they could really go for this type of work but all I could think was "will it ever end?" Yes it would because we only printed so many invitations but in an assembly line the work would just keep coming, same old same old. Never changing. I compared it to knitting. I like to see progress with my work. With knitting you knit one, pearl one for ever. and eventually (a month later) you have a sweater or afghan. Not for me. Nope, I need to see some results. Instant gratification. Like renovating a room. One day it is beige, the next day it is Electric Blue or cooking (it's amazing what you can whip up in an hour) or bra fitting (it is what I do), within a 30 min span you've made a client happy. And the clients are all different, different likes and dislikes, different needs. Even the behind the scenes stuff for the store - like creating a newsletter, or creating a new radio ad, all pretty quick tasks, or attending a tradeshow.
But,as with all jobs, come the tasks that we don't like. So I say get it done and over with and get back to what I like doing, because, when you truly love what you do, it doesn't really feel like work.

"Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else." ~James M. Barrie

Monday, November 15, 2010

All I want for Christmas

Everyone seems to be getting in the Christmas spirit. I am finding it a little hard this year. Maybe it is because it has been crazy busy up until now. With the new store opening in 2 weeks, I am holding back on getting to "wrapped up" in the holidays. I think once that is over I can change my focus. The Santa Claus parade always puts us in the mood, we come home, enjoy hot drinks and good music and consider tackling the tree.

Big G untangling the lights!

Last night, after we got all unpacked from our weekend and little g tucked into bed, Big G and I sat and enjoyed the fire and a glass of wine, talking about how fast this Christmas season snuck up on us. We started talking about what we wanted for Christmas. Grant said "underwear" . I told him if he said that one more time I would buy him $400 worth and nothing else. (This is a man who does not like to shop). We had some laughs over past wierd and ugly presents and then started thinking about what we really truly wanted for Christmas and we both said the same. A week off - together. Anywhere. Tropical would be nice but not required. For the past 5 years we have taken our vacations seperately because work does not allow us otherwise. Grant's business closes for one week of the year. Christmas to New Years. We tried going away tropical before but that was with friends and family and frankly not very relaxing accomodating everyone's agendas. Lesson learned.
I can't see us getting away this year, vacation packages are not cheap. And I struggle with spending that kind of money on one week when we could put that towards upgrading the cottage and enjoy  it year round. Then we could spend the one week off there. That sounds like heaven.
It probably doesn't seem like a lot to some but it is a rather expensive gift, so if you are reading this Santa, wondering if you can make this girl's wish come true.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

A Few of My Favorite Things


Taking my shower this morning I reached for my favorite shampoo and thought what a great stocking stuffer idea for a runner and then I started making a mental list of my favorite things. I thought I would share- in case you are looking for some gift ideas:



The first thing I do when I get home is change out my dress clothes and into my soft and oh so comfortable jammies. I love the "Lois" set because it has a built in shelf bra that will actually work for my girls. There is just enough lycra in the fabric to make it move with you. of course these are available at The Girls Bra Shop.

I love shopping at the Lush store when traveling to Toronto or Halifax. I Love Juicy was recommended by their staff when I said I my hair is more oily on run days. This is a great shampoo. Wouldn't use everyday though as it may dry your hair out.

no more rice spilling over and make a mess in my microwave, but I don't limit myself to just rice. This pot will steam veggies perfectly. Want to book a party or place an order online? http://www.pamperedchef.biz/stephanypublicover

My skin is what you would call "hyper sensitive" and a lot of detergents are to harsh. We brought Forever New into the store when we opened because it came highly recommended for caring for our product. It is so gentle, it doesn't burn or irritate my skin and it has a mild but really nice scent. This stuff is great. 

I went out for deodorant and hairspray and came home with Pearls. I love the simplicity, yet sophistication of them, why, I will even wear them with a t shirt and blue jeans. Yeah I know they say diamonds are a girls best friend and I would never refuse diamonds but pearls are different, classic.

I can't stand channel surfing. I am home alone a lot (well with little g) and I don't sleep well so typically I am up late. All very good reasons to invest in a series. There are so many to choose from. So many tv shows I couldn't miss over the years. But Ally McBeal was the quirkiest and most fun to watch. I have rewatched seasons 1, 2 and 3 a few times and hoping for season 4 and 5 for Christmas. hint hint. 

wine is a perennial favorite hostess gift or Christmas present amongst friends. I love red wines and this one has a great start and finnish to it. The dark rich blackberry marries well with the hints of chocolate and vanilla.

Thanks to Allison and Kevin we are hooked and have passed it on to many of our friends. This game is excellent. It's like Monopoly and Risk collided. See the true colours of your friends - Power Hungry Cut Throats. It's addictive and fun. Pick up the expansion pack if you want 6 players. and remember...
What happens in Catan - Stays in Catan!

With their indoor/ outdoor soles these slippers are perfect. With the shearling surrounding your feet your have warmth, comfort and moisture wicking too. Wear around the house, or grocery shopping.

Grant gave me this cd a couple years ago for Christmas and I love it. I keep this cd in my car and have it on my ipod. Her classic 80's tunes and a few new ones. This collection is essential!

11. A Day at Nakai. http://www.nakai.ca/
We all need a day of pampering. This spa is beautiful and relaxing. Bring your ipod, enjoy a cup of herbal tea and mentally check out for the day.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Mishell ma belle

After a trip to the post office who then sent me to UPS, 45 mins of checking prices and delivery dates and I finally took a deep breath and said goodbye to my girl Mishell. I was a little sad as I wrapped her in the bubble wrap and stuffed her in the box. I thought I had another week to get her in the mail but Monday night I doubled checked the deadline and realized I had 3 more nights to complete her and get her in the mail. With my schedule, this was going to be a challenge indeed.

I don't know why I am entering this challenge, I am way out of my league, but as I explored the world of doll making I got more and more interested. I only discovered this wonderful form of art last July, while on a trip to NFLD. I bought whatever books I could and googled for hours. One day, I stumbled acrossed a website detailing the Hoffman Challenge. How interesting, I thought. So I sourced out a supplier of the fabric. Turns out there is one right here in Rothesay, NB.

Staring at the fabric for a few days, I had no idea how to make a doll worthy of this challenge. The ones I had made up to this point were pretty amateur. I cut and made two bodies and began designing the faces for and then I focused more on one expecting it would be a good practice doll and then I would do the 2nd one as my entry. Turns out, that she became my entry afterall. I named my entry Mishell - a mermaid. I didn't have a pattern for a mermaid - I made it up. As I worked on her, I kept thinking there has got to be an easier way to do this. I am certain there is, but I didn't find it. Her hair is made of Angora that I got from my favorite yarn shop Cricket Cove. It sells exotic yarns and fibres that are perfect for hair. 1000  of beads were hand sewn to her body and the shell chair she sits in. Yes, it is a shell, in case you can't tell. Her face is a little more fantasy like than my other dolls. I wanted lots of colour on her eyes. My friends say they see me in the eyes of my dolls.  Hmmmm? Not sure what that means. Ha.

So what now? Well, when I am not working or at the lake I plan on finishing my other doll. I am having difficulty figuring out her legs. In the past, my dolls have all been sitting. I want this one to stand and I am not exactly sure how to do that. Looks like I need to study a bit more. I have a few favorites that I like to follow and learn from. Extremely talented artists like Deanna Hogan, Patti Culea, Lisa LichtenfelsRivkah Mizrahi all inspire me. If you have a moment, I recommend you check them out.

Monday, July 12, 2010

The List

I just arrived home from a fabulous 4 day vacation on PEI. For the past 20 years Big G and I have made a trek to PEI. When we younger we used to start the trip off with a little camping in an open field at Uncle Jumpin' Jack's in North Rustico and eventually head to Montague to visit our dear friends. Then one day we all got married, had kids, settled down, perfect. The wives get along, the men get along, our girls get along and one day we got a puppy and he met their puppy and they too, get along. Over the years our friendship has really grown. We no longer detour to Jumpin' Jack's but rather, head straight to Poverty Beach. Our visits never seem to be more than a long weekend but always fun and very relaxing.
Here's what an average day would be like: Coffee on the deck from 8am til noon (that's if we didn't stay up til 3am, in that case, coffee doesn't start til at least 10:30am), then it would be a tough decision as to whether we should walk down to the beach to collect moon snails and dip our toes in the ocean or sit and do a craft with the girls. Where are the guys in all of this? Calling a golf course to get a tee time. Dinner is usually late, but so worth it. The evening may consist of a bonfire or a very competitve (giggle) game of scrabble or trivial pursuit, a few bottles of wine, and appies that make us want to swap recipes.
A pretty low key break indeed. Our entertainment is found in the endless hours of conversation. Although we have so much fun without leaving the area, we usually have to hop in the car to visit a few of our favorite spots. It wouldn't be a trip to PEI without it. This time little g had made a point of telling me her must sees and when we arrived, our friends' little g had a list written with her must sees and dos. (Yes, our friends have a little g too!)
If you ever travel to PEI here a few places on the island that you must see. Sorry, no water theme or amusement parks on my list.
The Dunes Studio Gallery- an eclectic place full of jewelry and trinkets, clothing, art and home deco from around the world, a beautiful garden filled with unique furniture made out of tree stumps that you can sit on and soak in the beauty surrounding you.While there you can also eves drop on the potter creating dishes and vases that are sold in the shop or you can meander to the dining area and enjoy a meal. I haven't done that yet, but it is on my list.
Magic Dragon - I love this shop. Polished Rocks, Pashminas, Paper Lanterns, Art, and more. So many little unique things to touch and feel. You will get a treasure here for a sure. You'll have to go to Murray River, PEI to find it.
Cows Creamery  - They claim to be Canada's No. 1 ice cream. I think I would have to agree. Not sure which yummy flavour to put in your waffle cone? May I suggest Mooey Gooey. If you like touristy tshirts,  am sure you will find the perfect one here.
Farmer's Market - This is such a treat on Saturday morning. A fruit smoothy for the little gs, espressos for the moms. This time I snagged a coffee mug by a local potter that fits my hand comfortably. A fresh loaf of carrot spelt bread for Sunday morning breakfast, and oatmeal cookies for a midday snack
The Ocean - so many great beaches to drop your towel on. Water toys are not always necessary. As long as you have a bag to collect your treasures in, you are fine. Take a minute to play in the sand. Make a mermaid, use sea grass for her flowing hair, shells for her jewellery, pebbles for her smile. Take a picture because it will be washed away by morning.




There is so much more on the island. We always find something new to explore each time we visit. While we crossed most of our list off this trip, we missed a couple things. We are not completely disappointed, because we know we will be back soon.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The more things change, the more they stay the same

Roadtrips are great. Of course, for me it isn't a roadtrip without a detour to Chapters and Starbucks. I get my half sweet Machiatto grande and browse away. I have a path I follow from the Starbucks to the magazines (checking to see if a new issue of Dolls Quarterly is available), then I head to the craft section to check out new books on doll making, quilting and more. Behind the craft section is the wine and cooking section, last time I picked up a wine diary so I could record my favorites. Interesting or coincendence, I am not sure which, but the exercise section is next to the food. Hmmm. Well I stroll through there too as I take a sip of my coffee - by now it is cool enough to drink. There are so many experts on healthy living. I don't need anymore books from that department. I'll just listen to Big G. "Calories out have got to be more than calories in, it's that simple". After hitting the Bestsellers wall and the children's area I make my way to the Clearance section. Every once in awhile you find a treasure here. And this day was a treasure day indeed.

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent, hardcover for $7.99. I had been eyeing this book for awhile now and here it was in the clearance section. I had to have it. Heretic's Daughter would be a great read to put on my summer list. With my prize in hand I was officially done browsing and off to the checkout.


Well, that was a few weeks ago. I spent the weekend at the cottage reading the story of Martha Carrier and then googled her name to see how much of the story was true. Although the front page had the disclaimer that it was a work of fiction, Google told me otherwise. Kent took the few manuscripts of her ancestry and filled in the blanks for the rest of us. Weaving a tale so true that it had me captivated for 3 days. It's amazing what a little thread of gossip can spin into and the destruction it can have.


Fast forward 300 years. I grew up in a small town where gossip spread faster than wildfire. Moving to the city, I end up in the burbs again and here the gossip is so thick I can barely wade through some days. Although, there are no daily hangings, the words of a few idle people can wreck the lives of those around them. Do they know what their words do? Have they got a clue? No I don't think so because if they were that smart, they wouldn't speak so ill of each other.

I like books that make me think.Think about where we are today. All the advancements and changes and yet human nature has not caught up with the times. No we still act the same way we did, 50, 300, 2000 yrs ago. We may think we are more civilized but are we really? Oh yes, our styles of punishment may have changed, a little more humane, but how we act toward our enemy, even worse how we act toward our friend or family has not changed a bit. You'd think we could improve on that, wouldn't you?

Monday, June 28, 2010

Weighing Pros and Cons.


I woke up Saturday morning with a "can do" attitude and decided I was going to run 10 K. I have been running regularly every other day and doing my strength training as well. Usually logging 2 or 3 miles each run. When Saturday morning dawned, I felt like I could do it and go twice the distance. I enjoyed my morning coffee and read for a bit, let my breakfast digest and then headed to the treadmill. That's right, the treadmill. I know, I know. It is not the same as running outside. But like everything else I weigh the pros and cons before I make my decisions and the treadmill wins everytime. Let's see. The Pros of running outside hmmm? Changing scenery and fresh air. Ah, but wait fresh air is a con too. After one mile outside, I am wheezing more than a broken squeeker toy. The con list seems to grow quickly. There is the fact that the hills are harder. Well the whole darn run is harder with the incline constantly changing. Oh and let's look at form, ummm let's not. I am about as graceful as Big Bird running down Sesame Street, not exactly what I want the neighbors to see. 


Another con, I can't leave little g home alone. So running on the tread allows me to get my run at a relatively decent hour and dinner in the oven before Big G gets home for the night.  Hey, that would be a pro for the treadmill. Also, the tread will track my mileage and pace as well as the number of calories burned. I know these are going to be off a bit because the tread doesn't account for my height, weight or age but at least it is a good gauge. I am able to keep track of my progress and I always try to improve on my time or my distance. Running on the tread saves me the need for sunscreen. I can look out the window and see Mr. Sun quit nicely.  With all this rainy weather lately, I don't have any excuses when I run on the treadmill. And I can pop in a movie or get caught up on Young & The Restless. Of course, the volume is off because I have a great running playlist to keep me moving. But really do you need to hear what they are saying on Y & R? I mean, their actions speak pretty loudly.
So, the next time someone tells me "running on the treadmill is not the same, you should be outside in the fresh air" I am gonna look at him (yes, it was a him who said it) and say "well, at least I ran!"

For the record. I ran 10K on Saturday, not for any other reason but just to say "because I can".


The letter W is brought to you today by ABC Wednesday

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Curriculum Vitae

To Whom It may concern:
Please accept my resume for review for the positon of Superheroine. My educational background will show you that the 12 years of public school equipped me with the skills to fight against bullies within my peer group as well as the authority figures who thought they could rule with an iron fist and absolute abuse of the great powers that were bestowed upon them. In the late 80's I accepted a full scholarship program at the Boyfriends Gone Bad School For Girls, where I was fully immersed in the "kicked to the curb" program.I gained a valuable skill set which can be applied to almost any scoundrel, cheat or liar. Upon graduation, I set out to save the world.
While I had the heart and mind of a Superheroine, my superpowers needed some mastering, so I did a bit of contract work to hone my skills and expertise. You may have read about me in the Times, or the Inquirer. I have a  strong moral code, including a willingness to risk one's own safety in the service of good without expectation of reward or accolade. I am motivated, have a sense of responsibility. Unlike other superheros I do not have a personal vendetta against criminals, I believe they will have to answer one day for their actions. I do share with them the strong belief in justice and humanitarian service.
By day, I wear the disguise of a do it all mom who is seeking to find her mark by starting her own business.
Multi tasking comes natural to me. My secret powers? Well, they will remain a secret, for now. Should I meet your approval I would by all means give you a demonstration. I am blessed with eyes in the back of my head. Luckily, my long hair hides them. A goal of mine, that I have been working on for sometime, to be able to be at multiple places at the same time. This eludes me, yet I am optimistic that I will achieve my goal one day. Most of the time I am very serious and  task oriented, however I have a comedic side to my personality, which has been useful at times in mentally disarming the enemy. I always say "laugh at yourself first, then it doesn't hurt so much when others laugh at you!" Some may say I am intimidating, others would say I know what I want. Either way, I set a goal and I accomplish it. My alter ego is sweet and admiring, I on the other hand shoot more from the hip and call it like I see it. This can cause my tongue to be quick and rather cutting. I tend to be cautious using this ability only when necessary as I have learned, words are like toothpaste, once they spill out of your mouth you can never put them back in. I waste no time in getting the job done. Less talk more action, is what this world needs. Be sure, your adversary will quake when they discover I am on their trail.
I am enjoy the life I have now, so many masks I have to wear. Adding another mask to my wardrobe would only make it more colourful. I accept new challenges with gusto and a "BAM! KER POW!!" attitude. The anonymity of your want ad intrigued me.
While I have eradicated many of my archvillain's minions, I do realize that true evil is always lurking around the corner and I will not stop until peace and prosperity are extended to all. If this sounds like the right hero for you please contact me. Send a note by secret messenger to the house at the end of  Main Street. Look for the window with the candle lit at both ends. My faithful sidekick will see that the note reaches me and I will come at once.

Until then,
Miss Marvelous


In response to Sunday Scribblings #219 Superhero. I had fun with this. It seems that the prompts are always so timely. I've been hearing a lot lately about my daughter and how she looks up to me, like I am a superhero. Flattering but hard to live up to. Today, I went into her gr. 4 class to talk to them because she'd been boasting on my super skills at dollmaking - a skill that will supposedly help in their art project of making puppets. The teacher was skeptic until she saw my dolls. Now I am under pressure to make the bodies for 20 puppets in the next 2 days. No problem for this superhero. I may not be saving the world but to the gr.4's I am saving their puppets.  I'll take it.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Two Different Faces

I just finished reading Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, and really enjoyed it. The book follows the lives of two sisters, Pearl and May, through life and love. When I finished the book I started thinking about the relationship I have with my siste. My oldest sister moved out when I was 10 yrs old. I didn't really get to know her until my mid 20's. But Susan and I were like two peas in a pod. She is only 11 months older than me. I began drawing several parallels between Pearl and May and Susan and me.
One known for her beauty, one known for her wit and smarts. I was in the shadows, always a step back. She was the favoured one. She was the one who got to play sports, she had all the popular boys chase her, won the beauty pagaents.
I am not sure how she felt about me. I was the baby -the little bambino with all the dark hair.  Being the older one, she got the new bigger room when our older sister moved away. I was thrilled the day she moved out of our room,and yet I would crawl into her bed everytime I had a bad dream (that was most nights). She hated that and would only give the very edge of the bed to sleep on. I didn't care, I felt so safe there beside her. I loved to share our clothes, Susan hated me going into her closet or borrowing her pretty things.
I am sure Susan had some complaints about me. Petty jealouslies even. I was shocked when she voiced the complaint about my first boyfriend in university. "He has blond hair!. Ann never dates a guy with blond hair! She is trying to find a guy that looks like my Todd!" I was shocked and surprised to hear these words. No I didn't want a boy that looked like her man. And the relationship with the blond lasted a very, very short time. And yes, I do prefer brunettes, which I never realised until that moment.
Although we would fight, no argue or squabble sounds more like it, we were best friends. Defending each other to the ends of the earth. Laugh and play until Mom would yell "you two, go to sleep". We worked at the same jobs. We would play tricks on our friends by switching the phone back and forth from me to her (no one could tell can tell our voices apart). We were known as "the Smith girls". The first time I knew how much she loved me was when she put my name down for Miss Congenality in the local pagaent (She was the only one who put my name down). And then when she offered to help us be parents -finding us a clinic, offering to help with the costs. She is one of my biggest encouragers and supporters.
Although we live in different countries, nothing can break the bond between us. When we are together, it is like we were never separated and we pick up where left off.
I could go on and on about all the trouble we used to get into together, the many nights of playing kick the can in the neighbors yard, the rivalries and little things she has done to show me how much she loves me but then I would have to write a book.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Bite your tongue

Last night I attended a very productive meeting. A group of forward thinking entrepreneurs in the Valley are planning an event. I can't always say meetings are productive but this one was. The ladies should be applauded for that. It is not easy getting eleven A-type women to have a productive meeting. There were good discussions, some playing devil's advocate (in my opinion that is good, as you need to see all sides of a situation before making a sound decision), some waiting until the room went quiet before they spoke - so polite. And then there was me. (I've got a feeling Tammy may include herself in there with me too).

I came home with my hand over my mouth and my inner voice telling me I should have kept it shut a little more. I can be so outspoken. I go to these meetings thinking "okay Ann, be a sponge. Less talking, more listening." But then, I will hear something that gets me spurred on. Good or bad it doesn't matter, my leg will start twitching, my arm will start fighting with itself - up/ done/ up/ done. My tongue is tensed up like it is trying to lifts dumbells in my mouth and out it blurts. My interjection/ objection/ declaration what have you. I just can't hold my tongue any longer. I can't help it. I am passionate. I speak with conviction and I always want to make sure that whatever decision we make is the best decision.

I came home around 10pm and plunked down into my red chair (it is the best chair for plunking down in). I look over at Big G and the only thing he says as he lowers his head and raises his eyebrows is "What did you say???" I laughed because he knows me so well.

It's not that I was fired up with anger about the meeting, no, it was passion I expressed as I shared all the details with my love. I got to reminiscing about the old days when my father would come home from a board meeting for "this" or a town council meeting for "that". I remember him and Mom in the kitchen sharing a cup of tea and listening to Dad speak with such passion about the events "Well, I told them this and if they thought otherwise, they could just do ...". back then I used to get mad, because my 10 yr old body wanted to sleep but Dad's booming voice would always wake me.  Now, I smile. I am the spitting image of my father. And although I sometimes come home from meetings with my hand over my mouth wishing I hadn't said so much, I am also secretly happy that I don't.

As long as I have a voice I will use it. Someday it might be gone.


...in response to T is for by ABC Wednesday

I know I can

I have always loved the children's story "The Little Engine that Could". Those words have echoed in my ears for the past 41 yrs. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. About 6 years ago a friend sent me a note of encouragement and on it was just the reference to a verse out of the Bible. Philippians 4:13. I will never forget the note or the verse. It has become my mantra. For me, it was what I needed to get over my mountain. And whenever I doubt myself, my strength or perseverance those words come to mind.

I love the attitude of the little blue engine. After only a moments hesitation he said " I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." Could it be that someone had shared that verse with the little blue engine?

I don't preach it very often, but I can't ignore the One True Thing "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4:13 NIV


in response to Sunday Scribblings weekly challenge #217 Mantra

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

S is for GP"S"

 We have traveled the highway many times to get to the lake but now we had a new gadget and we wanted to see it in action. The gps was more for Grant's work, which takes him to all corners of the province. We typed in the address on our new GPS and it did it's calculations. 1 hour and 5 minutes it told us. In 1.5 kms turn right. We laughed at the voice. While Grant drove I played around with the gadget and discovered I could change the voice, I chose "Anna" with an australian accent. Our eyes kept moving from the road to the gps making sure it knew where it was taking us, watching the rolling ball move along the digital map.
Anna's voice tells us to turn right at .5kms. That can't be right. We have to stay on this road for another 30kms or so. But the gps is right. Right? So we follow the directions. We are talking to each other and to the gps, questioning the route that "Anna" has directed us to. 20 mins later we are in "Deliverance", I can hear the banjos playing now. I am telling Grant to turn back and take the highway, that this thing doesn't work. He is stubborn. We continue on in our little honda civic. The road is topsy turvy and I am getting edgy as I want to turn around and take the normal route. The safe route. And the the road ends. All that lies ahead is a dirt path. Looks like nothing more than all terrain vehicles have used this road, judging by the amount of mud on the trail. "Anna" is telling us to forge ahead. Worried our economy car will bottom out on the dirt road, I tell Grant to turn around. Telling turns to arguing, but now he is even more determined to see where this gadget is going to take.
This road has more bumps than a 10th graders pimply face, I wish I had not drank so much water. I look up and see a glimmer of hope. Could that be pavement up ahead? Are the trees clearing? I am trying not to feel too much relief as I still don't know where we are or how far before the nearest restroom is. "Turn left", Anna tells us.We finally pull out onto a normal road and I begin searching for a sign. Snyder Mountain 8kms, the gov't issued road sign said as we passed it. Okay, we know where we are. Only 25 kms away. We haven't stopped chatting about this stupid gadget. How we like, don't like it, it is too precise, not precise enough. The offroad directions added an extra 30mins of travel. I guess "Anna" assumed the route was paved, or that we wanted the "as the crows flies" directions.
Now I see why I don't always take the road less traveled. I like knowing where I am going, how long it will take me to get there. I like a smooth ride. Bumps in my day, I mean in the road, cause me tension and stress. If I know what is up ahead, I am better prepared for it. I have never liked surprises.I am a planner. I'm good with that.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Acceptance

Crouched behind the fallen tree we watched as the old man climbed down from the tree with the eggs. The mother watched from the limbs high above waiting cautiously. She has seen the old man before and each time he has been gentle. The mother trusted him but was watchful for any sign of peril to her babies.
He told us to be quiet. Do you know how hard it is to be quiet when tittering on dried leaves and broken twigs? The old man finally made his way over to the muddy truck. We were deep into the woods, watching life unfold before our eyes. But nothing prepared us for what we were about to see.
The old man set the eggs down on the back of the truck. One was already cracked and rolling around. Time stood still as the mother swooned down closer. The old man told us she would come right up to us if stay calm and quiet. The old man had found the eggs abandoned and took them to her nest hoping nature would takes its course.
Suddenly, one of the eggs began tipping and wobbling. We could hear the clucking sound of baby inside chipping away at the shell. And then it happened. Pieces of the shell fell around and the beak poked through. A wing awkwardly stretched out.
Our eyes grew and our mouths dropped. What was it?

This is in response to Sunday Scribblings prompt Dragon. This passed weekend my family had the pleasure of witnessing two baby Barred Owls be tagged and weighed a biologist/ natural habitat specialist.  The Owls were nested in a tall oak about 100 metres from our cottage. The babies looked like small dragons. At least that is what my imagination saw.

The Sun won’t rise the same

Before I opened the bra shop with Tammy, I used to work fulltime with my hubby, at our office in our home. I had to get an assistant to take my place so that I could focus more time on the shop. It has been an adjustment having a stranger in my home, at my desk, using my kitchen to make the office coffee.
Erni, our assistant, decided to take this week off so I am back at the helm while she is away. At the beginning of creating the bra shop, I felt a lot of stress and pressure from being divided between the two businesses and still be a mom, wife and find time for me. Tammy and I have a good handle on things with The Girls now, so I don’t feel that pressure going into this week at all. Maybe it is because I am well rested from the most amazing long weekend. I think that might have a bit to do with it. The beautiful weather and fresh air probably is helping too.
Today, I started off by enjoying the final chapter of my current read (“I Know This Much is True” by Wally Lamb) and a rich cup of Sumatra. Time to head to the office. I rearrange the desk to suit me~remove all extra pens and post it pads; move the tape dispenser to the left of the computer screen; adjust the chair for my 5’8” frame (Erni wouldn’t be more than 5’2”) and settle in. Grant (Big G) had already started some of the days work to make it a little easier for me. I smiled when I found out. He popped in every now and then to tell me this or that and then would head back to the lab. Later, Big G stepped out to drop off forgotten homework at little g’s school, he returned with takeout ceasar salads for both of us for lunch. We shared jokes and rants about the day, and I looked at my sweetheart and realized how much I love working by his side. To end my disneyesque day, I got an email telling me the proofs of our family photos are ready and a few are posted on Victoria West's blog. The last picture summed up the picture perfect day I spent with my love. Running through my head is Molly Johnson singing “If You Know Love” and I agree, if you know love like I know love, the sun won’t shine the same.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

running

After a 2 week break from running and getting over a mild flu,I finally got back on the treadmill. I knew it was not going to be my best run but I was determined to get back at it none the less. While Tammy has been doing more of an endurance run, I prefer doing intervals. I started off with a 1/2 mile walk to warm up. I wanted to get a good warm up so I ramped up the incline to 6.5 and walked at a 3.5 mph. I usually run a 1/4 mile lap at 5 or 5.2 mph (running magazines would call that a light jog) but today I felt strong and wanted to push myself a little further so I pushed the buttons and ran at 6mph. It felt good but I was ready for a walk when I finished that 1/4 mile. I walked for 2 mins and pushed myself again and continued this interval training for the rest of my run. 28 min. later I finished my 2 miles. Not my best time but that didn’t matter. What mattered is that I pushed myself and did it.
Note to self: running gear is not as gimmicky as I once thought. Grabbing the first pair of track pants I saw I got dressed for my run. Cotton is not the best for running. Moisture wicking breathability is essential if you are planning on breaking a sweat. Half way through my run I was reminded of this. The cotton pants felt like 20 lb weights on my legs while my upper half was cool and comfortable. Thanks to my Freya Active sports bra.
I love this bra. It provides the lift and support my GG’s need without compression. The inner sling extends to the shoulder strap to enhance and reduce “bounce” when I run. The Cool Max Fabric does exactly what it claims to do, pull the moisture away. Cool Max Fabric dries five times faster than cotton. I have this bra in nude and red but I have to say I am partial to the red. Maybe it is because it could pass as a running top and I don’t really need another shirt over it or maybe because I love that a full bust girl like me can get something besides nude, even for when I am running.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Spring, you do not disappoint.

Today I decided to take the day off.  I didn't really know how to fill my day but I knew it would get filled. I have never been bored and it always irritates me when I hear people say that they are.
I was reading a bit out of a Trinny and Susannah book today and it said something like "if you kids are complaining they are bored, tell them to clean their room, they will quickly find something important to do." So true.
Well, clean is what I did today. Okay I slept in til 9am and started my day off with a few cups of coffee while I read a few chapters of a cheesy novel but then I got serious about my day. It is feeling like spring here, the grass is peaking through. The sky is blue and the sun is warm.  Today is a crisp 4C (that's 39F for my imperial friends) and my first task was hanging laundry on my line. Oh how I love the smell of clothes on the line. It is so beautiful, I have left the patio door open all day. Next, the bathroom. Oy. what a task. I mean how many figurines and barbies does one need to take a bath? And why do people keep the empty toilet paper rolls?Up go the windows in here too.  I'm moving on to the dining room and living room. Lookout Dust, I'm armed with Pledge and Papertowel, you don't stand a chance. The sunshine has filled every room of the house, but I think that is enough cleaning for one day. Let's not go crazy.
I managed to sneak in a few more pages while I had an afternoon snack and now I am heading to the treadmill. I want to get my run in before dinner. Tonight we BBQ.
Spring is here and I am so happy.  The winter blues were starting to take their grip. The time moves forward this weekend, the days are getting longer and I am seeing spring bulbs peek out of the ground.
So my day off comes to an end. Not full of excitement I know but I have had enough roadtrips for a while and 2 more coming up. It was nice to just stick around the house and enjoy the day.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

pursuit of running

It's been a while since I posted anything about my attempt at exercise and the pursuit of physical fitness. The scales have not really budged in the last couple months. I hear big G's voice burning in my head "calories in have got to be less than calories out". Truthfully, I know that I need to get my body in motion. There are a few women in my life that I have admired, for while they maintain a household, work, chaffeur their children and more, they also commit to time for a run each day. I have been in awe of how they do it.
After much thought and contemplation and suggestion by my SFL coach, I decided to commit to running and possibly training for my first 10K.  Now this is going to be quite a feet as I have not even been able to run a complete mile up until March 1st. That's right March 1st, as in last week. That's the day I started to make a change and get my body in motion.
Five runs in the first eight days of the month, I am feeling motivated. My times are getting better, my distance further. I don't run the whole time.  I start off with a walk for the first half mile and then I do it. I run 1 whole mile, sometimes I keep going an extra quarter mile because the tunes are motivating, my legs feel strong stronger and I think I can. After I finish the first mile, I switch to intervals of walking a lap (1/4 mile) and running a lap. I only commit to 30-35 mins. a day. Anymore than that and I would not have the time, and would find many excuses not to do it.
I don't have a specific 10K I am training for, there are several taking place in the fall. For now, I am running on a treadmill and I know I have got to be able to do this on the road which is going to be harder.  The day I run 3 miles (5k) outside will be exciting for me and that is my 3rd goal.  My first goal? I have already achieved that: to run a mile. 2nd goal to run 3 miles on the tread.  Once I can accomplish this I know I am on my way to running a full 10K.

Fluent??

This week's prompt for Sunday Scribblings is "FLUENT".  It was a tough one for me. I couldn't come up with a story. I am not poetic and I am far from fluent in anything. As these thoughts bogged my mind I started seeing all the things I am not fluent in.  Hating to cast a negative on anything I decided to turn my thoughts upside down. Here we go:

I am fluent in...
  1. ...speaking backwards. I have the right words, all lined up in my head, but they never come out in the right order.
  2. ...running into stationary objects, like a coffee table or desk
  3. ...falling down stairs. I have this one mastered. Usually it happens when I am alone in the house and no one is there to help me up. "I have fallen and I can't get up."
  4. ... crashing my car(s) at speeds less than 5km/hr.
  5. ...ruining a chocolate cake recipe. Okay well, after 30 yrs, I can say I can make a chocolate cake, but I have thrown a lot of them out trying to master a simple recipe. I will defend to my dying day that 2/3 cup of veg.oil looked like 2 to 3 cups of oil typed out in the old family recipe book.
  6. ...killing plants.
  7. ...starting projects and never finishing them: cross stitch, quilts, costumes, painting, painting walls and renos, writing (two novels on the go)
  8. ...arriving 10 mins late
  9. ...shopping a sale just because it is a sale
  10. ...putting too many things on my plate. "your eyes are bigger than your stomach..." I can hear my dad saying.  Whether it is on my dinner plate or timeplate, I usually bite off more than I can chew.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Never Say Never

My Mother taught me long ago “Never say Never”. Her friends would say “my son would never ...”, or “my daughter would never...” and sure as the sun would rise those kids did. But she also meant those words to reflect more than a potential disappointment. She never would have imagined winning a trip to Florida in the 70’s and a SUV in the 80’s all by the luck of one ticket or becoming the senior manager of the food administration at the nursing she worked at and retired from (a huge accomplishment for a farm girl with an 8th grade education). I am sure there are many more incidences that mama would quote “never say never” to.


After being told we would never have children, eight years later (with their help of a great clinic) we conceived on the first try, a miracle and against all the odds. Three years later on that fateful winter night, the minivan crossed the median. I would like to say that I have never received that dreaded phone call at 4am, that I never imagined I would ever get, but I can’t. The doctors said Grant would never regain his short term memory, sense of smell or hold down a proper job. But he has. Okay the memory sucks sometimes but he is a man. Say no more. The doctors said his brother would never teach again, learning to read and write and speak again was going to be a challenge, probably be stuck living with his parents the rest of his life. But the teacher is able to work a few days a week, met a wonderful women and married life is bliss.

Had you told me ten years ago, even six years ago, that I would be co owning a bra boutique, I would have laughed and said “Never!” Yet here we are a year and half after opening, successful and prominent in our community. I would never have believed Grant would successfully achieve accreditation for his lab just 3 yrs after that accident or that I would be a mom to the most incredible 10 yr old.

You never know what’s around the corner – good or bad. I can’t say make lemonade when you handed a lemon, it’s not always that easy. But I have certainly learned to expect the unexpected. When it is good, I praise Him. When it is bad, I lean on Him. And I believe that All Things Are Possible.


~response to "when pigs fly!" prompt #203 Sunday Scribblings.

photo is around 1973 on our back step. I am the cutey on the right, my sister on the left and mama with her glorious beehive.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

little g

I have to take a  moment to sing the praises of my beautiful daughter. Of course I am a little bias. A few of my close friends have told me how well mannered and polite she is, but sometimes as parents we those compliments are just pleasantries. I think it is starting to sink in and I believe my friends are being genuine. Why, yesterday we had a gentleman in our home doing an energy audit and he came to me in the middle of it to say "I have to tell you, not only is your daughter beautiful and well mannered, but she actually listens and obeys you. I have been in hundreds of homes and you don't see that very often..." we had quite a discussion. He was a very kind and gentle man who loves his job  but I can appreciate the situations he was describing and imagine how difficult that must be for him to do his job sometimes. I told him that we are so blessed to have little g, and I thanked him for his kind words.

Everyday little g comes home from school and makes a  snack for herself and for anyone else in the house (typically Grant's assistant is here, myself, and sometimes clients too). Today I suggested she might want to try to bake something. Afterall ,she is 10 now and when I was 10 my sister (who was 11) and I had to prepare a full dinner (with tea and dessert) after school before Dad and Mom came home from work.
I had brought home a bag of apples at lunch today, so little g decided she would make an apple crumble (apple crisp depending what part of the country you live). I was all for it. I told her it was my favorite dessert to make when I was her age.
 
I stayed curled up in the living room sofa working away on my laptop and could hear her in the kitchen humming away while she peeled the apples, preheated the oven, and made the crumble.  While it was baking, little g used the time to clean up her mess. You heard me correctly, the 10 yr old cleaned up her cooking mess without being told. It smelled so good. The apples, the cinnamon, the brown sugar all melding together. Mmmmm. Of course little g was dying to bite into it as soon as it came out of the oven, but I convinced her to save it for after dinner. She proudly served Daddy and I the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream on top.  It was perfect.

I love my little girl to the moon and back. She is growing up so fast, so responsible, so mature for her age.  But every now and then she will do something that will keep her my little girl a little longer, like bring all her dolls into the tub or wrestle with her dad or make goofy faces, or dress up the dog. She truly is a gift from God and I am so honored and blessed to be her mom.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

It's not over.

In response to Sunday Scribblings #202 Ethic/ Ethical I wrote this short piece.

As the nurse called my name, mom rose from her seat to go with me. I shot her a look. I am thirteen now and I didn’t need a maternal escort into the examining room. After all it was only a sore throat. The odour of medicinal potions and antiseptics filled my senses as I followed the nurse down the long corridor. Nurse Myrna takes me to room no. 3 and slides my file in the tray on the wall. “Get up on the examining table, the doctor will be in shortly.” she tells me.
Left alone in the room, I look around. You’d think they would pick better posters for the walls, like Scott Baio or John Stamos from Tiger Beat instead of the colourful diagram of the digestive system or the inner workings of an ear. My throat was sore, like swallowing broken glass. I’d say it was tonsillitis but I had them out years ago.
The door knob turns and I sit up. Dr Lloyd’s hair is slicked back and turning grey on the edges. His square brown frames sit on the edge of his nose as he looks down at my file and asks me where it hurts. I think my mom fancies him. I think Dr. Lloyd looks like a greasy, athletic version of Mr Rogers with his crumpled button down, grey cardigan and plaid pants. As usual the tongue depressor makes me gag. His hands are clammy as they press against my neck and ears. I try to swallow when he asks. “I am just going to take a listen” the doctor tells me as he takes the stethoscope from around his neck. I wince as he slides it under my shirt and the cold medal touches my back. “I am going to need a better listen” he says. He is standing so close that his legs have straddled mine and he squeezes tight. I am feeling strange and grow pale. He begins undoing the buttons of my shirt. The numbness seeps through my skin to the very core of my being. The separation is ethereal.
My shell is left on the table as I watch from the corner of the room. Rocking back and forth, arms clenched tightly around my knees. It will be over soon.

to blog or not

My writings seem to be all over the place.  One minute I am journaling my crafts and hobbies, or day to day events, the next I am writing a rant or a piece of fiction. I am wondering if I shoud have more consistency.  Should my blog be just for journaling my hobbies, or chronicling my life. I don't think I can dedicate this space to one thing as that is not me.  There is so much more to me than owning a business (or two) or being a mom, or making dolls, or kayaking the lake in the summer, or writing a preteen fiction with my friend, or making a quilt, or being an armchair athlete during the olympics.
No, I like this space because I can write what fancies me at the moment and if you are reading this than you are getting just a glimpse of who I am.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Kick in the pants.

Maybe it is the mild weather we are having lately, maybe it is the grass trying so desparately to peak through the snow. The sky has been so clear and blue. I have a new playlist full of surprisingly mood lifting music. (nothing like listening to Julie Andrews and the original cast singing Do Re Mi while working away on my laptop in the local coffee shop) All of this has inspired me and motivated me to take my health a little more serious. I have been going to SFL for almost a year and have sabotaged myself more than once. I am only half way to my goal (35 to go). While I feel great and apparently look younger at 40 than I did at 30. I need to give myself a kick start and take charge.
Well today is the day I got that proverbial kick in the pants. Weighing in today was not nice. I felt ashamed, like I had let my coach down, myself down. The scales have very slowly gone the wrong direction over the last couple of months. I think I was celebrating Christmas a bit too long.
Today is a new day. I feel fresh, rejuvenated and ready to take charge. Back to the treadmill and weights for me. For the record, my treadmill is just that, a treadmill - not a clothes rack or a shelf of sorts. I actually use it and wouldn't even think of parting with it.
So charge up the ipod and fill the water bottle, time to get movin'


“If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month.”~Theodore Roosevelt

Sunday, February 7, 2010

I can't hear you.

Do you know how to leave a message? Part of my morning routine at work is to get the messages left during after hours and seriously, some people have no clue how to leave a message on a machine. Typically, I have to replay the message once or twice, sometimes 3 or 4 times because people rattle off the info so fast that I can't get it written down quickly enough. Or they are so hungry that they decide to eat their phone while they are talking into it so that I hear some modern day version of Charlie Brown's school teacher. Then there is the type who talk on and on and on and say nothing. Details people! Details! We asked you to leave details (we meant specifics). Do not ramble - that's what blogging is for!
Here's an idea: if you feel compelled to leave a message try mentioning the purpose of your call. How about adding your name - it's highly plausible that we deal with more than one client. Do you have a phone number we can call you back at or did you just pick a random payphone to dial us up on? And really do you think we took a stenographer's course.  They haven't offered that since the mid 80's. If you want me to write down the details try speeak-i-n-g sloooooooooow eeeeeeeeenough that, I can get it all.

Sunday Scribblings wants to know what the message is, well intrepret this:

Speak Clearly. Make Your Point. Let them remember who you are, otherwise no one is gonna listen!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Perspective

This morning was the highlight of my week. A big part of what we do at The Girls is empower women, help them feel good about themselves, stand a little taller physically and emotionally. Tammy and I have been wanting to give back to our community but how was the question. There are so many non profit organizations out there that need a helping hand. The Coverdale Center For Women Inc. seemed where we were being called to help, but I didn't really know how much until I met the five incredible women who keep that place running.
The center is a shelter, a halfway house, a refuge for women who have nothing, who have felt like nothing and society have written off. Not right I tell you. This center helps these women by showing them compassion, gives them counseling, helps them with self improvement, life skills and so much more.
If you are reading this you probably have a computer or laptop, a warm house and food to eat. I am guessing you blew $20 this week on stuff you can't remember. Luxuries.

Tammy and I took approx. 60 bras with us to donate to the shelter.The residence and staff were excited and waiting for us. Starting this year, the Girls are donating $1 for every bra they sell to the center. That's just a drop in the bucket, I know. What they need is more people to help out. I can't imagine the life the women have experienced that lead them to take refuge at the center. I tip my hat to Nancy and her team, you are doing amazing work.


"... I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me." Matthew 25: 35-36, The Message

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Am I a Mermaid or a Whale?

I have been doing some research today on marketing to the 50+ woman. While many women in our area have heard about and flocked to our shop, we seem to missing out on reaching this age group a bit.  Saint John is not a big city, yet many women who cross my path have yet to hear about us.  This was a slight blow to my ego due to all the publicity at the beginning. Why we couldn't even go into the hardware store with a sales rep pointing out who we were (blush). Nonetheless, we want to reach these women and my research took me to all sorts of places.  I stumbled across a blog that I thought posed a very good questions.  Do I want to be a Mermaid or a Whale? Hmmm. Is that like blondes vs. brunettes? Well, I can't say blondes have more fun. I have plenty. What's really interesting is that while I do not measure up according to my BMI (29), I have several friends comment lately how thin and great I look. Sure I would like to look like a mermaid but as the Northern Pikes sing "She ain't pretty, she just looks that way".

This is all so coincidental as I have been working on a new doll, which happens to be a mermaid. Missing arms, and hundreds of beads waiting to be sewn on, she is no where near being complete but I thought I'd attach a little pic of her in progress. Like my fabricated mermaid, I'm just a doll in the making.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Deep Freeze

It is -20C here in Quispamsis. I am sitting by the fire this cold frigid morning, working on a couple marketing projects for the shop. It is early and I am not quite awake yet so my mind is wondering a bit. 
Across the room perched on my stack of books and supplies is my latest doll.  I sewed her body and put the first layer on her face last night.  She is different from the others in that I deviated a lot from the pattern. When I laid the fabric out to cut, it looked a lot like the scale of a fish and my first thought was to make a mermaid with it.  But I didn't have such a pattern. I figured that shouldn't stop me. So I tried to imagine how a mermaids tail would look and how to translate that into a pattern.  With a bit of readusting here and there, I had an end result that pleased me. I also had time yesterday to stop by Cricket Cove and check out the wool selections.  I found beautiful mohairs, buffalo, alpaca and more. The mohair I chose for this doll with beautiful and sparkly. The colours are a bold version of iridesence, which will lend themselves perfectly for my aquatic creation. I think once her face is done and all the beading is applied she will be very charming.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Milestones

My friend Tammy introduced me to Sunday Scribblings and this is my first post. The subject this week is Milestones. So my mind starts pondering what exactly does that word mean to me.In essence, milestones are constructed to provide reference points along the road. Well they are many milestones on the world scale. For ones the 80's. Which I am slightly to stuck in. But I wanted to get a little closer to home as I reflect on the word milestone. What are some the markers/ reference points in my life?
Let's see, when I was 10yrs old, I got my own room. This was huge. My oldest sister was 20 and had moved out on her own thus allowing my other sister to take over the now vacant room. It was heaven. No more sharing drawers and closet. I had my own space. My own private sanctuary.
When I was 20yrs old, I met the guy of my dreams. I didn't know it at the time. As a matter of fact, I had considered him to be my summer fling. I had had it with guys and I was going to start calling the shots. A month into my new found control and authority, Cupid shot me. Although I was in denial, by the end of the summer I knew I was going to be with this guy for awhile.
30's were big. The year I turned 30 was a year for change. That guy and I had now been married 8 yrs and were going to start our own business. I kept my regular job while he got the biz going. We bought the sweetest little house and got pregnant. Buying the house was the easy part. The business was a challenge and we didn't have a lot of resources to fall back on. The baby was the hardest. After 7 years of trying we finally went to a fertility clinic. First try.Success. The year flew by, I couldn't imagine what the rest of the 30's would be like. Turbulent and yet joyful. The whole decade was full of change: I changed my career, my husband suffered a serious brain injury being the victim of a drunk driver, we moved into a bigger house, are just a few of the highlights.
As I approached the 40's I realized I had evolved into a more confident and successful woman. Successful in that I had made it out the other side of some pretty traumatic experiences~stronger and resilient. Just months before I turned 40 I took another big leap and opened a new business, this time with my bestest girlfriend. With the full support of my hubby of 18yrs, my friend and I took a leap and opened the most amazing store for women. A shop that empowers women and makes them feel confident and beautiful.
I have some pretty incredible milestones (some I do not care to record so publicly) all of which have molded and shaped me into the woman I am today. And for the first time in 40 yrs. I like the woman staring back at me in the mirror.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

time out

I have been working night and day on a couple deadlines so I decided to take Friday afternoon off and treat myself to an art class. June Cable was teaching a Felting/ embellishment class at the Saint John Arts Centre and I was very much interested in participating. So glad I did. For one, I needed the time out to do something for me and two, I am really interested in creating fibre art. The ability to take wool and use it to create a picture is so imaginative to me. First, June showed how to needle felt and made us each design a heart on a wool swatch. Once we felt comfortable (pun intended) we could then begin creating on the object we brought to the class. Most brought clothing, I brought a purse. The class was such a great stress reliever for me. The instructor is also a doll maker,another reason I wanted to take her class, which afforded me a little time to talk to her about doll making and learning how to incorporate different fibres and techniques. She offered me many names of artists and authors of books on design and technique. The class was becoming more valuable to me by the minute.

I am not sure I am going to take the skills I learned and apply them to my art dolls, I am developing a certain style for those already. However, I am planning out my first piece of felt art in my mind already. Part of learning how to make the dolls I have also tried to learn how to draw faces so I am going to take one my sketches and transfer it to a piece of burlap via wools and exotic fibres. This will take some time as I want to map it out in my head completely before transfering it to the burlap canvas.

In the meantime, I have lots to do with my dolls. I have finished painting the legs and just added fifty or more tiny seed beads to the bodice of her dress.I will attach her legs as soon as they are dry and be done with her. I think I have had enough practice and am ready to start creating my doll entry for the Hoffman Challenge.

Life couldn't be better. As I listen to Billie Holiday sing Nice Work If You Can Get It, I reflect on my life and I think it is pretty great. I have two great partnerships ~one with my husband and best friend, and one with dearest friend and kindred spirit. I love married life (18yrs strong) and we have the most incredible daughter. And although life has thrown us a few curveballs it couldn't be sweeter. As hectic as life is, I still manage to find time for myself and indulge in my passion for art and creativity.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Month End

I haven't had a whole lot of progress on my dolls this week as it is week 3 of training my new assistant and also quarterly tax return and my year end for the Lab (business that pays the bills). Plus I managed to spend a couple days at the bra shop (business that gives me a lift ~ ha). Life is busy this week.

Here's what I got done (in between work, my daughter's guitar and fencing lessons annnnnnnnnd I managed to steal away an hour in the tub with a glass of wine, candles and my book earlier this evening, it was bliss) I have done and redone the bodice of the dolls dress 3 times and finally am satisfied with it. I have a picture of me holding her with a dark teal bodice and no hair. Well the teal came off and then I switched to ivory and I didn't like that either. Lace from an old bra worked beautifully. I also sewed 100 little ivory roses around her waist and gave her some beautiful hair. (well it is yarn, but I like it and that's all that matters) I have been working on her legs also, not happy with my choices for shoes or stockings I decided I would attempt painting her shoes and stockings on. She is a bit eclectic by nature so I think it will work just fine. Next I am going to try and make a beaded necklace/ collar for her as I find her neckline is a little plain and needs a little bling.
It is 12:30 am so I think I will call it a night. I have a lot to do tomorrow. Hoping I can enjoy a bit of time this weekend working on the dolls, possibly finishing them.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Dinner with the Girls

We have the most amazing team of women working for us at the Girls. All so unique and interesting in their own right. I decided to invite them all over for dinner. We decided to go with a Mediterranean theme and bring our favorite wines to share. The food was a amazing (must get the recipes), the wines where bold and smooth, the conversations were full of laughter and yet full of substance, well okay may the bra flashings were not too full of substance but it wouldn't be a gathering of the girls without a flashing or too. Ha.
I tidied up the house a bit. It was nice knowing I only had to prepare the salad. The Girls were each bringing a part of the meal. I had the table all set when everyone arrived. Candles lit, wine in the decanter, my good china, charger plates, and Norah Jones playing the background. The food was so good. From Tammy's Spanokipita and chicken brochettes and Teresa's roasted garlic, brie and baguettes, to my ceasar salad and Susanne's Lasagna and the final touch was Katherine's dessert which I couldn't begin to pronounce or spell. Teresa described it best when she took a bite and said "ummmm, tastes like warm sugar." After everyone left, Tammy - my business partner and I enjoyed the quiet and cleaned up before our men returned. Did I mention, the evening was just for us girls? The men were not invited. I so appreciate each of the women we have working for us. They are such incredible individuals and yet such a great team.
I think Tammy summed it up best while we were cleaning up, when she said "this dinner wouldn't have been the same with any other women or friends. We hired women we like and would actually hang out with."

Friday, January 22, 2010

Misfit

So I have come to a stand still with my doll as I have been waiting for the fabric to arrive for my doll (it arrived today and it is beautiful). Putting in the time I decided to take all the bad parts-that is, the parts that didn't turn out right and had to be redone - and make something with them. I figured I need the practice. I found some old green and burgundy paisley fabric I had purchased years ago to make a Christmas tablecloth. I had just enough to make a body and legs. I loosely followed the pattern out of Patti's book but made a few variations (just to see if I could). I used the arthretic hands I had made. Even though I am happy that I actually got them turned without wrecking them, I don't feel they are good enough for the doll I want to submit to the Hoffman challenge. I also used the head that I had sewn upside down and surprisingly, the nose does not look like it is snooty. It took me 3 evenings to finish her. I know I have a lot to learn and practice will only improve my technique, but I am really quite pleased with how she turned out. I made her hair of suede yarn. I think beside the hands, the hair will be a challenge for me. I made her skirt from a sheer burgundy voile and cut it into strips and then seared the edges over the flame of a candle. Something's missing, I'm just not sure what. I have attached a couple pics. Oh, I named her Paisley.