Monday, May 26, 2014

TAP into your HaPpY DaNcE!

"There is no one reality. There's only one perception. Love never fails. Keep doing the Happy Dance."
-Silvina Faiella Miller

-dance
(through life)
"When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way."
-Wayne Dyer

"Keep calm and do the Happy Dance!"
-Author Unknown


Nothing makes me TAP into a bigger HAPPY DANCE… than my grandkids,
Here they are this week… Mariah at her dance rehearsal  and Beau at his soccer!

I met all of these lovely ladies through my connection to DANCE…
and here we are
celebrating a HAPPY Belated Birthday for Kellie.
Now my relationship with BRENDA, CATHY, KELLIE and JOANNE
 goes far beyond DANCE…
it is all about the HAPPY FRIENDSHIPS we share…
we TAP into many HAPPY DANCES on many levels, when ever we connect!

I was going through some old pictures this week,
in lead up to Mariah's Birthday…
here is a darling one I found of her in her dance outfit and tap shoes,
looks like she is about to TAP into her HAPPY DANCE!

Like this picture of Mariah and her little dancing friend,
 at her dance rehearsal...our lives have been a BLURRRRR this last while,
but I am happy to say we sure have a lot to be grateful for lately, and
for that we are all doing a big HAPPY DANCE!

In my search of old pics for the Throw Back Thursday last week,
I chose this one to post.
This is our sweet friend, Robin holding our dear little baby Mariah.
This photo was taken in 2006 the year Mariah was born.
Just on Saturday Mariah had her 8th birthday and Robin got Married…
so both of them were doing a big HAPPY DANCE on Saturday!

I love when it becomes warm enough to plant flowers again…
and these little polka dot pots I bought a few years ago at Michael's,
always cause me to go into a HAPPY DANCE… just SPOT how adorable they are!

It makes me happy that Brian and I can sit out in our yard again and enjoy
all the flowers we planted and the nice weather.
We share many HAPPY HOURS out in our yard together!

I delivered 8 Gerber Daisies to my little birthday girl on Friday night…
in honour of her 8th birthday… on Saturday.
She and brother, Beau and friend, Drew were loving the sunshine in their
back yard  when we stopped by…
Mariah and Drew enjoyed doing a little HAPPY DANCING this weekend too!

We have done a lot of Celebrating this past few weeks leading up to
Mariah's 8th birthday…
We did an early family Birthday Party a week ago, because
this weekend was so busy on her actual day.
Mariah is all about TAPPING into a HAPPY DANCE…
 and life is one
big celebration for her… she loves life!

For me it has become tradition to craft birthday cards for many…
my grandkids included. This is the card I crafted for Mariah this year,
saying "HaPpY TaPpY 8th BiRtHdAy" on it, featuring her in
her TAP costume  which I love… and note it is even my favourite colours
and POLKA DOTS, too!!!… which makes me
TAP into another HAPPY DANCE!

Brian and I got dressed up for the special wedding we were invited to
this weekend. I could not get over how handsome my hubby looked.
He just looks the picture of health  right now… which makes me
so GRATEFUL… and HAPPY!
Between wedding and reception we went for a little treat
at a new place called
"Little Bird Patisserie & Cafe"… a very happy little place!

Saturday we felt honoured to share in the special day for Robin and Alex
as they transformed the Sutherland Curling Club into  a magical
location for their wedding and reception.

The oldest nephew was a Jr. Groomsman, while the younger 2 shared the role of
ring bearer… and the baby niece was a flower girl and looked like a little doll
in the a wagon… so adorable!
The younger boys each had signs around their neck…saying
"Are you ready for this , Uncle Al?"
and  "Here comes your girl!"

They day was simply beautiful all round from the wonderful weather,
 and magical room… to the wedding and reception that followed.
The Bride was stunning and the groom as handsome as ever.
He even went into a little HAPPY DANCE at the reception
paying tribute to Michael Jackson… and my dance critique of him
was that he was pretty darn good at it, too!

Robin has been a special gal to us since we met her years ago.
She is somewhat of a second daughter to us…
so naturally we had to get photos with her, too!
Our friend Steve, created a little RAP POEM… which Brian and him
got up and delivered at the reception.
RAPS were created by many at the reception to cause the wedding couple
to kiss instead of the traditional clinking of glasses!!!
There were many good  ones that caused people to go into a HAPPY DANCE as well.

Our Sunday morning tradition has become going
to Fuddrucker's for breakfast with friends.
Yesterday not only were we joined by a big group of friends,
but Jana, Nels and the kids stopped by and my friend Ella
snapped this family photo of us together.
It always makes me HAPPY when our family likes to join
 in on the Sunday morning fun with us.




I think that life itself really has so many connections to the emotions expressed in "DANCE!"  I for one have always preferred the "HAPPY" emotions the best, though!
Life goes through many "stages and steps" along the way, and our life is definitely one like that for sure!


Just this past week… we have been through many CELEBRATIONS… from birthdays to weddings and many things in between, including receiving news that has caused us to TAP into our HAPPY DANCE!

Today I got to thinking about this date 6 years ago. It was a Monday, too… I remember it like it was only yesterday!
I was getting ready for my last week as a full time Dance Teacher…and was on my way to one of a series of dress rehearsals in the week, when my pug, MOCHA, went into  weird seizure. We quickly took him to a vet and then on to the university where he was diagnosed with having a stroke of his hind quarters, so we had to have him put to sleep.

Although that was a very sad time for me, I do hold our pug, Mocha fondly in my heart. 


We now have Shuffle, our Boston- Pug "Bug" breed doggie… and I still have many connections to dance, and the beat goes on!


For me the memories I have of my dancing and my teaching career, are plentiful and rewarding. I was feeling somewhat TAPPED OUT in my dance career and felt it was time to pass the torch to some of the younger and 
upcoming dance talents in the studio.
I have not regretted that decision for a moment,
and in fact have grown a new appreciation for what my life has brought me through the many HAPPY DANCES in it!



This weekend is the year end show for the studio where I completed my career,
"Brenda's School of Baton and Dance"
also known as "BSOBAD".
I am now the social director there, and will be a part of their 31st year end show, this weekend entitled…
"WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE"
Co-incidentally many DREAMS have come true for
me over the years and I wish Brenda and her studio lots of luck as they TAP into their HAPPY DANCES this weekend.


Yesterday was "NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY"
in honour of the legendary Tap Dancer,
Bill Bo Jangles Robinson.
I imagine many TAPPERS were TAPPING into HAPPY DANCES everywhere in his honour.



We definitely TAPPED into a HAPPY DANCE the year Mariah was born 8 years ago. We have loved every minute of being her grandparents. She brings us so much joy always, and we wish her the best as she taps in this new 8th chapter of her years in life.




I have many connections to Robin who was married this weekend . Her mom, Cheryl and I went to school together back in the day…and were in the same grade. Years later, Cheryl and her husband Kelly met up with us at the Thams' photographers on our wedding days for our wedding photos…kind of a co-incidence we should choose the same wedding day as each other!


Years later Robin began working at Wheaton, where Brian worked. We then had Robin 'house and pug sit' on our 3 trips to Japan, when Jana performed there as a dancer. Later Robin even helped us with our backyard
PUG FEST in 2007. So we have many connections.
Mostly she is like a special girl to us… and we wish her
nothing but happiness as she enters her
next chapter of her life…
and may it bring her many of life's
HAPPY DANCES!


I am thinking of all the dance studio owners as they prep for their year end shows. I did 28 years of that from 1973-2002.
Then I went on to teach at BSOBAD from 2002-2008.
I know the work and passion involved in being a dance instructor and mentor… and wish everyone out there
a very successful year end as you all
TAP into your HAPPY DANCES!


On that note, from RHYTHM to RHYME…
here is my poem of the day!

Life is truly quite a lot like dance,
And really it is not by chance,
Many emotions have been portrayed,
By how dance has moved and also swayed.
My favourite emotion is just to be happy,
And my favourite dance style is TAP-happy TAPPY!
So whether you hop or skip or prance…
Make your life choice... a HAPPY DANCE!







Monday, May 19, 2014

KiCK Off to SWEET Celebrations!

"I find it inspiring to actively choose which traditions to celebrate and also come up with new ideas for new traditions of my own. "
- Sara Sheridan

"I prefer just being with people I like. That's my way of celebrating."
-Michael Jackson

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures."
- Kahlil Gibran



I picked up Beau and Mariah from school and day care
a couple days this week…
here is Beau eating one of the SWEETER snacks…
he was kind of a sticky mess until I cleaned him up!

Tuesday I got together with my friend, Gailene….
We always love the fun times we share…
we can CELEBRATE anything, and do!
We went hog wild… and monkeyed around trying on hats
and signs for  any kind  of CELEBRATION!
We are the "DOLLARAMA- GRAMMAS!"
She likes taking photos as much as I do!!!

Wednesday we were kicking off the summer in the sunshine
when we got invited to our first outdoor happy hour at Ella's!
We also enjoyed a super yummy supper there, too…
We enjoy any reason to CELEBRATE!

On Wednesday BEAU was enjoying the KICK OFF to his SOCCER!
He loved it apparently… and how SWEET is he in his soccer gear,
here with his little soccer buddy!

Saturday morning after the gym it was sunshiny out…
so Ella invited me for coffee in her lovely yard again.
I was happy to meet her neighbour, Crista, too.
It was sweet that Ella could do this group picture with all 3 of us,
using an app on her phone!
SWEET celebrations of gym, coffee time in the sunshine, and friendship!

Ready to kick off the SUMMER with some red posies and toesies!
We picked up some flowers at Costco this week, and I went for a little
pedicure to get my feet ready for flip flops again!

Shuffle and I were loving the sunshine on the deck on Saturday afternoon.
Whats sweeter that sunshine and puppy love!
I am also celebrating that I can see clearly now, too,
 in my new glasses!

Saturday Brian and I did lots of sweet celebrations of
the warmer weather… we did a little lunch out doors at
a little restaurant just off broadway.

Enjoying more sweet celebrations…
Brian and his dad had a little outdoor visit on Greg's front deck,
and I had a nice lunch with friend Gailene…
including some SWEET potato fries!

Every sunday morning is like a SWEET CELEBRATION
 when we meet our good friends at Fuddrucker's…
yesterday Ella snapped this photo of our friends
Bob and Jacquie with us.

Yesterday we kicked off Birthday Season for the grandkids…
Mariah has her 8th Birthday on May 24th… so they
had a SWEET CELEBRATION with relatives over for
Hot dogs, snacks, cupcakes and gifts, yesterday.
Beau doesn't have a birthday till August,
so he got a couple gifts, too
so he didn't feel left out!
Mariah and Beau sitting in front of the gift pile!
Mariah received another Journey girl doll from her Great Auntie Bev,
who is in the photo here with the kids.
Bev is so good to these two always!

Mariah really appreciated the SWEET CELEBRATIONS
and each and every gift!
Jana and Nels were very good hosts to the party…
and we even got a photo with Jana, too!

Lots of family fun was had… including yummy food, lots of photo opps and lots of laughter.
It was a SWEET CELEBRATION to kick off the season to come!

Mariah and  cousin Rowen along with Beau…
all enjoying the SWEET CELEBRATIONS of the day…
from being excited about each gift, to eating the cupcakes!

CHEERS to our sweet "SOON TO BE 8 YEAR OLD"!
Mariah is always worth celebrating…
 and she is full of sweetness and lots of kicks, too…
I think many of her birthday DREAMS came true  already!


Another Monday… another blog!
It was a very busy and action packed week for me once again as I KICK off the SWEET CELEBRATIONS
of things of the season.


I was on call this past week to pick up the grandkids from school and daycare a couple of days. Brian and I always enjoy helping out when and where ever we can, so we enjoyed this time spent with the sweeties! I was grateful it was warmer weather, too especially with the travels out to Willow Grove and downtown and back during rush hour traffic. I did bring a long snacks as i usually do, but trying to KICK it up to a healthier choice… I ended up with a STICKY mess with Beau in the car!… Oh the joys of fruit and chocolate granola dip bars… 

and 3 year old boys!


Also this week… it was so fun to connect with my good friend, Gailene… and we had not only a nice lunch outing, but a trip to some of our favourite stops as well. We both love having laughs and trying on silly hats, etc…and capturing it all in photos. It was a fun way to kick off 

more sweet celebrations.


Wednesday we were invited to my sweet friend, Ella's for a little impromptu happy hour and supper in the sunshine of her lovely yard. Another great way to kick off the summer celebrations to come!



Beau was so pumped to begin his soccer adventures… when he began on Wednesday. Apparently he told Jana he wanted to play soccer every day. How sweet is he in his little soccer gear… enjoying the KICK OFF to
lots more fun to come!


As his season in soccer begins… Mariah's dance season is nearly on it's last KICK of the season. She has her recital this weekend… on her Birthday.
She will TAP into a fun day from start to finish, I'm sure!

WE unfortunately will miss her show due to a very special WEDDING we will be at for our dear friends,
ROBIN and ALEX this Saturday.
That will be another SWEET CELEBRATION,
I am pretty sure, as well.

This coming Sunday is international Tap Dance day… one that I enjoy CELEBRATING in one way or another. TAP DANCING has always been my favourite form of dance, so it is a SWEET CELEBRATION to me always!

It was very fun to connect with relatives of both sides of the family at Jana and Nels last night when we did an early SWEET CELEBRATION for Mariah.
It is hard to believe she is nearly 8 already… 

where does that time go?????
All I know is we have had many SWEET CELEBRATIONS revolving around Mariah…
and this is another fun one to add to the many!

The older she gets… the more expressive she is of her appreciation. She seemed to love her gifts, almost to the point of tears… she was so excited… 
and she did get some lovely stuff for sure.


This week the winners will be crowned on the competitive shows I tune into on TV…
 DWTS, The Voice and American Idol.
There will be some… KICKING it up a notch and some SWEET CELEBRATIONS
on all those shows this week,
 too, I'm sure!



My little quote calendar says this today…
for this fine Victoria Day Weekend CELEBRATION…
"It's CAKE O'Clock!"



So for whatever you are doing to
CELEBRATE this KICK OFF
to the summer to come…
I hope you are making SWEET memories!


On that note here is my poem of the day…



We're KICKING OFF Summer,
and the fun that it brings,
From Birthdays to BBQ's
and so many things.
Dancing to soccer… from endings to starts,
So many reasons to wear smiles on our hearts!
National Tap day… and Wedding Days, too…
So much fun, and so much to do!
Family times and outings with friends,
SWEET CELEBRATIONS
the FUN never ends!


 

Monday, May 12, 2014

SUPER AWESOME "MOM"ENTS!

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."
-Author Unknown

"Live your life passionately, live with purpose, make a difference, be all you can be, have fun, be awesome, be healthy and most of all believe in yourself."
-Ricardo Housham


"My daughter is super awesome. And I am the lucky one because I get to be her momma."
-Author Unknown


Here I am with my SUPER AWESOME DAUGHTER…
on Mother's Day…
We are the SUPER MOMS!
Dairy Queen Icecream cakes have become a Mother's Day
 tradition for us since my mom passed away,
She loved ice cream so it is a SUPER AWESOME
 way to honour her  in heaven. 

More SUPER AWESOME "MOM"ENTS!
The SUPER MOM ice cream cake,
the hot fudge and marshmallow Sunday from DQ
I ate on Saturday night (which was my mom's favourite),
An old picture of me and my mom at the Jazz Festival,
something we loved to do together.
A nice picture of my Mother and Father -in-law…
Blanche & Greg
I am SUPER lucky to have them in my life…
they  both share SUPER AWESOME MOMENTS always!

My SUPER AWESOME gifts and  cards!
I got another pair of TOM'S shoes from Brian… I love those shoes for many reasons,
They are not only comfy, but they are the shoes that keep on giving back!
I love the SUPER AWESOME polka dot mega mugs
I got from Jana, Nels and their kids…
All SUPER AWESOME and so very "me"!

I love these two munchkins… they always add
 SUPER AWESOME MOMENTS…
here they are on their deck… excited for the hot tub fun to begin!

The grandkids were full of fun adventures last night…
Mariah was a little Dr in full gear for it… Beau was the cookie monster…
he also did a few more sticker pictures…
They both loved the ice cream cake… and also let me get  a
SUPER AWESOME snuggle and picture together, too!

More SUPER AWESOME "MOM"ENTS…
I visited my dear Auntie Mary and took her some MUMS on Saturday…
yesterday I had a fun photo with these two lovely lady friends of mine…
Ella and Jacquie at Fuddrucker's for our weekly breakfast tradition.
Mariah and Beau helped their mommy open a gift from us …
all in honour of MOTHER'S DAY!
(*note the red jacket Ella is wearing is one that shrunk in my closet,
but it fits her beautifully… so I gifted it to her!)

Mariah had a SUPER AWESOME time working at the
doggie adoption again this past Saturday.
My sister-in-law, Bev, takes her there… and they both love it.
Her one doggie's name was BEE-BOP…
not sure of the black doggie's name, though.
Mariah has a real natural nurturing quality…
she will make a SUPER AWESOME MOM some day.

Brian and I went to the happy hour at THE BASSMENT
on Friday night. Family friend, Ray Stephanson
was playing piano… and did some old jazz favourites.
I love the big keyboard pic in the entrance…
it is SUPER AWESOME!

Brian and I tried out a new restaurant last week for lunch…
called THE CHOPPED LEAF… it is SUPER AWESOME… and healthy, too.
Brian cleaned off the deck and we are now officially ready for the
the summer to begin… the salmon meal is one he cooked up…
he is such a SUPER AWESOME cook… and HUBBY, too!

Mariah keeps SUPER busy always… and is becoming
AWESOME at all the activities she does…
We took her to her gymnastics on Thursday,
then she came back here and
danced her heart out!
Yesterday we picked her up from her silks lesson…
here she is hanging upside down…
Who knows… maybe one day she'll follow in her
MOM'S famous path as an aerialist.

Last week I was out to purchase glasses… and had a hard time…
but ended up choosing this pair… the selfie,  doesn't do them or me justice,
but once I get them… I will get a better photo to share.
I was long over due for new glasses/...
it has been nearly 6 years since my previous glasses purchase!
It will be SUPER AWESOME to be able to see more clearly, soon!

I continue to COLLECT AWESOME MOMENTS…
and wear this shirt, proudly!



Happy Monday…
Thanks for popping by to read this week's
edition of my blog full of weekly events.
I had a SUPER AWESOME week
and Mother's Day celebration, too.


I began writing this blog shortly after my mom passed away in October of 2010… and it has been a way to share the SUPER and the AWESOME MOMENTS in my life ever since. At first I began writing quite often from every day to every second day. As years have gone by I have found I like to write it on Mondays. It gives me something to collect and write about on a week to week basis. My blog has become my family journal and my way to key in on the many positives in my life along the way.



Seeing as we just had Mother's Day yesterday, my mom was definitely on my mind. She lives on in spirit in my heart always… but Mother's Day is when so many
SUPER AWESOME "MOM"ENTS pop up again.
My mom and I loved to go to the Jazz festivals in the summer time, and she loved her DQ ice cream, so in honour of her this weekend… I took in some jazz and ate some Dairy Queen ice cream, too!
She was my biggest cheerleader in my life, and I am ever grateful for all the SUPER AWESOME MOMENTS
I shared with her.


I was really pleased to connect with lots of my family for mother's day, too. I took some "MUMS" to my Mother-in-law, Blanche on Sunday… and also took some to my dear Auntie Mary at her nursing home on Saturday. While at the home I had a nice visit with my cousins… 

Bev, Gwen and Pat.
While visiting Blanche and Greg, 

my sister-in-law, Bev was there as well… 
so I was able to wish
all those moms a special day.
I am lucky to have supportive and loving relatives, 

and friends…


My brother, Brian also called to wish me a special mother's day. As well I had many wishes on facebook, and emails, too, from friends and family all over. 

Grateful to stay connected always.


Last night Jana, Nels and kids had us for a nice BBQ supper and a dip in their back yard hot tub… 

what a SUPER AWESOME way to celebrate.
Because we thought we might miss a call from Colin while out, we actually called him from Jana's so he had a little visit with everyone of us on Mother's Day. It is always great to hear his voice and it sounds like he had a good time on his recent band tour through the states, too.




We have been a part of getting Mariah to some of her activities this past week. We love to see her stride and be happy in all the things she enjoys. She is a busy little girl now in grade 2 and soon to be 8 in a couple weeks.

We enjoy Beau, too when ever we see him. He seems to have become quite into making sticker pictures when ever I come to visit. We have quite a good little grammie- grandson bond going on these days. He also loved the chocolate chip cookies I brought over for supper last night… he is a real little cookie monster! 

Age 3 is such a fun and funny age for a little boy… 
Oh I love the grandkids to bits!


This week is a one for more 

SUPER AWESOME celebrations…
My cousin Diane and her husband Doug, who live in Australia will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
I remember when I was their flower girl… or was it a Jr. Bridesmaid for that wedding in Regina back on 

May 16th … fifty years ago.
Also on May 16th, my sister-in-law, Bev and her husband Ralph will be celebrating their 27th Wedding Anniversary, too. So here's to many more SUPER AWESOME YEARS of Wedded Bliss for both those special couples.



Tonight  I look forward to more
SUPER AWESOME MOMENTS
on my favourite night of TV… as I tune into
Dancing With the Stars, and
The Voice.

Speaking of DANCING….
I have enjoyed all the SUPER AWESOME posts and pictures of dancing floating around Facebook this past few weeks. I have so many dance friends who have spent the past while competing at various dance festivals and competitions. It sure reminds me of my many years of making those kinds of memories.
Congrats to my dance teacher friends at BSOBAD who just won the Crystal Dance Challenge last night at the Dream Team Dance competition in Sherwood Park.
That is always a very prestigious honour, and one they have achieved before, as well. YAY TEAM!



On that note… here is my rhyme of the day!

I love the moments that are super awe-some,
Like being a grandma, a wife and a mom!
Knowing that things will all soon turn out well,
Sometimes we wait, and time will just tell…
But when we live life in a super way,
It helps us make the most of each day.
Collecting awesome moments
that each day brings,
Appreciating the special in all the little things!



Monday, May 5, 2014

Uplifting & Inspirational

"Live the life you love. Love the life you live."


"Don't wait for inspiration. Be the inspiration."

"To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible."
-Authors unknown


This past week was very Uplifting and Inspirational…
here we are
at my father-in-law, GREG'S Elevator Photo Exhibit
at the Humboldt Museum
last Thursday.

Here are some of the inspirational things at the Exhibit…
including a cake
with the Humboldt Elevator photo of Greg's on it.

Greg was happy to have lots of his immediate family members there
in addition to other friends and relatives who traveled to
be there for the grand opening of his exhibit
which will run till June 28th in Humboldt before moving on
to several other locations in the province.

Greg's daughters, Brenda and Bev and my daughter, Jana
here at the Humboldt photo exhibit… all 3 were so proud
and inspired by their dad and grandpa.


Mariah was feeling inspired to do some artwork in the car on route to Humboldt,
She had a complete princess artwork kit perfect for doing art in the car!

We snapped some family pics at Jana's while she quickly got herself ready to go.
Even Beau managed to take the bottom right hand photo,
and it turned out pretty good
for a 3 year old doing it!
Beau was wanting us to come and do some sticker art
before he got dropped at daycare.
He didn't come to Humboldt, but Mariah did.
I am always uplifted when ever we see the grandkids!!!

Starbucks is always uplifting for me!
I went a couple times this week… once with friends Ella and Heather,
and another friend, also named Heather took our picture there.
The other trip was a visit after the gym,
where Ella received an uplifting message
on her phone from her sister.
I love the new inspirational
Oprah Lattes & quotes on the cup holders,
so I took a photo of a few!
I always love an inspirational quote!

I received a couple uplifting cards and a lovely inspirational
book painted by a local artist of Sasaktoon locations…
all these were from my friend Ella.

There is nothing better and more uplifting than good friends…
This last week I was lucky to have visits from two of my out of town friends,
Linda from Lanigan and Lynne, from Regina.
I am so fortunate to have Ella as a close friend to do lots of things with
year round and we shared some nice times this past week, too.
From coffee to happy hours… to scrabble, shopping, and gym and
jazz evenings… lots of fun uplifting adventures!

We shared a Happy- Appie hour here with our friend, Ella before heading to
McNalley to hear some live jazz on Friday night… featuring a piano player
we know well, Ray Stephonson… such a nice evening…
uplifting and inspirational all round!

I have had a couple shopping adventures this past week and found
these inspirational quotes on basic t-shirts, and purchased them all!
"Do What You LOVE"
"WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING."
"COLLECT AWESOME MOMENTS."
Also purchased the little striped jacket in the photos,
among a few other clothing updates!

These are un flattering selflies…
of me wearing 4 different pairs of glasses… which I went looking at today.
Jana came to help me pick some new ones, and they let me bring all 4 pairs
home to make my decisions before buying a pair and getting my new prescription.
It will be uplifting to see things more clearly again!!!

The glasses are all cute… but I need to narrow it down to one pair!
The two smaller frames are… Tory Burch and Kate Spade
The two bigger ones below are Dolce & Gabbnna and Fendi.
Right now I'm leaning toward the smaller ones… but will sleep on my decission.
Glasses are a hard thing to buy… and are a big investment, but
it will be inspirational to just see clearly in the end!
It was uplifting to have Jana along with her fashion advice, too!




I had such an uplifting and inspirational week last week.
Maybe now that winter is nearly gone, it is picking everyone's spirits up as well…
So nice to be into the month of MAY!


I forgot to mention in last week's blog that Tuesday, April 29th was "International Dance Day"…
and this past weekend , May 3rd was
"International Scrapbooking Day"…
both things I love.
April was also "International Jazz Appreciation Month",too… but I pretty much appreciate that year round!


I had sent a crafted birthday card to Colin's girlfriend, Caro for April 30th, and received a lovely uplifting email of appreciation from her to thank us. She also thanked us for always welcoming her into our family… she is so sweet… definitely "a keeper", as Colin puts it!



Thursday we made an uplifting trip to Humboldt to see the opening of my father-in-law, Greg's Elevator Photo Exhibit at the Humboldt Museum. Not only did lots of family make it to the event, but it was well attended by many friends as well.
Greg is very passionate and proud of his work. It was inspirational to listen to him speak of the history of Elevators, too. Soon it will be hard to find one anywhere as they are all being taken down. He spoke for a good 20 minutes off the cuff and was so uplifting and inspirational to listen to. He is so knowledgable as well. Mariah was like his little side kick sticking close to his side for much of the event.


My mother in law, Blanche, was unable to attend the event… it is too hard for her to get around, but with the family all out of town at the event on Thursday, I asked my friend Ella to call and check on her while we were gone. She did that, and although Ella and Blanche had never officially met, after talking on the phone for nearly 2 hours they felt they  knew each other after that! I found it so inspirational that Ella would do that for us, and she walked our dog,
Shuffle, as well that day… what an uplifting friend, she is!


We managed to get in a little shop in Humboldt, too… checking out the Friends and Neighbours store… and finding a few treasures! Mariah found a nice fairly tale book which she enjoyed reading on her way home… and I got a couple scrapbooking books for .50 cents each...
I love a bargain… and find it uplifting, too!!!


My friends Heather and Ella met at Starbucks this week. It was nice that my friend, also named Heather, was there to snap a photo of us enjoying our gathering… and not only did that… she took it on her phone and texted it to me, because my phone was full of photos!!! She is inspirational and is involved with something called "Think Good, Do Good".



Thursday my friend, Linda was passing through the city on route to taking a cousin to the airport, so she stopped by for a fast girlfriend visit in the evening. I always find it uplifting when she stops by!



Friday Brian and I decided to go hear some live jazz at McNalley Robinson… and we invited our friend, Ella to join us. We started here first for "HAPPY HOUR"… Brian made some tasty appies, too… yum!
An uplifting evening for all of us.


Saturday morning my friend, Lynne called to say she would be coming to town for an anniversary due. She stayed over night and joined our breakfast group on Sunday morning at Fuddruckers. We also managed to get in a couple rounds of scrabble, a happy hour and great shopping extravaganza, too… Lynne is a pro at shopping… so fun!
We also enjoy all chances to get together whenever we can.


I managed to get a few great staples for my wardrobe… which really needed some updates as we head into spring and summer. It is funny how the closet shrinks our clothes over the winter… wink, wink! So my shopping trips were fun and uplifting all round.


Brian and I were out looking at furniture this week, too…
but we have not decided if and when we might do any purchases there… but fun to look none the less!
 

Today I managed to go look for glasses, as well…
I have needed a new pair for ages… and have been carrying around a prescription upgrade since January.
Today Jana joined me in my search. She is more into the brand name thing than me, but is good at the honest opinions, too, as to what suits me me best,
so I was grateful for her assistance.



I continue to feel blessed with the friends and family and uplifting things I have in my life.  I know it is always a pick me up to up grade and up date the wardrobe as we head to the warmer months of the year. Just saying good bye to winter is uplifting in itself!


Tonight is my favourite night of TV again… something else to uplift the spirits… as I watch the DWTS and The Voice…
I do enjoy the competitive talent shows and find them inspirational and uplifting always…
nice to see new talents emerge as well.


On that note… here is my poem of the day!

This past week was one that gave me a lift,
From many fun outings to many a gift.
I was so inspired in many ways, too,
While doing the things that I like to do.
I was impressed by my father-in-law,
I was so proud of his exhibit that I saw.
I simply had fun while spending some time,
With loved ones, who are always just so sublime!