Monday, September 29, 2014

CELEBRATE the little things!

"I think it's important to find little things in everyday life 
that make you happy."
-Paula Cole

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, 
the more in life there is to celebrate."
-Oprah Winfrey

"True greatness consists in being great in little things."
-Charles Simmons


Although these photos are all a bit blurry…
these photos are something of a CELEBRATION for me… as I
dance in my basement with my daughter and granddaughter!

It is more than a little thing that DANCING
 has become a part of the 3 generations and
 it is something we can do to bond together!!!

Last week I had a sweet outing with my hubby…
we ventured away from our normal and went to
City Perks for a little afternoon treat…and it was so beautiful
out on the deck as we had our carrot cake, and green tea and orange juice!
(I am wearing my "CELEBRATE the little things shirt, too!)

We shared some times with special people last week…
We were invited to see my Nephew, Jeff and his wife, Savannah.
Soon they are expecting… so will be celebrating many little things!

I joined friends, Cathy and Kellie for a coffee at Moka…
always fun to connect with friends when we get that chance!

Later this week, friends Heather and Ella popped by for some coffee
on our  deck, while Brian enjoyed a BBQ ed steak, and beer!

There were so many good DECK DAYS last week…
so we were CELEBRATING when ever we could out in the sunshine.

Mariah ran in the annual Terry Fox run last week…
she had such rosy cheeks after that, too, and yesterday she wanted to spend the day here,
so she helped me clean… she is a good little worker!
When I picked up Mariah I took some cheese sticks for Beau… one of his
new favourite snacks… and yesterday… Beau was enjoying Shuffle when
he and his family came for supper!

I CELEBRATE anything and time I can spend with those grandkids…
I love them to pieces.

Saturday, Brian and I went to the Farmer's Market… which is a fun thing
to do for us. It was Kiwanis APPLE DAY, too.
I remember when my dad used to do that years ago…
WE bought lots of good veggies…
and a loaf of sweet potato and cranberry bread.

I have been celebrating a healthy breakfast this past week, too,
Drinking hot lemon water… having scrambled eggs with vinegar
and chia seeds… and sliced garden tomatoes!

When ever we are downtown we pop into Jana's store …
on Saturday both store owners were in.
We are so proud of Jana and Melissa on the 5 years of
success of their SWANK SHOE LOUNGE store…
so worth CELEBRATING,
and I loved that we got a chance to
have some little photos there, too…
another little thing worth celebrating!

Brian and I ventured out once again on Saturday
to another different coffee shop… GOOD EARTH!
I had a tasty latte and cinnamon bun there.
I've enjoyed all outings with Brian this past week.

We have done lots of sorting of little things over at
my mother-in-law's house this past bit.
Yesterday I captured my sister-in-law, Bev and Beau…
Mariah with my mother-in-law…
and the kids outside in the front yard playing together.
Truly there are many little things to to celebrate whenever
we are at their house!



Today as I sit down to write my 396th blog post since I began this blog writing venture… I am taking time to CELEBRATE the little things!


My blog is just one of the many "little things" in life I enjoy. I began writing on December 31st, 2010… it was a little thing I had always wanted to do. When I began I wrote more often, but it was to be a record of the positive things in my life. 

It quickly became like my own little personal gratitude journal. I still love that I can look back on any previous blog posts, and it helps me remember all the little things I have celebrated since this blog began.

I am one who loves a reason to CELEBRATE… and believe me, although there are many negatives in a persons life… there is always something good in every day… sometimes the little things are the big things in the end!



Last Tuesday, I picked up Mariah from school and took her to her dancing lessons. I allowed a bit of extra time, so on route to get her, I stopped at a  store called Dutch Growers, on the way and found a t-shirt with the caption…
"CELEBRATE the little things"
on it… so I figured I couldn't afford to be without that!
In fact it is what gave me the
inspiration for today's blog theme.


I have been working a bit with Mariah to help her practice her tap dancing lately, too. It is a little thing that brings me so much to celebrate. I am pretty sure our practice sessions mean more to me than to her but in time, I am hoping she will be happy we did this together. Yesterday after having her family for supper, I took her parents down in our messy basement to show them how good Mariah was doing. It wasn't long before Jana and I were dancing with Mariah and Nels was able to snap a few pics of that moment in time!
Our basement is pretty dark… so the pictures do not show up well… but the memory will live on for a long time…
 for me, anyway…A precious TIME (STEP) to remember!


Brian and I have had lots of times shared both on our own deck and out and about this past week… in the warm, sunny weather as well as the cooler weather on the weekend, too.
 On September 27th, 1973, I met him on a blind date… 

so we celebrated that day on Saturday.
I am forever grateful that we met and have been able to spend our life together…. through thick and thin…
through good times and bad times and
everything in between.
We have shared and celebrated many little and big things through our life from that very first date…
41 years ago!


I am grateful for so many things in life… 

and one of those is FRIENDSHIP… and I am so lucky to have so many people in my life I consider to be friends.
Each week I see some of them along the way… while I am out and about. Each one of my friends are so worth celebrating. Even when I do not see them for a while, 

it is always so good to connect along the way.
Just today I heard from a friend I haven't seen in a long time, and we are going for lunch on Friday… I am so pumped to connect with my friend, Claudette!


We had Jana, Nels, Mariah and Beau for supper yesterday. We haven't had them for a supper in a while, so it was nice to share time together. We also saw them at Fuddruckers in the morning for breakfast, too. We enjoy that little sunday morning tradition. Our good friends, Bob and Jacquie also joined us there, as well.


Mariah was here both yesterday and saturday to practice her tap with me. I see some improvement, but mostly, it has been a fun bond for us. She also still likes to craft with me, … so many little things I can celebrate with my grandkids!


Beau is a little boy after my heart as well. He always asks for the little chocolates up in my cupboard… (chocolate chips!)
He also loves to play with the smurf collection we still have from when Colin and Jana were growing up.
Last night Beau "borrowed" one more smurf
to take home for a little while!
AHHHH… the little things!


I still love the gym when I get there…and last week I made it to 2 body vive classes, only… but it is still worth celebrating!


Brian and I joined Jana and Nels one day for lunch last week, too. So I guess we saw more of them last week than we sometimes get the chance too…so for that I am happy.
We also talked to Colin on the phone on Friday. We are  looking forward to our upcoming trip to see him in Montreal,
when we will CELEBRATE Brian's birthday!

Just knowing my kids are happy and healthy is another
 little thing I celebrate always.




Today is "National Coffee Day"… so I might have to get a STARBUCKS!!!… Another
"Little thing I like to CELEBRATE"!


This Saturday is my sister-in-law, Arleen's birthday,
so I will wish her a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
in advance.


I still enjoy lots of Tv shows, and will look forward to tonight's version of Dancing With The Stars when they do a dancing tribute to the movies. My favourite dancer on the show, Derek Hough, and his partner are going to do their number to the classic, "Singin' inThe Rain", made famous by the late great GENE KELLY… It will be exciting.
That is another little thing to Celebrate, for sure!


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


Celebrate the little things…
The special stuff that life just brings!
From spending time with ones you love,
To thinking of those, up above.
Drinking coffee… doing a dance …
Having fun while you get the chance
Life is filled with lots and lots,
Celebrate with words and thoughts.
Most of all enjoy each day,
Look for special along the way…
Sparkles, twinkles… and little blings,
CELEBRATE the little things!


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

FALL FUN!

"Fall is summer's flamboyant farewell."
-A.A. Fitzwilliam

"Time flies whether you're having fun or not.
The choice is yours."
-Author Unknown

"If your wasting time having fun
your not wasting time."
-Tim Ferris


On the weekend Friends, Ella and Heather and I went for a very long walk
in the university area to check out the beautiful scenic views.
We enjoyed the FALL beauty as well as our good visit and
fabulous warm weather… a FUN day!

Just some of the views we saw while the trees begin to change to
to FALL colours… so pretty!

We stopped for a yummy little coffee break at this funky place
along our walk… "D'Lish"…
I had a yummy hazel nut latte… we enjoyed the the indoor decor
as well as the sunshine outside where we drank our beverages…
Thanks to Ella for treating!

I have so many memories of this house , which we passed on our big walk.
This is where my mom grew up… and I have fond memories of going here to see
my grandparents as I grew up.
I think my Grandparents took better care of their yard
 when they lived there, though!
(one day I'd love to see the inside of this house again!)

Saturday night we had the grandkids for a sleepover …
We also shared a fun supper at BP… where Beau was a bit full of beans!

Mariah likes to watch shows on her grandpa's iPad… she also had a chance
to practice her tap… as well as walk the dog… and colour, too.
Mariah is so good with Shuffle…
she even got her in her little coat for the walk.

Beau is always hungry… snacking non stop…
He must be on a growth spurt!
He wanted to be a part of the dog walk as well… so he ran
to catch up to Mariah!

We did our weekly traditional breakfast at Fuddrucker's…
We took the grandkids and had a fun group joining us as well.

I could not get over what a difference  a day made in our yard…
The top pic is on friday…and bottom on saturday… with leaves scattered.
Shuffle and I enjoy sitting out on the deck when ever we get the chance!

Yesterday I enjoyed a fun visit with my cousin Gwen on the deck.
Brian thought we should have some carrot cake, but ended up
with an oreo cheese cake instead, from Calories on Broadway… it was very sweet...
Gwen and I had a little happy hour… sharing belinis and cheezies, too!




I am sitting on my deck with my laptop as I write today's edition of my blog. I just love every chance I can get to be outside… as the fall leads us toward the cooler weather to come! I do LOVE FALL…. for so many reasons.
It is so pretty and even when the weather is warm out…

 as it was the last few days and today… 
the air has a certain crispness to it, too.


Shuffle loves it outside with me, too…and we have shared lots of hours just enjoying time together in the beautiful scenery and weather. We have managed to take lots of walks through the neighbourhood park lately,

and the trees are spectacular there as well.


I love a reason to just celebrate little things along the way in our day to day life. On the weekend… we enjoyed the grandkids for a sleepover while their parents went out to celebrate their daddy's birthday from last week.

We watched a movie together in addition to many other little fun things. The kids are growing up so fast…
fun going through all the stages with them.



Saturday and today I made it to body vive at the gym… and am grateful for the great classes and instructors at Goodlife gym always. Theresa even played an all time favourite song… "SEPTEMBER" by Earth, Wind and Fire on Saturday… so fitting for fall and for the date we were on too!
I shared a nice coffee visit with my buddy, 

Ella at her house after saturday's gym class, too.


I loved the visit and walk I shared with my friends, Ella and Heather as well on Sunday. I am just so grateful for such good supportive friends… always!




Although I do not see my cousin Gwen often… I do have fun with her whenever we can connect. She popped by here yesterday for a fabulous visit out on the deck in the sunshine. Time just flew by… as we sat out all afternoon.



Today I am recalling this date 39 years ago when I became an auntie for the very first time to my nephew Brad.
Since that date I have become an auntie 7 more times…
with a total of 6 nephews and 2 nieces …all important to me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAD!


I am also remembering that on September 27th, 1973… I met my hubby, Brian, on a blind date!…  I actually was introduced to him as "RAB"… which was a nick name he got from his friends in high school. 

Many of his friends and I still call him that, too.
 We have had such a fabulous life together since that date 41 years ago… people say 
"time flies when you are having FUN!"
I am ever grateful for that date… and hope to share many more years together, too.


Today I will pick up Mariah from school and take her to her dancing lessons. I have enjoyed practicing her tap with her lately… and to all you people who know TAP… 

she is getting pretty good at her 
TIME STEPS and BUFFALOES now!
I am happy we have this special bond we can share together. I am such a proud grammie!


I am still enjoying the TV shows I like to follow. I am thankful we have PVR, though as it is hard to keep up with it all as it happens. I find I can spin through the shows much faster when they are recorded, too.


I just checked my iPhone to see the weather and as I write this blog… it is 24 degrees celcius… at 12:30 PM… which is a perfect temperature, if you ask me! 

No bugs… and sunny skies… 
who could ask for anything more?


Thanks to anyone who pops by to read my blog from time to time… It is like my personal little journal of the fun and positive stuff going on my life, from week to week. 

Just writing it is like a form of therapy for me!!!


Now I think I will take Shuffle for her walk before it gets to hot out for her.



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


I love FALL for many reasons…
It is one of the prettiest seasons.
I love the colours of the trees.
The nice warm colours, sure do please.
Lots more time to soak up sun…
FALL is a time for lots more FUN!
Shared with family and with friends,
FALL's just filled with perfect blends!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Friends & Partners!

"I think if I've learned anything  about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or too tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff."
-Jon Katz

"True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides it's evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a dessert island. To find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing."
-Baltasar Gracian

"Surround yourself with people who know your worth. You don't need too many people to be happy, just a few real ones who appreciate you for exactly who you are."
-Author Unknown


This top photo was a little SUNSHINE SELFIE of my hubby…
who is not only my PARTNER but my best FRIEND…
 taken on Tuesday this week, which is when Barbara Streisand's new
 "PARTNERS" CD came out.
We enjoyed it out on the deck together… and what a line
up of PARTNERS Barbara collaborated with on this CD,
so good!

The top photo here is an all time favourite of mine…
it is on September 13th, 2008, of my Grand daughter Mariah,
holding our puppy
Shuffle who we had got just that day.
The bottom two photos here are of Mariah 6 years later to the day
working at a dog adoption…
she is such a little nurturer, and a doggie's good friend…
She LOVES dogs!

Here is Shuffle 6 years later…
 she has been such a good partner and family friend for us too…
Rain or shine!
How cute is her little rain coat that she got just on Sunday
from my sister-in-law, Bev?

Here are a few pics of us dining out on Broadway last week.
Above I dined out with my good dancing Buddy, Brenda,
at NOSH… we are not only good friends,
but have been dancing pals for years, and almost became partners
 but instead I worked for her after I closed my dance studio back in 2002.

… and below we had breakfast one day last week at
Broadway Cafe…and our good Friend, Nichole
waited on us… she always treats us special!

Brenda and I both had the pleasure of teaching this fellow in this book.
Jesse's mom wrote this wonderful book, and I felt honoured they included
the two pics of Jesse in some numbers I taught him back in his dance journey.
Jesse now dances professionally in Germany.
I missed the book signing, but got a signed copy of the book at
McNalley last week…and I read it cover to cover and loved it.

(Even though I am not a big reader… I could not put this book down!)

Brian's good friend, Vern and my good friend, Ella …
 have shared lots of good meals with us…
always more fun to do things in PARTNERS!
Vern served up a delicious meal to us all last week.

A former neighbour and good friend of ours, Judy, had sent this wonderful
basket of Chocolate covered fruit.
There had been a mix up,
it was to have come the week of my father-in-law's funeral.
Judy popped by as well last week for a nice visit.

Sunday morning breakfasts are always fun at Fuddrucker's with who ever
shows up to join us… here is some of our group last week…
 Jacquie was even in for a little lesson on texting!!!
Friends, family and breakfasts together…
we look forward to this weekly outing.

Following our breakfast outing last Sunday…
I worked with Mariah on her tap dancing practice,
 while Brian took Beau
to Al Anderson's sports for his first pair of skates…
 he also got this helmet,and some
hockey sticks, and other fun accessories!
As Grandparents… it is fun to have history repeating with our grandkids.
Jana once was a dancer… now Mariah is in training.
Colin was once a hockey player… and now Beau will start by taking
Can Skate… then onto hockey, too.

I wish these pictures were not so blurry… but the memory is clear!

Good snacks are always a must when the grandkids pop by!
Anything from FREEZIES to COOKIES… and many things between.

Yesterday I picked up Mariah from school and she came for a little time with us.
She shopped and bought and wrapped a present for her daddy's birthday,
which happens to be today.
she also had another little tap practice session, as well as watching
some TV and just relaxing!
She is growing up so fast and blossoming into such a thoughtful little girl.

Today I had a nice lunch outing with these friends…
Jacquie, Ella and Diane… we went to Manos…
where they "SAVED US A SPOT"… just like their napkin read!

In the summer time, my good friend, Linda from Lanigan went to New York…
and brought me back this phone case of the NY skyline… which I love.
I recently found this bottom case with polka dots and in my favourite colour scheme.
So now my phone is "CASED!"
I figure one can change the case up from time to time… it is like an accessory!
The bottom case just happened to match what I had on today!!!




I am a little slower getting my weekly blog out this week…
seems I've been busy here and there, in addition to taking time to just relax and enjoy life day by day.



I was not sure what theme to go for as I do like to have a theme for my blog. With the much anticipated 

Barbara Streisand, CD due out this week, entitled
"PARTNERS"… it seemed like a good title so I worked around that, too! 

Her CD is a fabulous collaboration 
of songs with other iconic singers such as…
Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Babyface, Jason Gould, Josh Groban, Billy Joel, John Legend, John Mayer, Elvis Presley, Lionel Richie, Blake Shelton and Stevie Wonder.
Not only am I a long time fan of Barbara's… but many of the artists on this CD with her are ones I love as well… 

so the CD was like a win win for me!


This last month has been a tough one in our lives for many reasons… it was one month today that we lost my dear father-in-law, Greg. We were not really prepared for that day, but in the end, there is just no easy way to lose a loved one. Thankfully for us… we have so many supportive friends and family alike to help us through times like this one in our lives. This left us with other things to deal with, 

such as getting my mother-in-law looked after.
Luckily we have now secured a place for her in an assisted living condo, but the move is yet a month or more away.


This past month has had many other changes for us, but I constantly say how fortunate we are to have the wonderful people in our lives that we have to help us through them.
Everyone's life is a journey… and each journey is different. Thank goodness for friends, family and partners!


Speaking of PARTNERS… I have enjoyed the kick off to this season's DWTS… which is a dance show involving PARTNERS. I also was thrilled for the winner on last night's America's Got Talent… Mat Franco, the talented Magician was awesome. I found this year's AGT show the best one yet, with so much good talent on it… so the win could have gone to many in that show, I thought!
I always wish they could divide up the wins on those talent shows and share them with more than one winner…. spread the prize money around!



My son -in-law, Nels, is not only a great partner, for my daughter, Jana… but a wonderful daddy to their two adorable kids, Mariah and Beau. We are grateful for him always…and today just happens to be his 33rd birthday.
It was so cute yesterday when Mariah wanted to get her daddy a gift. She hand picked it out herself… she chose ketchup chips, fizzy candies, and a fitness magazine…
(cuz her daddy reads those in the washroom!)
She also chose such a cute card and wrapped the gift herself, too… I know it will be a gift her daddy will remember for a long time… because, truly it's the thought that counts in the end, right?!
Happy Birthday Nels!



Today while I was out for lunch with my friends, my daughter went for lunch with her daddy, too… Something special about Dads and their daughters!!!


Next week is my nephew Brad's 39th birthday on the 23rd. I still remember that day like it was yesterday… it was the day I became an Aunt for the very first time…and what a special nephew he has been ever since!


Regardless of the journeys we are on… it is our friends, family, and partners in life… 

that make the journey rewarding.
So to each and everyone of the friends and partners 

I have out there… thanks for being there for me.

On that note…
my rhyme of the day!

I need a good partner to share my good life,
So I'm happy to have Brian, and to be his good wife!
I have many friends and family who share,
So many are like partners in life, who just care.
Where ever I go, Whatever I do…
It's good to know, that there are quite a few
Really good people watching out for me,
Just like life partners, to guide me carefully!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

GRAND ADVENTURES!

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life,
something to do, something to love, 
and something to hope for."
-Joseph Addison

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."
-Helen Keller

"There is no certainty; there is only adventure."
-Roberto Assagioli


Last Tuesday was a GRAND ADVENTURE for Mariah…
not only was she beginning GRADE 3 , a whole new grade,
but a brand new school, too. Her school is not yet open, so all the kids
soon to go to Willow Grove… began at Forest Grove.
We picked her up and took her for pizza and back to our place after
grade 3 registration. Mariah and I took shuffle for a walk to the park, too!

Brian's high school buddy, Steve, who now lives in Tuscon,
came for a five day visit here. The two of them went down memory lane,
and revisited many GRAND ADVENTURES from their high school days,
as well as making some new GRAND ADVENTURES to add to those!
Steve even got Brian out for a dog walk, with our little Shuffle!

Another GRAND ADVENTURE we enjoyed with Steve was a night
at the Horse Races and while there we met up with friend,
Nichole who showed
us how to bet on the horses!
Not only was this a new adventure for me, I even made some money!

We showed Steve our Farmer's Market… I love the sign the guys are
under… "Name Your Nuts!"
There was some grand music playing on the day we were there
as well… perfect weather, too.

We took a few selfless on our grand adventures…
we did a tour of the Bessbourough, followed by a stroll
down Broadway where there was a street fair going on…
and we happened to catch a dance flash mob, too!

We took a break from our grand adventures to have a delicious lunch
at a resatuarant named Nosh.
Steve had fun joking with the cute waitress we had there!
We also wandered through some Broadway stores, too, one with lots of signs.

Sunday was GRANDPARENT day… and Beau joined us at Fuddruckers with
his daddy for breakfast, while his mommy and sister were at a shoe show
in Edmonton and visiting their other grand parents!
We had a big group of friends join in the breakfast fun with us as well.

We also stopped by to check in on my mother-in-law, Blanche,
and Brian's sister, Bev was there too…. so we enjoyed a nice visit there.

We have made many adventures out of going to the Strawberry Ranch
this summer, including cooking up several of their yummy
strawberry rhubarb pies as well…
These photos were taken on sunday… hard to believe
we are in the same season now!

We went from enjoying a delicious barbecue supper on our deck sunday night…
to a very drastic cooler change of weather yesterday… when
I joined my cousins, Bev, Gwen and Pat for coffee and lunch at Gwen's place,
and later…
our friend Vern joined us for supper, and our friend,
Robin stopped by last night as well.

While at Gwen's yesterday, she shared some little treasures…
including this cute photo of my parents on a Grand Adventure
they took years ago.
Gwen also had some stuff of my dad's, including this cute poem he wrote.
I think I got my love of writing poetry from him!!!
Although my parents have been gone for a long time, it is fun to recall
many things that remind me of them and to keep them alive in my heart,
as I continue the GRAND ADVENTURES in my life!


We have had a busy week of GRAND ADVENTURES, and reminders of adventures gone by!

Brian's good high school buddy, Steve stayed with us from last Wednesday until Sunday and the guys re hashed the good old days from before Steve's family moved to Tuscon.
Not only did these guys take a fun trip down memory lane… they made lots of new adventures to add to their memory banks while Steve was here. We crammed many fun times in while he was here. I know not only Brian and I enjoyed his company, but Shuffle took a real liking to him as well, and was happy to go on a few dog walking adventures while Steve stayed here.

Mariah began grade 3 last week, and due to the fact her school is not quite ready to open up in Willow Grove, her class mates will go to Forest Grove temporarily until her new school is ready. Her school teacher's picture was even in the paper on the weekend!

We have made it tradition to take Mariah for lunch on her school registration day the last few years. Each year she chooses to go to Boston Pizza. Up until this year she has always ordered her favourite, "Bugs N Cheese" off the menu, but this year she chose a mini cheese pizza instead. She must be growing up!!! hehehe We enjoyed looking after her that day as well, and she and I took Shuffle for some fun in our park nearby.

Dance seasons are all beginning once again. I did spend some time refreshing the studio bulletin boards last week, in prep for the new season to begin at BSOBAD. Later today I will drive my niece Rowen to her lessons, there, as well. Her lessons begin so early that her mom will still be at work. I know I can help drive her there from time to time! I will enjoy popping in and saying hi there today as well. I have fond memories of my "TAPPIN TUESDAYS"
from when I taught there years ago.



Brian and Steve went for a few meals out and we also enjoyed some of Brian's good home cooking, too. He also cooked up a great meal last night. I am so grateful for Brian's cooking skills. However, all that being said… because he is such a GRAND cook… I am becoming quite a GRAND size, due to all the yummy eats we have had lately.
There is definitely comfort in food!!!



Thank goodness for the gym… I need to take a few more GRAND ADVENTURES to the gym now…
I managed to get to body flow and body vive the last few days, with my good gym buddy, Ella. We normally go for coffee after… but life has been hectic lately, so we are behind on our coffees! We did enjoy brief visits before and after our classes, though. 

Soon I hope to get to as many classes 
as Ella has been doing…
she is a good role model for me, 

along with the excellent teachers at the gym!


I am remembering this time of year when we got our dog, 6 Septembers ago. We have had many
GRAND ADVENTURES
with our darling "Bug"-doggie, Shuffle!

Next month we plan to go on another GRAND ADVENTURE to Montreal with our good friends, Lynne and Mike. We have already booked hockey tickets for Brian, Mike and our son, Colin to go watch Montreal ply against New York at the famous Bell Centre. Lynne and I will enjoy our 

GRAND SHOPPING ADVENTURES 
while the guys enjoy the game!



I enjoyed my little adventure to my cousin's yesterday… we started off with coffee and ended up turning it into a lunch party… we always have lots to catch up on in our busy lives, so fun to get together. We later had friends, Vern and Robin stop by to visit and dine with us, too… always something going on in our lives!!!





Our lives continue to be an adventure on a daily basis, so we just take it as it comes… one day at a time!



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

Life is a journey and an adventure, too,
It's all what you make it, and just what you do,
We pack in adventures… or just stay still,
It's always a stride… whether up or down hill!
Whatever we do… where ever we go,
It's way more fun to just go with the flow!
So we journey along… and enjoy the ride,
Take in every moment with passion and pride!


Monday, September 1, 2014

CHALLENGES!

"A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it."
-Ray Davis

"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.-Roger Crawford

"Happiness is not the absence of problems;
it's the ability to deal with them."
-Steve Mariboli


This photo is one taken around this time last year…
here are my nephew, Alec and my niece, Emily,
along with my grand daughter, Mariah… doing some
sidewalk art… here of the YIN YANG symbol…
which is significant to my niece and nephew, who have faced
many challenges this past year.
It represents how opposite or contrary forces can actually be
complementary… interconnected and independant.

Here are my darling grand children with their great grandma Blanche, last weekend.
We have been helping my mother-in-law deal with the many challenges she has had
following the recent passing of her husband.

Here I am with some of my favourite gals… and my hubby, too!
My two nieces, Rowen and Emily… and my daughter, Jana.
This was on the funeral day for my Father-in-law, Greg,
when family gathered back at their home following.

Here are my niece, Emily, nephew, Alec and their mom, Gail,
while in town for Greg's funeral last weekend.
We enjoyed a coffee get together with them here
 the morning they left to fly home again.

Many challenges come with dealing with the loss of a dear loved one…
it helps to know we have so much love  flowing in always.
Thanks for all the beautiful cards, messages,
food, visits and flowers we have received…
we are so appreciative of all the support.

Here is a beautiful photo of my parents on their wedding day…
August 24th, 1949.
This year would have been their 65th anniversary …
their best man(my uncle Charlie)
and their maid of Honour (Mom's friend Florence)
both passed away earlier this year… so they will connect for their first
anniversary since they celebrated the 50th back in 1999 just months before
my dad passed away suddenly.

We have babysat and picked up the grand kids a couple times this past week,
but I have been challenged to get many photos!!!! (so not like me!)
I guess the kids figure I have enough… so I do not snap as many each time now.
Mariah had a sleepover last weekend…and Beau loves to do a pool set up in the kitchen,
I am always challenged to create a story line for the surfs we are playing with!

We were invited to a wonderful evening get together
 with our dear friends, Bob and Jacquie, at their condo and some of their friends,
including my friend, Ella and this little guy, Antoine, in the bottom left.
It would have been a challenge to see the fireworks from here,
but we felt we had the best view in the city watching them from their deck.

I have been on staff at "Brenda's School of Baton and Dance" (BSOBAD)
since fall of 2002. I retired from  teaching dance there in 2008, but since have
taken on the challenge to do their many bulletin boards.
I was just there yesterday to see what needs freshening up for the start
of the new dance season… so these boards need a little work along
with the 9 or so others in the building…
my biggest challenge with that is gathering info and photos since
I no longer am there much!

Today I was remembering this was the day we moved in to our house
back in 1982… however when searching for a photo of any part of our house
from then… this was the best I could find... My kids on the old deck back in summer of 1983.
the bottom photo is our yard as it looks today… with our dog, Shuffle looking on! 

Bruce will be celebrating his 2nd Birthday in Heaven this Wedneday.
I remember last year we sent him some birthday wishes in balloons up to
the sky…and that helped make the challenge of coping with his passing
a little easier for Mariah. When searching for old home photos today,
I came across this cute one of my kids helping their Uncle Bruce
celebrate his birthday back in 1982!
The photo of Bruce on his own is one that is proudly displayed
at the home of my parents-in-law.

A lot of nostalgia in today's blog post…
I love this photo of these two little cowboys…
BRUCE and BRIAN.
One can cope with challenges better... when they have on a cowboy hat!






This post is a little different for me. The CHALLENGE I took on when beginning my blog back in 2010, was to record all the positives along the way and share some of the special moments of each week as they took place. I have enjoyed writing my blog, because it has helped me try to remain positive in life always through good and bad…
 thick and thin!



We have faced a few rather challenging weeks around here, and have tried to make the most of our best through it all. Everyone is faced with challenges in life along the journey, whatever they may be, and it is all how one chooses to deal with it all, in how we all come out of the situations we are in.
Sometimes things as sad as death are challenges way beyond our control… and we have to focus on the good memories, love and support from loved ones

 we have to carry us through.



Today I was thinking of this date last year when we celebrated my brother-in-law, Bruce's life.
It was a nice reflection of his time here on earth shared with friends and family. He will continue to be fondly remembered. He celebrates his second birthday in Heaven this week on September 3rd, too. This year his dad will be up there to help him celebrate it as well… a special time for father and son to reunite together again.




Also on this date, September 1st, 1982… 32 years ago… we moved into our current house. Many events and occasions and things have taken place over those years… hard to believe our kids were only 3 and 1 years old back then. Together we have faced many challenges but all toward the growing process of a family and the making of a house into a home! I think our kids, Colin and Jana have many fun memories from growing up here, too. I love this house and all that it holds in it, and hope to be here 

for many more years to come.


With the recent loss of my father-in-law, we have spent the past week helping my mother-in-law, deal and cope with the challenges of what life holds for her in the near future without Greg in it. We felt very fortunate to book a spot for her in a lovely assisted living complex due to open this fall. Although it will be challenging to move Blanche from her home of 

57 years or so... she is up for the challenge.
In fact she is very excited and realizes she needs to go where she will have assistance. Until that day, 

family will be happy to assist her in the house she is still in.


I have had a nasty cold this past week… which doesn't make challenges any easier, but I think I am on the mend now, finally, yay!



I have been challenged in getting to the gym lately, too, but finally made it to a class on Saturday, but due to the fact I haven't been in a while and the class seemed extra challenging this time. I hope to get back to 

routine now that fall is here again.



Fall is always one of my favourite times of the year for many reasons . The trees become so pretty and the air is warm but has a crispness to it as well. However the challenge of fall is that we know winter is not far behind!




I always loved fall, though, when I had my dance studio… and when my kids were growing up as well. It marked the beginning of a new season and year of school, events and curricular activities. I used to look forward to planning my dance season by searching for new music ideas, trends, themes, etc to kick off the new season. Now that I no longer teach dancing, I still keep my foot in the door, so to speak,

 by doing the BSOBAD dance studio bulletin boards. 
It may seem like a minor job, but I enjoy the challenge of getting it looking fresh with new photos, themes, etc as well as upcoming updates pertaining to the dance world. 
I need to get on that challenge this week as lessons will begin again there on Saturday.




We have helped out with the grandkids this week by getting them from day care a few times. Normally that isn't a big deal… but getting there from our house has recently become somewhat of a challenge with all the road construction etc!
We always enjoy our chances to hang out with the grandkids. Tomorrow Mariah begins grade 3 at school already. Beau returns to daycare and next year will begin kindergarten. Times sure flies! I just talked to my daughter and she was sounding a bit overwhelmed with challenges of all that she has to deal with in this next bit in their busy little family life!  I remember those days when everything starts up 
after a crazy but fun filled summer!



Speaking of challenges…. there have been a couple floating around Facebook this past little while. I was nominated in both of them, too, as it turns out. The first one was the 7 days of gratitude challenge… where a person is to write out 3 things they are grateful for each of the 7 days and then tag 2 other FB friends to do the same each day.
I enjoy seeing what people are grateful for, and love to share that as well. However, the challenge for me was in tagging others to do the same. I know many of my friends are grateful people, but lots do not necessarily like to share everything on their FB pages.


The other challenge which has been going strong now for a few weeks is the ALS Ice bucket challenge. I am all in favour in donating to a good cause. However the challenge of this one for me is there are so many good causes and charities in need of money.  Some people may not be as close to the ALS cause as possibly others pertaining to their families and life. I also did not feel the urge to dowse myself in an ice bucket of cold water after this past week around here. That being said, though, I was mildly entertained by everyone who displayed their videos. I am in favour of a donation and feel it is great to donate to causes. I was not up to challenge others to get on board with this one either… I do not feel comfortable challenging people to do things they may not feel right doing. So anyone who chooses to do so… 

that is great, but I will not be challenging others!
(that is the most challenging part about it for me!)

I have enjoyed the talents on SYTYCD and AGT on TV this past bit… and it will be challenging to see who ends up coming in on top. I am so excited to see 2 tappers in the top 4 of the dancing which is the first time for that ever…
YAY TAP… too bad they do not CHALLENGE the other dancers to do TAP as well… I think it is because it is too challenging for dancers who don't tap to catch on to it!


This week we will look forward to a house guest for about 5 days. Brian's friend, Steve, from Tuscon, is coming to stay at our house. I need to get on cleaning the house so it is guest friendly… (cleaning always seems a bit challenging for me… but sometimes it takes a good reason to give me that extra motivation!) WE will both enjoy our visits, I am sure!


I know in life everyone is faced with various challenges, and we just have to keep on powering through to make things turn out the best they can.


So on that note… here is my rhyme of the day.



Life is such a journey, with challenges on the way,
It is how we deal with it, and how we seize the day.
Some days the sun shines brightly,
but often there's a cloud.
Some days we are feeling down,
while other days we're proud.
Some days we're feeling lazy,
and others get lots done.
Some days are more challenging,
and other days such fun!
Life is what we make of it,
of that I have no doubt…
So that is when I try real hard,
to not just sit and pout!
Everyone is challenged in different ways and things,
That's what makes the world go round,
with all the stuff it brings!
It's fun to take a challenge and turn it right around,
And look for all the positives from it that can be found.
Challenges are not so bad…
and when some things go wrong,
Challenges bring out some good….
and keep us going strong!