DANCiNG Through LiFE!

"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."
-Dr. Wayne Dyer

"Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order. "
- Samuel Beckett

"and if the music is good, dance"
-Author Unknown

Last Monday was a special day for me…
I went to the Janet Jackson Concert  with my daughter and grand daughter.
3 generations of love for DANCE and MUSIC… such a fun memory!

We sat very close to the stage… but I still didn't get stellar photos.
However, I did get a few videos  in the night.
I loved the concert and the dancing was awesome!

Later in the week I met with two friends I know
from my dancing connections in life…
Friend, Brenda-(BSOBAD dance studio owner)…
and friend Cathy who was a neighbour,
she is  also a dance mom, and great friend, too.
We did a fun latte outing to D'Lish !

On that same day… we picked up Jana's dog, JAZZ and brought
him to spend the day with us… he was so cute leaning on Brian
in the car!

A couple days last week we took Mariah to her dancing lessons.
These photos were on Thursday… Jazz came for the ride, too…
and Mariah was showing me her new leg warmers from the back seat!
Mariah loved her first week back to dance!

I have been doing many little walking outings with my good friend, Ella.
She keeps track of our steps along the way on her fitbit!!!
Friday we ended up back at her place for a happy hour after our big walk.
Shuffle came on the walk, too…and had never been to Ella's place!

Saturday we had Beau for half of the day…
He loves to make cupcakes…everything about that experience …
from beating them, licking the beaters, icing the cupcakes
 and eating them, too!
He is such a fun little guy to have around .

Also on Saturday we took Beau to see his sister at the Broadway
Street Fair…where she was volunteering in the Dog Adoption
booth. Was a hot day and lots of action all down Broadway…
including some dancers along the way as well.

Mariah's dog for the day was a little lab-terrior cross pup, named
Paisley. Mariah still loves helping with the adoptions…
and she is good at it, too. She loves animals.

Also on the weekend… I went for a great walk with my two friends,
Ella and Heather.
We drove out to Erindale and Arbour Creek, and walked a new
territory for us… it is so beautiful and scenic there.
Ella kept track of our steps along the way, too!
These two are such great and supportive friends for me.

Late Saturday night, September 12th…
This little sweetie made her debut into the world.
My niece, Emily had her little baby girl, named
ABIGAIL BRUCE… weighing 7 lbs.12 oz.
but they will call her ABBY!
We are so excited for her… and I am the proud
Great Auntie to my 3rd GREAT NIECE in less
than a year!

On September 13th, 2008 we got our puppy…
a little pug-boston cross( a Bug)… and called her Shuffle.
The pic on the left was taken on the day we got Shuffle…
the photos on the right are to show just how much
Mariah and Shuffle have grown since then.

Mariah is wearing a little Tutu and we named Shuffle
after the famous TAP DANCE step!

Sunday was Grandparent Day…
we were invited to supper with the GRANDKIDS, and GRANDOG!
I didn't capture many photos there… but the meal was delicious!

Last night I was asked to SUB TEACH at BSOBAD
and taught 3 Adult Tap classes.
The photo above is the most advanced of the classes…
what an awesome bunch of ladies…
Lots of former tappers from younger years.
I still love to TAP… TAPPiNESS always brings me HAPPiNESS!

Last night on SYTYCD they were to crown the winner
of America's Favourite Dancer…
I actually loved all of the top four in the running, too…
such a diverse group of  talented dancers and
nice personalities.

I am glad I came home from teaching last night
 and watched the recorded SYTYCD
 before opening up my FB and Instagram accounts…
as there were many photos everywhere of this year's winner.
Here is just one of the many photos I saw on FB…
This is the TAPPER, Gaby Diaz, who won the show this season
… here with our very good friend,
 and amazing show choreographer, Stacey Tookey.
The Tookey family and our family go way back…
so when I see Stacey on the show, I always feel so proud.
This is the very first season where a Tapper has won the
the title on that show!
YAY TAP!!!!!



Welcome to another week summery of my life here on my blog! I didn't get to my post yesterday as I was busy DANCING!!! I was asked to sub teach yesterday at BSOBAD for their 3 Adult Tap classes. So during the day I was sort of dancing around the kitchen off and on all day.


Life itself is really like one big dance… the steps we take in it and everything we do… involves so many steps… twists, turns, ups and downs as well as round and rounds!
My life has revolved around dance since my mom enrolled me in it at the early age of 4… and the rest is history!
From that early age I have been more or less
DANCING THROUGH LIFE… ever since…
from training as a dancer all through my school years in various dance forms and at various different dance studios and camps, conventions, workshops etc…
 to my teaching days.


I opened my dance studio, Diane Will Dance Studio, in September of 1974 and closed it in June of 2002.
I joined the teaching staff at BSOBAD as their
TAP DIRECTOR in September of 2002
and taught till May of 2008. The experiences I had along that teaching journey were all amazing and so many of them very rewarding as well. I do still keep my foot in the door of the dance world on many levels…
and only free lance teach and or adjudicate
here and there now.


My love of dance is and always will be strong. I love lots of things pertaining to dance… and am especially fond of  TAP… it has always been my favourite and specialty.
I like to get out the tap shoes from time to time and
just get lots in the SHUFFLE!


My life has transformed through many things over time, though, and although I no longer teach dance on a regular basis… I am still involved . My daughter, Jana, danced through her life growing up and even went on to a professional dance career in Tokyo Disney where she did 5 dance contracts there. She has now hung up her dance shoes… but is still into SHOES and owns her own shoe store now, called … SWANK SHOE LOUNGE.


Jana's daughter, Mariah loves to dance now…and is following in her mom and grandma's footsteps…
she is currently taking lessons in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre.  Her favourite is Ballet.
Mariah is growing up so fast and I am so proud of not only the little dancer she is becoming… but also of the little human she is… I am such a proud grandma!


This week we have done many things as the photos above show… I was so excited to become a Great Auntie for the 3rd time in less than a year… I now have 3 little great nieces… Jorja, Brielle and the newest one is little Abby born just this past weekend, to my niece, Emily.

The Janet Jackson Concert I attended with my two girls… was great. Not only could I relate to many of the tunes… some of which Jana danced to growing up… but the dancing in the show was awesome and the experience of sharing a common love with my family  of music and dance.
Fun to share those interests with 3 generations … it was a special night out for me, and hopefully them, too.


Lots of our life revolves around the grandkids now a days. We absolutely love the chances we have to spend with both them and their dog, Jazz, too! Sunday was a special day designated to Grandparents on the calendar. We were so lucky to have supper with our grandkids on that day, too.
Jana and Nels cooked up a yummy supper with ceasar salad, chicken kabobs and perogies. We enjoyed just being with the grandkids that evening in their own little setting.


Mariah and I were painting some little postcards together from a little kit she had, while Beau enjoyed a movie on Netflix called "Meet The Robinsons".
I was kind of attracted to some of the music from the movie, and researched it to find out a couple songs were sung by an artist I saw in Montreal last summer at their Jazz Festival, named Jamie Cullum.


I now have an app on my phone for downloading music called SPOTIFY… so I was able to get those tunes I heard in Beau's movie… and put them to use when I taught at BSOBAD just last night. To me if the music is good…
it just makes you want to dance!


When I retired from teaching dance, teachers were still using CDs as their music format. But last night I taught by using music from my cel phone, for the very first time… it was a whole new experience in itself! But I am happy to say, I did eventually catch on!!!! hehehe The teaching was very fun, too… and some awesome adult tappers at that studio, as well. I was honoured to be ask to fill in.
A fun opportunity to TAP into all round!


I also watched the new season opener of DWTS last night after my late teaching night. I enjoyed that as well… I do like to watch the dance related TV competitions shows. I also like the America's Got Talent… which soon will be wrapping up for another season. I will watch AGT tonight!


We recalled the day we got our dog, Shuffle, when that date rolled by again. I retired from Teaching dance in May of 2008 and that final week of my teaching career experience, we lost our Pug, Mocha. In September, 2008… we decided to get a new doggie… and in honour of all my years of teaching dance and Tap… we named her "SHUFFLE"
after one of the most popular tap steps!


My life is filled with many things and lots like I say revolves around dance … and often I just feel LOST in the SHUFFLE of life… but in life when there is music
 it's fun to just dance it out!


This weekend, my son in law, NELS will be celebrating his birthday… so I will take this chance to wish him a
Happy Birthday on the 18th of September.
His new business is very successful since he opened it in the spring… and he keeps himself very busy.


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

I love to dance when I get the chance,
And LIFE itself... is like a big DANCE!
There are many steps we take on our way,
As we dance through each and every day.
There are twists and turns… ups and downs,
Smiles and laughs… pouts and frowns.
There are simple steps and hard ones too…
Takes all kinds of steps to get us through.
So many steps… go round and round,
We begin over and over… I have found,
But in the end, when I get the chance…
If the music is good, I love to dance!

FUN AdVeNTuReS!

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

"Life is meant to be joyful,fun, adventurous, meaningful and exciting. Having people you cherish come along for the ride is truly a blessing. Cultivating and maintaining these meaningful relationships is such an important part of life."
-Anil Sinha

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

Last Wednesday we took BEAU on a FUN ADVENTURE
to Kinsmen Park… he loved it…and his name for it was
"KIDS"-MEN PARK!
We had a fun ride on the new train there…
and I tried to capture us with a selfie!!!

Beau was not quite ready for the adventure on the new
big yellow ferris wheel…
nor did he care to go on the merry-go-round…
but instead headed over to the park
where there were slides and swings and other fun things!

He could not get enough of the big tunnel slide…
that was his favourite…
he would climb up the tunnel and go down the slide and run
back and go again… and again … and again!
It was fun for us to watch him having so much fun!!!
He had on his BIRKENSTOCKS…
which he calls BIRKEN-"STOPS",
but nothing was STOPPING him!

Earlier on Wednesday we did lots of fun adventures around
the house… from set ups and sidewalk chalk… leaning to spell
and write his name… to playing with Shuffle in the back yard.
It was such a beautiful day out for outdoor play and
lots of fun adventures!

Later we picked up Mariah from school at the after school program.
She showed us the kindergarten room for Beau…
as well as her locker and
her classroom door, too with her new teacher's name on it…
"MRS. FOLEY!"

Last tuesday was school registration day…and following that
we went for a celebration lunch adventure
at one of  the kid's favourite places… Boston Pizza.
Mariah is holding up 4 fingers to represent grade four…
and Jana is doing a zero to represent Kindergarten for Beau.

Later Tuesday we had both kids to babysit through supper hour…
Beau was a bit all over the map…and furniture too!!!
He made up a card game with some Oiler cards he got at dollarama.
He was colouring with the 3-d glasses on… too!

Mariah is much calmer to babysit… and was content eating
popcorn watching a movie and entertaining the two dogs!

JAZZ and SHUFFLE are becoming such good buddies and together
they have had some fun adventures lately, too!

One of my traditional adventures at this time of year
is updating bulletin boards for BSOBAD dance studio…
and I often stop for  a STARBUCKS on route!
STARBUCKS always makes me SMILE!!!

I have been decorating bulletin boards at
BRENDA'S SCHOOL OF BATON AND DANCE
(BSOBAD)
for 13 years now…and it has been quite a fun adventure
for me. Due to the fact her studio is located in an old school
it has many bulletin boards throughout it.
I hang anything from photos, to important info... as well as themes
 and motivational and inspirational stuff!
Her studio has had many FUN ADVENTURES this summer,
and therefore there were many photos from those events to hang.

When searching some motivational quotes for the boards…
I found many pertaining to DANCE… and these are just a few.
Soon all dance studios will be in full swing…
and many new FUN ADVENTURES for dancers and teachers
will begin!

Another FUN ADVENTURE from last week…
was when my friend, Ella and I were invited to friend's,
Bob and Jacquie's to watch the labour day weekend fireworks from
the deck of their condo. It was a cool and wet evening but I
managed to snap a couple of photos of the action in the sky!
It was so sweet of them to have us over… to see the fireworks.
We also did our weekly Fuddrucker's breakfast yesterday
with that same fun bunch!

Yesterday Brian and I went to visit my brother, Bob, his wife, Arleen,
my nephew, Jeff and his little sweetie, Jorja.
Bob was busy taking Jorja on a FUN ADVENTURE
in a pamper's box pulled with a long shoe horn!
Bob is a pretty proud grandpa… he was loving his
wee grand daughter while we visited.

Arleen and Bob are such devoted grandparents, to both Jorja and their other
little grand daughter,  Brielle, too.
Jeff's wife, Savannah, is on a fun adventure this week
to celebrate a girlfriend's milestone birthday in Mexico.
I know Jeff will have lots of help looking after Jorja…
with his mom and dad close by.
We sure enjoyed Jorja, too… what a little cutie pie!

Today with the rainy cold weather, I was inspired to make a couple
confort foods… Banana chocolate chip Muffins… and a big crock pot of
chilli for supper… YUMMY… a couple of my favourites!

Later today I am so excited to go to see JANET JACKSON
in concert with Jana and Mariah…
it will be such a FUN ADVENTURE
for the 3 of us to go together too!
Jana danced to Janet Jackson 25 years ago…
hard to believe that much time has passed
since her jazz group performed a number to
ESCAPADE… and today we will be
TOGETHER AGAIN for more JANET FUN!



Here it is another BLOG DAY! Thanks for popping by to read about the FUN ADVENTURES from this past week.
One of the things I enjoy most about sharing my blog with my readers is that it is like a little ADVENTURE down memory lane for me, too. It is a reminder of how much fun I have crammed into my previous week!


With it being the beginning of a new season in school and activities for people… this is the start of many new FUN ADVENTURES for lots of people. It is a new chapter for this season… and for my little grandson BEAU, the start of his school adventures! He did his first full day of kindergarten on Friday and apparently was so proud of himself. He seemed all grown up all of a sudden! Mariah was quite happy to meet her new teacher, Mrs. Foley… who teaches a grade 3-4 split. Mariah was so excited to reunite with a friend she met in grade one…and they have already bonded and are so happy to be in the same class. She is so grown up now in grade 4 already… where did the time go?!


We did a bit of babysitting last week. We are honestly lucky our grandkids live in the city and we can share so many adventures with them as they grow up. This coming weekend is GRANDPARENT DAY, too!!!


 Beau is very lively and full of life, though, so after a couple of days of fun adventures with him… I need a day off to catch my breath again!!!... wink wink!
He is such a fun little guy, though.
I hope he has a great first year experience at school.


Tomorrow Mariah begins another year of dance lessons. She will be a busy little girl going to lessons every day of the week after school. Good thing she enjoys her dancing. I hope she gets to do some extra little things,too… possibly a solo or two this year at dance competitions…
we will see what unfolds for her… as she follows in the family footsteps and traditions!


As September begins… the weather begins to change. Last week was so nice out… but the last couple of days have been cooler and wet… so harder to get out for fun adventures outdoors! I have managed to go on a few dog walking outings with my friend, Ella. She keeps track of her steps on a device called a "FITBIT"… she likes to keep me up to date with how many steps she has recorded on it, as well as how many calories she has burned and how many hours of sleep she is getting.
Although I am not really keeping track of my steps, etc…
I am managing to get a few in here and there!


I did get to the gym last week a couple of times. All the gym instructors I take classes from lately celebrate birthdays in the fall… so Happy Birthday to them…
Theresa, Trent, Nicole…and Peggy, too!
Because of their classes… I feel like
my life adventures are better,
and I love that "goodlife"
feeling!


I enjoyed the outing to friends, Bob and Jacquie's this past weekend. They had other friends over as well to enjoy the fireworks. Nice to have a comfy place to watch them from.


I have had a few adventures to BSOBAD this past couple weeks to get their bulletin boards ready for a new dance season. I originally hung mostly stars and quotes, etc… until I was given some photos to hang… so did some revamping and re arranging of all the stuff originally hung!!!
That studio sure had many fun adventures this past summer…from competing in dance in Kelowna, to competing in the world cup baton championships in Abbotsford. As well the studio took part in a big event called One Voice, as well as having twirlers in the  exhibition parade, and a couple of summer dance camps, too.
There is always a "BEE" HIVE of activity at that place.
Until this year I have used the "BEE" as a main THEME with it going so well with "B"SOBAD!
Over time I have shifted to many themes throughout the studio on the bulletin boards there. This year I kind of decided to "STAR"T the year with lots of "STARS" instead!
I am wishing BSOBAD and all the dance studios in and around beginning their new dance seasons…
A year full of FUN and REWARDING DANCE ADVENTURES!!!


I am enjoying the FUN of being a GREAT AUNTIE…
so far I have two "great nieces"…
JORJA , born last December…
and BRIELLE, born in May this year.


Today my niece, Emily, is due to have her first child, too.
I am hoping all goes well with that little one's arrival… whether it be today or later this week.
I know Emily had hoped her baby would have come early,  on what would have been her dad's birthday
on September 3rd.
Her dad, Bruce, would have been 64 on that date, but hopefully had a nice celebration in Heaven.


It was interesting as I took my morning walk with my dog on Bruce's birthday… one of the first tunes to play on my mix was a Beatle's medley starting off with "Here Comes The Sun" followed by "When I'm Sixty Four".
I often say this… but my music always seems to reflect the soundtrack to what is happening in my life at that moment in time. Music is a big part of the
 FUN ADVENTURES in my life.


Later today I look so forward to my FUN ADVENTURE with my two favourite girlies… JANA and MARIAH…
my daughter and grand daughter…
for our Girl's Night Out to the
JANET JACKSON concert. It will be tons of fun I am sure.


Next Monday I am sub teaching at BSOBAD for 3 ADULT TAP CLASSES on their first lessons of this season. I have not taught TAP for a while, so that will prove to be a
FUN ADVENTURE I am quite sure!
Even though I am a bit rusty…
I am sure I will be able to get
"LOST IN THE SHUFFLE"… so to speak!


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

I like to think of my life as an adventure full of fun,
Right from the day's beginning, until each day is done.
Whether it is doing the things I love,
or doing what I need to do,
It's like a big adventure… and a journey, too!
Some days are lots of fun… while others maybe not,
But it's all in how you deal with it…
that is just my thought!
I like to stay on the upbeat side, that is my intent,
The daily little duties are what keep my heart content.
So whether I am going out, or if I am at home,
My life's a big adventure, where ever I may roam!

TAP into Positive Creativity!

"There is a fountain of youth: It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you truly have defeated age."
-Sophia Loren

"Happiness is something you are and it comes from the way you think"
-Dr. Wayne Dyer

"You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr. in-between ."
-Johnny Mercer

Last week… I TAPPED into some POSITIVE CREATIVITY!
I decorated my Tap Shoes with polka dots on Thursday…
and on Friday I put them on for a little
"HAPPY TAPPY HOUR" on the deck, too!!!

Last week, our good friend, Robin shared some
POSITIVITY with us, when she stopped by for a visit
and to drop off this beautiful plant and card!
She is such a sweet caring soul.

Last Wednesday was NATIONAL DOG DAY…
so here is my doggie, SHUFFLE, named after the TAP step…
sharing some "PAWS-ITIVITY!"

Last Friday…
Brian and I joined Jana, and Mariah
at Montana's for a fun lunch outing…
I got a few creative photos  of Jana's facials…
but just shared the 2 here!
Mariah took the pic of Brian and me.
It is always a Positive experience with these two girlies.

Later on Friday… friend Ella and I had a walk in the park…
followed by a Happy Hour on our deck
with  Brian and friend, Heather.
It was a fun afternoon tapping into the positives!

Hard to believe tomorrow marks the 33 year date
 of when we moved into this house.
We have created lots of positive memories here over those years.
Here are some photos of the place I spend a lot of time lately…
I love my own back yard… it helps me TAP into POSITIVITY!

Saturday… we did a Farmer's Market run… so I enjoyed some yummy
blueberries on the deck.
Later… sister-in-law, Bev dropped by with some veggies
from her garden… which were so yummy!
Then as she was leaving, Jana, Nels, Beau and Jazz stopped by and ended
up having supper with us on the deck.
They also brought some titbits and donuts, too!!!

(Mariah was off to a little friend sleepover that night!)

Beau's supper consisted of mostly titbits and pickles!!!…
so he had energy to burn after supper…
They happened to bring his bike along…
so as well as climbing a ladder out front,
he was also riding his bike up and down the sidewalk out front.

Yesterday morning Jana, Nels, and the kids joined us at Fuddruckers
for Sunday breakfast…
the kids each had those gigantic cinnamon buns
to share with their parents.
Notice… the men on their cel phones here!!! hehehe
(that is what they often do during meals )

Also at Fuddrucker's yesterday were my friends, Jacquie and Ella.
I spent some time at their table, too,  before our family arrived!
These two are such a positive couple of friends for me!



Where does the time go????
It seems it was only yesterday when I did my last blog post,
but another week has flown by… in fact this month has really gone by quickly. People say time flies when you are having fun!!! Although not all of my days are filled with fun…
I try to make the most of the time
I have and create positivity when ever I can!


I can hardly believe that August is nearly over already and soon it is back to routines for many families who have kids in school and activities. I actually used to love this time of year when I owned my dance studio… it was the beginning of a new season for me. I could TAP into lots of CREATIVITY.
As a parent, I was always happy to have my kids return to their school and activities, too.


I know this also marks the time of year we moved into this home 33 years ago. We have created so many positive and creative memories in this house. It is very dated, but it is still home. I especially love sitting in the back yard and recalling all the fun we have had together over time here…
and watching the trees grow from little to big!


I am excited for my grandkids to begin school again… well for Beau it is actually his first year in school. Tomorrow he begins Kindergarten. Mariah will be in grade 4 already. They will both be busy in their extra activities too. Mariah is dancing every week day after school… and Beau will be in skating, hockey and Tae Kwando again too.
I know both kids will CREATE many POSITIVE memories as they begin this new season. Today is Beau's last day at daycare… so that is the end of a chapter in his life.
The daycare lady, Ceylyn, looked after Mariah till she began school, and also Beau… and she was such a caring and influential lady in both of their lives. I personally was so thankful for her and all she taught my grandkids while they were in her care. I know they will miss her, but really have lots of positive fun memories from going to her house .


Yesterday, I chose to clean out my garage… it was a job and a half… I was busy going through many creative memories in boxes out there. It is hard for me to downsize the junk we have accumulated in time. Not only do we have our own stuff, we have my dance studio stuff, my mom's leftover stuff, and now my stuff from my in-law's too!
I am a sentimental type and do not like to part with things, but I was feeling quite accomplished when I managed to throw a few things away yesterday!!!
That made me feel good… and tired, too!!!
What a big job it became, but so rewarding, too.


Colin was 3 and Jana was 1 when we moved in to this neighbourhood and we have tapped into so many fun times and memories over the time spent in this home.
I cannot imagine ever living anywhere else, but one day we might have to move forward to a smaller place, so I guess it doesn't hurt to start downsizing now!


When I posted the pic of my polka dot tap shoes on my Facebook and Instagram page last week… it got quite a bit of attention. There is a page on instagram called "livinthetaplife" which does posts on
tapshoes every Thursday.
He likes people with colourful tap shoes to share pics of "Those Tap Shoes Though"… so I decided to add colour to my shoes for that… by putting polka dot stickers on the shoes and changing up the laces. Also when Brenda, from BSOBAD, noticed my shoes on FB, she asked me to teach the first day back to adult tap at her studio which is on the 14th of September. It is an honour to be asked, so I accepted that… but it is only for that date.
I will TAP into some POSITIVE CREATIVITY
for that night!


Next week… Jana, Mariah and I are going on
 a "Girl's Night Out" to hear icon,
JANET JACKSON in concert… we are all so excited.
Jana danced to many of Janet Jackson's songs over her years of dance lessons growing up… so I know it will be a fun and positive memory for us for sure… can't wait!


I am still enjoying the shows on TV, SYTYCD and AGT…as well as other various TV competitive shows. Lots of CREATIVITY and POSITIVITY on those types of shows.


Saturday we visited my mother-in-law, Blanche. She continues to do pretty well in her home where she has lived for nearly a year now. She is still anxious for her house to sell, but sounds like there is a deal in the works there. We are all anxious for that chapter to be completed.


Well on that note…
here is my rather short rhyme of the day…


TAP into the positive, and be creative, too…
Bring out some happiness with the things you do.
SPOT the little things that brighten everyday,
And make the most of each moment along the way.

Always Look Up With A SMiLE!

"Be someone's else's sunshine. Be the reason someone smiles today."
-Author Unknown

"Use your smile to change the world, but don't let this world change your smile."
-Author Unknown

"Not only does a smile cost less than electricity, it also brightens your day."
-Author Unknown

Here are some photos from a couple different days at my daughter's store…
SWANK SHOE LOUNGE
Mariah with Jana's store partner, Melissa, after a fun time they shared
together on the weekend.
Jana and Beau with my great niece Jorja…
lots of sweet smiles here!

Yesterday I had many thoughts and memories of my parents,
and it was their little verses written many years ago in  my
autograph book that inspired the title for today's blog.

I often look up to the skies above smiling as I think of
what loving parents I had…and although I miss them,
I have comfort in knowing they are my angels
watching over me from above.

I love these memories of my parents.
They were married on August 24th, 1949…
so yesterday would have been their 66th Wedding Anniversary.
I love these memories of my mom and dad's special day in their life.
As you can see there were plenty of smiles on that day for them.

On Sunday night we were invited to Jana and Nels's place for supper.
We sat up on their deck over looking their hot tub… where the kids had fun
and looked up smiling many times and made sure we were watching them!

Also at Jana's on sunday… the kids played so well together
as we enjoyed visits up on the deck.
Jana and I are smiling and kind of squinting into the sun
as we shared a little cheers with a glass of wine!
I got a selfie with Jazz… but kind of cut him out of the picture!
Thanks to Jana and Nels for the yummy supper and great visit.

Earlier Sunday… Brian, Nels, and the kids took a brief stroll
on 2nd Ave to see the cool cars on display at the car show.
We discovered an A&W ROOT BEAR in the front seat of
the car in front of Jana's shoe store, too!

Once again Mariah worked at the Dog Adoption on Saturday…
she was in a kennel full of little puppies, and although she was kept busy,
she was in her glory with them !
She loves to work at the adoption whenever she can.

Who's in the dog house now?????
It's Beau-man! Last week on some of my babysitting days,
Beau got himself locked into Shuffle's Kennel…
what a kid!

More dog days of summer…
Here are the dogs, Shuffle and Jazz…and I love the dog on the August
page of my calendar… a very cute pug!!!

Saturday we were invited for an impromptu supper at
our friend, Vern's place. Our friend Ella was invited, too.
Supper was yummy… and I took over some muffins I made to
add to the dessert!

Brian and I made it out to a couple lunches last week…
one at the newly located Gibson's Fish & Chips…
as well as a lunch at  a funky little place called
Drift Sidewalk Cafe…
Both tasty meals.

We also met Brian's sisters, Bev and Brenda and some family friends at
a lunch at Earl's, too… but didn't get photos that day.

I managed to get over to BSOBAD dance studio to
update a few bulletin boards.
This little diversion to my summer schedule was
a good change of pace and creativity for me!

From one dance studio to another…
Mariah took a Ballet Boot Camp at La Danse last week…
she loved it… but was in too big a rush to let me snap a pic of her,
so I got one of her going in to the studio from behind,
when I dropped her off there last week.
I know she learned a lot… and we enjoyed her little display
at the end of the week, too.

Yesterday Brian and I had a brief outing in the afternoon,
which included buying a new hat for him…
as well as going to let Jazz out for a bit at Jana's .
Even Jazz seemed to be looking up with a smile
at Brian's new hat!
Jazz has brought so much added love and enjoyment
to our family… Brian is a proud grandpa of that dog!

On Saturday I picked up some colourful flowers at the grocery store,
and had a little cafe mocha… to add some cheer to a gloomy day outside!

Yesterday we received this delivery of a cute little edible bouquet from
Jana and Nels and the kids to SWEETEN up our day!

A bouquet of any kind adds SMILES to my day always!!!




Welcome to my blog of the week… It has been another busy one once again. Yesterday sort of ran away without me, so here I am today playing catch up on the blog.


I was sure thinking a lot of my parents yesterday on what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. I am pretty sure they would be dancing up in heaven to their favourite tune, "Satin Doll". They loved that song and they loved to dance. They were such a great couple…not to mention the most wonderful parents and role models I could have ever asked for. I really miss them, and especially on days of special celebrations revolving around them, but there is comfort in knowing they are always watching over me from above. I have so many fond memories of them and included their little verses from my autograph book in the photos above. My dad's verse has got me through many days when things were not going great … the message in his verse is so uplifting and was the biggest inspiration for today's blog title. He always loved the colour red, and my mom loved blue… so I outlined their verses in their favourite colours.


Interestingly… my mom's sister, Phyllis and her husband, Grant, were also married on August 24th, years before my parents… so it would have been their anniversary yesterday too… My Aunt is still living, but my Uncle is in heaven.


I did lots more babysitting last week of both the grand kids and the grand dog, as well. The kids did a total of 5 sleepovers and the dog did 6! I know why God gives us our kids when we are younger and have more energy… I sure tired out… but don't get me wrong… I love my grandkids dearly… I was happy when Jana returned home from her get away… and I could return the grandkids and get a decent night's sleep again!!! We shared many smiles and lots of fun while the kids were here, though.


August has been a month filled with many mixed emotions with anniversaries of occasions of loved ones in Heaven… as well as special occasions for many we love still with us. Just last week my nephew Sam turned 26 on the 22nd. And tomorrow our good friend, Mike has a birthday which he shares with his only grandson, Miles who turns 2  in Toronto.
My friends Linda and Dennis are coming up to their milestone 40th Anniversary the end of this week on the 29th. Linda always puts on her wedding gown and walks the walk on her special day… kinda cool… I know I couldn't do that…
my dress is a few sizes smaller than me now! hehehe


We've had some up days and down days… but there is always lots going on which keeps us looking upward  and moving onward with hope and a smile.


I have enjoyed lots of the competition shows on TV, too…and like to practice my judging skills while watching them!


I want to give a shout out to my hairdresser, Marla…
who is always there to not only help with the bad hair days… but to share in a fun visit while doing so.
She freshened up my "do" just yesterday!!!


We feel so lucky to have such good friends and family who always share in our life as we journey forth.

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


A smile is something that brightens a face,
It can turn sad to happy, in such a small space.
Let's face it we all have good days and also some bad,
But smiling can pick us up, when we're feeling sad.
When we look on the bright side and keep our chin up,
And add something special to our full cup,
Things often seem better and more worthwhile,
By just looking up, and wearing a smile!