Circle of Life

Mike and I just passed a milestone, our 18th month anniversary. It kind of surprised us, Mike not realizing until the night before, while I completely forgot. I was speaking to a friend on the phone when he woke, gave me a kiss and said, "Happy 18th Month." I think my response was, "What? I didn't realize, I completely forgot!" Mike suggested that we walk up to the monastery, where we formally agreed to announce our plans to marry. That day is, however, another post...

As it was a lovely day, I was itching to get out in the sun. But, had already made plans to go walk with Michelle. Aaaah! she called and I had to explain the situation and apologize. Michelle, of course, was completely understanding and urged me to go out with my husband.

Mike and I ended up going to Westminster Abbey. It's most distinctive feature, a tower with ten bells that ring for mass. Though, for me, the most memorable thing is that when it was first built, Westminster Abbey was considered ugly. It was consructed out of cement, not traditional stone or brick and it's form was art deco inspired.

As we walked, I saw something that made me stop and realize that we were in the presence of a vision of life. In a large circle across the grounds; of which we were a part of, several milestones of life were occurring. Newlyweds were getting their photos done, a young married couple celebrated their 18th month anniversary, a married couple with young children were playing and a grave for a member of the Abbey was being dug.

It was all our lives, though the milestones may be different. Life goes on and eventually, it causes us to move to that deep sleep as others take our place. Please, fully enjoy and experience all you can.


Westminster Abbey's Website http://www.sck.ca/

Wise words

This is a poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips."
It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness...
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.


Audrey Hepburn's Official Website http://www.audreyhepburn.com/


These words of encouragement were sent to me by another woman of strength, a woman that I admire very much.

I smell a rat

I received an 'invitation' by Michelle who was going with another friend to a 'new television show' screening. Now considering that a trip out to Vancouver is more unusual for me, that I hadn't seen one friend for a while and that to do something different other than hanging out on a monday night sounded somewhat interesting to me. However, I completely forgot about this invitation. Imagine my surprise, when Michelle called me at 3:30pm the next day and asked me if I was ready for the evening. I think my exact reaction was, "huh, what?"

We headed out to Vancouver! Yay!! Fun, fun! We get to the hotel and after surveying the other VIPS, got shuffled into a conference room with three televisions and are told to fill out a short survey of products we'd like to have in our gift bags if our name is drawn. I smell a rat. We were then told to go to the bathroom before it starts as no one is allowed to leave during the two hours the viewing is on. My bladder protests...What if I HAVE to go to the bathroom? lol And, as someone pointed out all those jugs of water outside the conference room seemed a cruel joke. I smell a rat!

We 'watch'; a very, very, I mean VERY BAD 'pilot' with an actress and actor that seemed to me anyways, apologizing for the performance. Like look, we know we suck. We had to do this, I needed rent money and when I go called for this, I said, why not? No one is going to air this.
Ohh ohhh, if they only knew the torment that I and everyone else was in, having to watch. A bad harlequin romance crossed with a previous lives plot that made no sense. I smell a rat and what time is it? 8:07 The one highlight of this show was that Michelle lost it and started to giggle and laugh. I found out later that she also had tears. I have to admit, I too, had to surpress my laughter which lead to body shaking giggles. We were all giggling, it was surprisingly bad. I smell a rat and what time is it? 8:20pm I turned to my 'host' and said that she owed me big.

We filled out a questionnaire on the show and after this, another survey, very like the first one on what products we liked. The guy who was reading out the questions was obviously new and stammered and reddened as he read the script. I smell a rat and what time is it? 8:30pm We were now, highly suspect that this was more a product evaluation than a showcase for new television shows. I smell a rat and what time is it? 8:36pm

The second show was ever so slightly better than the first, just in the fact that it was a situational comedy. Though, the fact that it was probably made in 1983, made it not really relevant for todays audience. I smell a rat and what time is it? 9:02pm After another questionnaire on the show, we filled out a short section on commercials and current events. Do you feel Stephen Harper going to Afghanistan was a good idea? Will the Canucks make the playoffs? Should teachers be allowed to discuss political beliefs with parents? WHAT TIME IS IT? 9:28pm Ahhhhhhh, two minutes to freedom. And, the guy now reading out the questions knew it. Faster and faster, because he knew when it hit 9:30pm we were all running for the door. He had taken over for the poor guy that seemed to apologize for our position and his part in it.

At the doors, an older man demanded from one of our captors of the real purpose of the group. It wasn't really about the shows, was it. More about the products. The smooth as cream response? It was about all the products. As we left the hotel we all expressed how we felt. Used, violated and completely duped in the real purpose to the evening. Some television showcase! Our 'host' generously offered to buy us a sundae to compensate. Well, even every horror experience has its bright moments...

Little Coyote

In grade 9, I had to do an english project...
Tell a story in different way other than a book. I racked my brain for a truly unique idea though I'd settle for something slightly out of the ordinary. I just didn't want to do what everyone in my class did and do a posterboard. I wanted to be different and stand out from my peers.

I finally decided that I would tell an old native american tale. I would feature photos and do a audio tape to tell the story. My mom suggested that my brother and I should dress up as the two characters, while she took our pictures in various poses for the story. Nick and I wore cut out native american masks and native blankets over our shoulders. I played an old spirit and he a mischievous little coyote who tries to goat me into proving my powers. We made props and were photographed outside in our garden. I wrote out a script, and was taped to much laughter and ever so many retakes. We also recorded sounds to help illustrate the story; a great rumbling for a mountain that moved and a rushing river that disappeared and then reappeared. Native drums and musics played in the background as we gave our lines. I remember the tears rolling down my face, trying not to laugh out loud. Everyone trying not to snicker and lots of shushes and oops! It was, I think, a small miracle that the recording was ever finished.

I ended up with a 96% and the highest mark in the class. My teacher was impressed and wanted to have it shown at the end of the year excellence fair, but a teacher's strike put the kybosh on that.

My mom so liked a picture she took of Nick as the mischievous little coyote that she made a linograph plate of it and did an edition of it. Little Coyote was so popular and sold out so quickly that people wanted to know when the next printing would be out. But, my mom always said that she would not do 2nd printings of any of her artwork. That meant that those customers were out of luck as it were.

In the end, I think the reason that this little print was so popular was that it evoked an image of everybody's little brother and son. And, that is how I like to remember my little brother, Nick. Mischievous, at any moment ready to laugh and as a new soul, capable of anything.

Do you fondue?

When I first heard the word fondue and found out what it was, I laughed. The idea of cooking pieces of meat in a tiny pot with limited heat sounded ridiculous. A waste of my time and effort for the little reward for my appetite. Then as one of our wedding gifts, wouldn't you know it, a fondue set. We happily stored it in our cupboards and decided that we'd use it often and how much fun that would be. Skip ahead, skip ahead...A year and a half later and we decided to host our very own fondue party. Out comes the the pot and as I blew off the dust, my fear of oils and tiny meats started to make me nervous. What was I thinking? Me, fondue?! Was I mad, the full moon out or just crazy enough to believe that I could have a discernible amount of the cooking gene? And, if you know me, you've probably heard of the boiling water incident. Lets just say, my parents had to remove the wallpaper from the kitchen. Trust me, I should not be allowed in any kitchen.

Forgive me, I digress...the friends came over, a testament to their courage and fearlessness. Our guests swooped in to cut up what seemed a mountain of veggies, to prepare oils and cheeses. People, food everywhere and the questions were flying at me about the cooking of this/that and the location of mysterious items like colanders..?!

An hour and a half later we were ready to eat and the food went fast. I think everyone was famished from all the prep work. Steak, chicken, shrimps and all the veggies you could dip, it was good eats. Then the chocolate came out and a trio of girls started to make the sauce. In spite some interesting results (lumps in one of the pots) the chocolate was delicious. And, it is my personal opinion that mini red peppers dipped are the best.

My final thoughts on our fondue get together, an fun night. Lot of prep work, but I think the most important part of the whole experience is getting together with friends. To laugh over the time it takes to cook the meat, at the dripping cheese everywhere and at the things that people will eat if it's drowning in chocolate.

Christina's World

I never knew who Andrew Wyeth was or heard of Christina's World before my mom went to New York with one of her art classses. She brought back as part of her suitcases stuffed full of goodies for our family a poster of Andrew Wyeth's famous painting, Christina's World hanging in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

It was for me, and as she explained a little about this very simple yet somehow daunting picture I found myself being absorbed by it's imagery. I saw how everyday Christina would crawl everywhere, refusing the use of a wheelchair. She had polio and in its most severe form the anterior horns of the spinal cord and the lower brain are affected, resulting in "tightness in the neck, back, and hamstring muscles as well as varying degrees of muscle weakness, as paralysis sets in." I wonder how she went through life dealing with all she had to cope with. Yet, she inspired Wyeth and he painted her in one of the most recognized american paintings of modern times. And Christina and her family were used in many of his paintings until her death in 1968.

I wondered what her thoughts were and how she saw the world. I wondered that if she could do it, life that is then perhaps, I could too. This was a major theme because as a child I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and very uncertain of where I could fit in this world that seemed to have no place for me. I questioned my very exsistance to be a part of the human race. My mom trying to instil that drive and will to go out and do whatever I wanted to do brought home this print.

Christina's World is framed and hangs on my bedroom wall as a source of contemplation and strength. It's been over 13 years and I still sit in front of my print and think how Christina's hands and nails were caked with dirt and grime all because of her determination.

One of those questionaires

HAVE YOU EVER............

Set a body part on fire for amusement?
Many years ago I used to burn off guys knuckle hair, simply because they let me.
Ever kept a secret? Many
Had an imaginary friend? Nope, except Herbert.
Had a crush on a teacher? Nope, none of my teachers were that good looking.
Ever thought an animated character was hot? Can't think of any

Cut your own hair? Once, at the end of grade 10. Mom wouldn't cut it for me. She wanted my hair to remain long. Said if I wanted to have it cut I would have to do it myself. So, I went into the bathroom and hacked away. Quite short, too! My mom was not pleased, she had to come in and even it out for me before school the next morning. It totally, shocked all the boys at school...Jaw dropping effect. It was great...

Been sarcastic? Un huh

MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE? Know yourself and love it. Others will see and be drawn to you. Knowing yourself and accepting you for you helps greatly in knowing and loving others.
DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST? Nope, because it usually means I'm trying to catch up with my own lateness or am too tired.

DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? Nope

WHAT TYPE WAS YOUR first vehicle? I HAVE A VEHICLE??!?!?
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VEHICLE? Cherry black 1956 chevolet truck...one day, oh yes, it will be mine...


DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI? Yep, I likes me broccoli

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB YOU WANTED, WHAT WOULD IT BE? An interior designer, an inventor of crazy and useless things, a professor peruvian culture, a writer, a biologist, a tree surgern, a fashion designer, a saxophonist, a enviromental watchdog, antiques dealer, a UN translator, a rally speaker for human rights, a missionary, a neurological brain cutter upper, a wedding planner, a small business owner selling christmas slugs, a geologist, a model, an astronomer, an empassioned volunteer director, shoe designer, the archeologist who finds the Alexanderian library, a botanical artist, a diplomat, a counsellor, a photographer, a third world doctor or nurse, a conservation officier, a chemist, spunkler, a physics teacher and the list goes on and on...

EVER BEEN IN LOVE? Yep. And, No, I am NOT going to give you any details
IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? Full, always full. I have been blessed in so many ways in my life.

DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? Yep, exactly the way I was taught.

BOOK YOU ARE READING NOW? War & Peace, Sweet Thursday.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP? Should I get up now?

How tall are you? 5' foot 4 3/4" I could still grow...Well, maybe just sideways, now. (sigh*)
What colour of eyes? milk chocolate brown...mmmm* "choooocolate!"
What is your NATURAL hair colour? Medium brown with redish highlights and occasional blond in the summer. Dark brown with lighter brown accented around my face in the winter.

--------------FAVORITES------------------

FAVORITE MOVIES? Raise the Red Lantern - Gladiator - Legally Blonde - Pride and Predjuice - American Graffetti - Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! - Remember the Titans - Little Women - Tron - Mulan - My Man, Godfrey! - How the Grinch Stole Christmas! - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Much Ado About Nothing - Anne of Green Gables - Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Steel Magnolias - The Matrix - Contact - The Spitfire Grill...
Aaaaaaaaah! I am such a sap! All these girly movies. (plah, plah!)

CARTOON CHARACTER: Garfield
FAVORITE TV. SHOWS? Law & Order, Just for Laughs, CSI, ANTM.
FAV 'NORMAL DRINK? Coca-Cola

FAV SPORT TO WATCH? Sports???! lol Probably, hockey, on occasion


FAVORITE SMELLS? Forest after it lightly sprinkles rain or snow, hot apple cider, the ocean, Mike, ice cold coke, just cooked meals mom makes, ice cream sandwichs, mist, my perfumes...Gaultier, Angel, Miracle.
FAVORITE SOUNDS? music, laughter, a fire crackling, birds singing, kisses, bells, opening a can of coke, gurgling brooks, "I love you", silence and plastic bubble wrap popping!

---------------LAST THINGS-----------------

Most recent purchase? Clothes: a sweater, white blouse and two tank tops and cologne to stink pretty.

Last meal out? Manchu Wok: honey garlic chicken and noodles, though I guess it could be roast beef, smashed potatoes, broc and popovers.

On your TV? An old movie...The Thin Man with William Powell.

Last Kiss? Mike, at least, I think...jusk kidding! I know who it was...

Last thoughts? I need to do my taxes...Oh, where is Herbert when you need him?

Floppy Feeling

I'm pleased to introduce, Floppy the Panda (a name that I have chosen) who is part of The Sichuan Wolong Panda Protection and Breed Center in Southern China. Floppy and I share a common thought, we feel floppy today. But, that's okay...every once and a while it's good to feel floppy. It keeps you from being too uptight.