tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3337631429843756982024-03-04T22:01:56.378-08:00EverydayMaryWhere random thoughts of pottery, art, food, homeschooling and general chaos collide in Mary’s headMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-25582213638948575052011-10-27T23:20:00.000-07:002011-10-27T23:26:44.156-07:00Il Grande Viaggio<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXm3VFmA-g89ur_QqcMEGdNgEuO4V7BxFBFYJyxejrxVCMkTnmTGO9E0c5dT9jx9A-2ychZuody0WcGo5gJtapEgg3vAqWeY26H6NKFpcH7XrGEAMYH1Z6_Qv5jZ-rTS3w21DeNfAUGI/s1600/IMG_0321.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXm3VFmA-g89ur_QqcMEGdNgEuO4V7BxFBFYJyxejrxVCMkTnmTGO9E0c5dT9jx9A-2ychZuody0WcGo5gJtapEgg3vAqWeY26H6NKFpcH7XrGEAMYH1Z6_Qv5jZ-rTS3w21DeNfAUGI/s400/IMG_0321.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668425275918924338" /></a><br />Just thought I should let you know I have gone a great adventure and I have taken my blog to a new site <a href="http://notyoureverydaymary.blogspot.com/">notyoureverydaymary.blogspot</a><div>Please join me there, to hear about our big journey.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-79649672911491613422011-07-13T00:33:00.000-07:002011-07-13T00:33:00.437-07:00Move over Martha<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD-8TKW4FM1e8Gae0udmcbGq_hntsqk696r1T_HeDWR9-O9ikhn8FXPX9R7N8vMHNwFkwLg_2rF4T-IFZ2Mdt_nFkisBZhUdyRIMcvvjjgL3b9YOCGxeziWn0rp_OfBBGx0brYvUQ478/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD-8TKW4FM1e8Gae0udmcbGq_hntsqk696r1T_HeDWR9-O9ikhn8FXPX9R7N8vMHNwFkwLg_2rF4T-IFZ2Mdt_nFkisBZhUdyRIMcvvjjgL3b9YOCGxeziWn0rp_OfBBGx0brYvUQ478/s400/IMG_1080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626839250339133090" /></a><br /><br />I love to entertain. That is one area where I truly feel that I have my game on. Our house is always open to drop-ins, the kettle is never cold and I am generally up for making tea or a latte. But give me some warning, even an hour and you can be enjoying your latte with an amazing slice of Banana bread, recipe compliments of <a href="http://www.bills.com.au/">Bill Granger</a>. More notice and this is where I get ramped up. Come for dinner, honestly the whole idea for me is just exhilarating. <div><br /></div><div>I really enjoy cooking, I follow <a href="http://www.chefheidifink.com/blog/">Chef Heidi Fink</a>, <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">smittenkitchen</a> and <a href="http://101cookbooks.com/">101cookbooks.com</a>. I own nearly 101 cookbooks!!! I love the inspiration I get from all these sources. I am not super great at following recipes, not much a stickler for measuring. Savoury is more my forte than baking (mainly due to my lack of measuring, baking really is a science). The funny thing is, it's the day to day cooking where I seriously want to just go back to bed and hope there really is a kitchen fairy who will whip up something delicious and nutritious that <b><i>everyone</i></b> will eat, and then of course, clean up the kitchen too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess dinner parties, the people are alot more open to eating what you serve. Is it because they are adults or just other people who are looking at me like I am the kitchen fairy? I don't really care, it is just so great to have someone truly appreciate what you have just served. Don't get me wrong, I know my family is grateful for me cooking for them. Even if it does mean pizza every friday, three sisters burritos, pasta, wraps or one of the other 6 staple menus I rotate week after week. It definitely cuts my shopping time down, I just buy the same thing week in and week out. I could almost autopilot myself around the grocery store. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today was great, we had some out of town friends coming by for coffee, I baked banana bread. We invited them to stay for lunch. My kitchen ROCKS! I seriously love it. It has the perfect combo of country comfort and good appliances. It has the most wonderful feel, it is so welcoming and relaxed, it truly is the heart of our home. I do feel at ease there, I just breeze around, peeling, slicing, blending, roasting, sauteing and on and on. I love to eat, perhaps that is it. And I love to feed people. So if they are willing to eat, I will get creative. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9ZgdjJ2-v21suaWkvG5L-0vf1ZP4BJh5pxcxVziM5Y8S_9prtU7pppR2uBA_T9cQV1s6GrxJKDjg1smAF0vdD8aLhlZB-TDFTKHTsiaGFf4MnlN-P128ZxpJAUfyuqbjezvjMwo7Npk/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9ZgdjJ2-v21suaWkvG5L-0vf1ZP4BJh5pxcxVziM5Y8S_9prtU7pppR2uBA_T9cQV1s6GrxJKDjg1smAF0vdD8aLhlZB-TDFTKHTsiaGFf4MnlN-P128ZxpJAUfyuqbjezvjMwo7Npk/s400/IMG_2567.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626840510476569298" /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaNTXsNkY0G1tyFTXk4vYtplDu53KPmQ7e9XoM6AywaNqydRtudaxqLZ8ru4MIxNgMilCUhY-wrIvmNAk8BujnxlNmM9xzGS4fwVNaxmxSAK2iKZZJNbhf_I0z9SdlPMv0wi63Ekh8xg/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaNTXsNkY0G1tyFTXk4vYtplDu53KPmQ7e9XoM6AywaNqydRtudaxqLZ8ru4MIxNgMilCUhY-wrIvmNAk8BujnxlNmM9xzGS4fwVNaxmxSAK2iKZZJNbhf_I0z9SdlPMv0wi63Ekh8xg/s400/IMG_2570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626841056231199138" /></a><br /></div><div>Later, I spent my afternoon preparing for some friends to come for dinner. I made my little pies, lentils and vegetables in filo pastry. I grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes and made a very delicious kale salad with avacado dressing. I made some oriental eggplant dip but forgot it in the fridge, until I was cleaning up after dinner. After dinner we ate some divine chocolate brownies that my friend had made, we cleared the table and played spoons with our children. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was such a great evening, I just couldn't see myself going to bed, I stayed up and watched a movie by myself. I know I will regret the lack of sleep tomorrow, but I just felt I was too excited after such a great evening of food and friends. </div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-69806227173579682302011-07-07T21:28:00.000-07:002011-07-07T21:29:54.160-07:00It's a woman's world baby...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1tylEU5jvw178WimVgZ3OasDLN5OJjCq-nn-4dxnRgRR17uPRiyDPs0AD9WPhK-Ug1ZLdBoSl7CKClOEYMUUXxFt9DhGL8xrmaydg9rkqfTrzvDykl54GQVXJPplw-BULl02k_QndW4/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1tylEU5jvw178WimVgZ3OasDLN5OJjCq-nn-4dxnRgRR17uPRiyDPs0AD9WPhK-Ug1ZLdBoSl7CKClOEYMUUXxFt9DhGL8xrmaydg9rkqfTrzvDykl54GQVXJPplw-BULl02k_QndW4/s400/IMG_1291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626833887952784274" /></a><br />I was just making some pizza dough and sauce for dinner tonight. Yes, I make my own pizza dough and sauce. Not because I some super mom, not because it is cheaper and tastes better (I believe), but because I like to and I can, and it is just the way I am. I was recently with some friends when the conversation came up about making pizza and I received a sort of smart comeback from someone, saying 'and I bet you make your own sauce'. Sometimes it is hard to decipher when a comment as meant as a criticism, a compliment or if it comes from a place of feeling inadequate. <div><br /></div><div>I see this often amongst women. We seem to all harbour some feelings of falling short in some area of our lives. We feel guilty if we go off to work and leave our children in daycare or with a nanny, we feel guilty if we don't get time for ourselves, or follow our own desired career path - and the list goes on and on. You really can't win at times.</div><div><br /></div><div>I often feel stumped when it comes to the 'Occupation' or 'what do you do for a living' questions on forms or in conversations. I don't actually make a 'living' as is implied in North America to mean money. As far as occupation goes, as to what occupies my time, well that would be my children, but I can't say I am a mum, because does that mean that my friends with children who go to work are not mums, no it doesn't. And I can't say I am a stay at home mum, because we don't stay at home (ask my dad, he has a better relationship with message machine, much to his chagrin). I am not a housewife, as I am not married to my house. I do make some money selling pots, but that is not a living. I do homeschool my children, but that doesn't make a teacher. And I am not hung up titles, but I find it all very interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was once at a cocktail party when a woman asked me what I did and I said I had two children that I stayed at home with. She sort of hmmmmed and then turned away. Done with me I thought. For a long time I felt as though perhaps she thought I had nothing to offer as I did not work outside the home, but one day when I retold the story to a friend who did work outside the home, she said perhaps the woman felt guilt or intimidation by this. I was astounded, we are raised in a world where we seem to believe we should do everything, have a career, raise our children, be athletic, artistic, philanthropic and the list goes on. I also believe we live in a time where we are able to choose which path is the correct one for each of us. Whether it is to have children, or not, have nannies, day care, go to work, stay at home, homeschool, send the children to school, whatever, it really is what works for each individual person. I believe we need to support each other in these ventures and really feel confident in our decisions. We make the best ones that we can at that time. No one can predict the future, we just need to live in the moment. We need to not be so sensitive to comments, that might not be coming from where we think they are. We need to not be judgmental, but supportive. If we can't support each other in this big sister hood, then who will?</div><div><br /></div><div>When I refer to we, I think in some great way, I am referring to myself. And as for the forms, I sometimes leave them blank, or put in what ever I feel at the moment artist, mother, home learner, COO of a small human development organization, etc.. Because really, at the end of the day it is often irrelevant and what is most important is being content with who I am and what I do, title or no title.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-67113159000016183352011-06-14T07:49:00.000-07:002011-06-14T08:03:37.647-07:00To Market to Market<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1wHOrOdSu0MAiA9mhfrz09E1RwDbRoaG-V3_ua3P62S7Ee2edaifkWxblbswpi4GGa_dFFOq0boFa2tsVbrAZ4Miy13kNzGwp3RzJk0qmAuzurcUOaKFVarfROhJpaT7lrqw7Ad0GUo/s1600/P1010421.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1wHOrOdSu0MAiA9mhfrz09E1RwDbRoaG-V3_ua3P62S7Ee2edaifkWxblbswpi4GGa_dFFOq0boFa2tsVbrAZ4Miy13kNzGwp3RzJk0qmAuzurcUOaKFVarfROhJpaT7lrqw7Ad0GUo/s400/P1010421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618089564633996066" /></a><br /><br />It is market season and though I am not out to buy a fat pig, I am out to sell my pottery jiggity-jig!! I am very excited that tomorrow evening June 15th, I will be selling my wares at the <a href="http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/saanichnews/community/123494624.html">Oak Bay Night Market</a>. I will also be selling at <a href="http://www.mossstreetmarket.com/">Moss Street</a> this Saturday June 18th and June 25th.<div><br /></div><div>Here is a sampling of what I have. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2j4awxMyZjDpIpcF3SnJ-812nYczq3lyyzWjxO9t09Mdb9FCgnQltKBVCI9-o4dsg3GnYB3WGeAs3mcZv_izkLyaTiSD0N4DFbmJiyMd-jbRM2jgBTTDFEr2AUGY7A0fpGz3YecKSrM/s1600/P1010952.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2j4awxMyZjDpIpcF3SnJ-812nYczq3lyyzWjxO9t09Mdb9FCgnQltKBVCI9-o4dsg3GnYB3WGeAs3mcZv_izkLyaTiSD0N4DFbmJiyMd-jbRM2jgBTTDFEr2AUGY7A0fpGz3YecKSrM/s400/P1010952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618089389008169410" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCB0fAtzi0Wx9r_Fpe3WCzDYIDkheVXYWJhyx3Xr2kNcmZvFahjIM-dZHsaRtNLp99AwvidMczATNbZkrD76YTYG5-sM85QSxpi-rQ-wr2ePcR7wqKFpkEHGq8E7Bs3P_Tw8JbjoJWn0/s1600/P1000040.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCB0fAtzi0Wx9r_Fpe3WCzDYIDkheVXYWJhyx3Xr2kNcmZvFahjIM-dZHsaRtNLp99AwvidMczATNbZkrD76YTYG5-sM85QSxpi-rQ-wr2ePcR7wqKFpkEHGq8E7Bs3P_Tw8JbjoJWn0/s400/P1000040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618089085359864850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJU8s1bosjxq2lNTw5KxLIvtjebDdm4yM7I2f_ED6sjHqbCAd0nE82d_MGyN1h76t1XsBU4_d_ZcaW6sxM2UHdSK_62fIVRQ80ka6Un6EjbKhwa7WnsTo4uIKTukbX0hWC5R3Sa3G1vo/s1600/P1010445.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJU8s1bosjxq2lNTw5KxLIvtjebDdm4yM7I2f_ED6sjHqbCAd0nE82d_MGyN1h76t1XsBU4_d_ZcaW6sxM2UHdSK_62fIVRQ80ka6Un6EjbKhwa7WnsTo4uIKTukbX0hWC5R3Sa3G1vo/s400/P1010445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618088751755114402" /></a><br /><br />Plus, lots of new patterned small dishes. Hope to see you there.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-36523906195313817712011-03-10T17:04:00.001-08:002011-03-12T11:56:40.315-08:00Some things just don't change...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHJUX9pxQtyV48BIgPSHfNzJ_x8RdKSDyerJrXFx03mABgni0FMwYvYm5-m-2LOAGXgy7xojDG67n0e_noY5bSU0dEwc2pEK9qR3mYhNn9pt6di84igc_CxCF0ZgXmhA0X45_RX2w0-c/s1600/P1010771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHJUX9pxQtyV48BIgPSHfNzJ_x8RdKSDyerJrXFx03mABgni0FMwYvYm5-m-2LOAGXgy7xojDG67n0e_noY5bSU0dEwc2pEK9qR3mYhNn9pt6di84igc_CxCF0ZgXmhA0X45_RX2w0-c/s400/P1010771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583281090231754322" /></a><br /><div face="Helvetica" size="medium" style=" ">I am most certainly a creature of habit. I find when I look back through my blog things seem to repeat for me, almost a year to the day. I was reading back to January of last year when I was recuperating from a cold. I too was hit with a bad cold at the end of this January. A really bad one, and to be honest, it hasn't fully left. Yes, 5 weeks of coughing and congestion. Each time I think I am getting better, it hits me again. It is starting to get on my nerves. I am really ready to feel 100%.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">I also realize January is the time when I start to question home schooling. It is the time I feel frustrated by it all. When managing the house and making sure everybody is making progress and feeling fulfilled is more than I am ready to take on. It passes as the month progresses and each year I find new ways to deal with this in a more productive way than threatening to send my children to school. I rally myself and plan more activities and crafts and I am able to remind myself why I began this journey and how important it is for me and my family.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">I am not a huge fan of winter. I try to stock up on warm comforts before the season begins; slippers, warm coat, boots etc. But I don't think it is just the weather. It is the lack of light. I am a light and short sleeper which is completely contradictory to the long dark nights of winter. I want to sleep but sometimes can't, but I surely don't want to leave my warm bed. I feel lethargic and would like to hibernate. Me, a down duvet and some knitting. My family is welcome to join me, bring some books and games we can all hang out, but really, do I need to get out of my pyjamas or take of my scarf and toque? </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFLhNO2hCt-FleX6IpQlx3NSpre1zhVv2hk8cMbzMwmXr-HEBzUa0CkT3jPjDMaMVqQS7PkrkhT2p6hC-DInVvJEjJ0RQnqEwqpnmeGFhll1nf8wPUkIwfH-38IQ0Dm4KwdKS6sTByS0/s1600/P1010197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFLhNO2hCt-FleX6IpQlx3NSpre1zhVv2hk8cMbzMwmXr-HEBzUa0CkT3jPjDMaMVqQS7PkrkhT2p6hC-DInVvJEjJ0RQnqEwqpnmeGFhll1nf8wPUkIwfH-38IQ0Dm4KwdKS6sTByS0/s400/P1010197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583284052670556114" /></a><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">I feel lighter with the promise of spring. The light in the morning stirs me from my bed and I happily head out for a walk. I don't mind the rain or the cold at this point. I feel inspired to tackle tasks that have been put off for the last few months, I do feel like Spring cleaning, and Spring cleaning in a big way. I want to return to the 'fifth quadrant' and clear all the clutter. I went to the library and got a book on clearing clutter for inspiration and I have already begun sorting and tidying and getting rid of some unwanted and unused items. It feels great. I have such a sense of accomplishment when I finish organizing a room, I have more energy to tackle the next spot.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;">I know that as the days get longer I will get more done. I will be enjoying the cherry blossoms as they arrive along our streets, they have begun already and the next few weeks promise to be spectacular. I know</span></span> I will be back in my shed soon, making pottery and preparing for summer markets. I know my cold will pass and I will be back to my full self. I guess there is nothing wrong with things repeating themselves each year as long as I am able to find new ways to deal with old problems and move forward in my own learning. I know that I will slowly tackle the clutter and cleaning. For now, I am going to make some tea, curl up with my book and maybe do a little knitting.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-81672200970091595252011-02-23T15:02:00.001-08:002011-02-23T15:09:08.513-08:00Snow Day Before and After<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGupK1Zzi99RFd6QrcmTl3dWnpB2jQpw9dVOmSn1bGJsaHZHROxTFeR3u5jVcVLsDhmowjtpcZlLkwgQkNntjVK_YARuMKmBtVrbogGFTZQLcaX1EpdXyNn0i9XZBI295qWvSynOnobvs/s1600/P1010667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGupK1Zzi99RFd6QrcmTl3dWnpB2jQpw9dVOmSn1bGJsaHZHROxTFeR3u5jVcVLsDhmowjtpcZlLkwgQkNntjVK_YARuMKmBtVrbogGFTZQLcaX1EpdXyNn0i9XZBI295qWvSynOnobvs/s400/P1010667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577024780430602146" /></a><br />My garden yesterday....<div>the promise of Spring.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikob0oggqL9Qk-Nv6mm1riniMN4AzbtE-P7RnLvo8Dupb3cWk4gDX9j7qfMkQjiIB4onbuAICEBjrNvfn_Pyd0a3rLW1dAJjI2ptpnXs5HiXkcIKsWQD5XyS4_e2xtJ8V_JHYcO6g8HuQ/s1600/P1010677.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikob0oggqL9Qk-Nv6mm1riniMN4AzbtE-P7RnLvo8Dupb3cWk4gDX9j7qfMkQjiIB4onbuAICEBjrNvfn_Pyd0a3rLW1dAJjI2ptpnXs5HiXkcIKsWQD5XyS4_e2xtJ8V_JHYcO6g8HuQ/s400/P1010677.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577025177049197122" /></a><br /></div><div>My garden today....</div></div><div>Not so fast!</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-43643584740219246862011-02-18T14:00:00.000-08:002011-02-18T14:00:28.962-08:00My Homeschooling Journey - The Beginning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA5B0SvWm9haKRIoRDIhnVEx7_oPcybsjwDDRD2-HI3OUUbSkttiLucisdxpJHW_J3PSwYHToB5XSzrLP4poqF0MD78vM5aSp6cuevjBC_jYnBnP7DpmbMibn27_y5mifF5XTMH7FpYA/s1600/HPIM0672.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA5B0SvWm9haKRIoRDIhnVEx7_oPcybsjwDDRD2-HI3OUUbSkttiLucisdxpJHW_J3PSwYHToB5XSzrLP4poqF0MD78vM5aSp6cuevjBC_jYnBnP7DpmbMibn27_y5mifF5XTMH7FpYA/s400/HPIM0672.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573576501955470850" /></a><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">We thought about homeschooling when our oldest was only a toddler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had this idea that I would find like-minded friends with children of similar ages and we would share the load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Take turns, teach the children things that we were interested in and then have some free time to ourselves as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As Sofie got closer to school age, my thoughts had moved on, I looked at various schooling options and then registered her for French Immersion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>During Sofie’s Kindergarten year, my husband took a job in Australia, which meant Sofie would miss about 7 months of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wasn’t concerned, as it was kindergarten, and it wasn’t even mandatory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sofie finished the last few months of kindergarten in Canada after an amazing trip away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We learned so much on our trip that I wasn’t concerned about how she measured up to the rest of the class on numbers and letters.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGelnbbL9a13yEfvFTrWpv-d9rhUBKVHRSbpdY39yUDNq7dOZ1bLVoekh3rPuaImuoqTRUd3hZtZgtslffy22kbZOQGt2VpwO_O3QYw9YmK5r_3qJntHMd5moUbR1EZiPFIba6QU5uXtU/s1600/Photo+Library+-+242.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGelnbbL9a13yEfvFTrWpv-d9rhUBKVHRSbpdY39yUDNq7dOZ1bLVoekh3rPuaImuoqTRUd3hZtZgtslffy22kbZOQGt2VpwO_O3QYw9YmK5r_3qJntHMd5moUbR1EZiPFIba6QU5uXtU/s400/Photo+Library+-+242.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573573025329297090" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">The last few weeks of the year were quite trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Though Sofie enjoyed herself when she was at school, each day I had to convince her to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And then, an end of the year bike safety assembly left Sofie never wanting to return to school, or ride a bike for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the summer we took an art class run by an amazing woman who was homeschooling her two daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These young girls were so bright, so confident, so well adjusted; I just couldn’t help thinking about the possibilities of homeschooling Sofie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Around that time Sam was offered another contract in Australia, a short one, he could go alone or we could pull Sofie out of school and we could go with him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I looked into the different ways of homeschooling and found out about distributed learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I researched a few programs and settled on a program called SelfDesign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I liked the philosophy of learner-directed and enthusiasm based learning, and the educational funding was appealing also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We knew a wonderful woman whom we often visited at Kidsbooks in Vancouver and it turned out she was a Learning Consultant with SelfDesign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It just seemed as if everything was falling into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We registered for our year away from School and got started on learning outside of the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>When Sofie finished her first year of home learning, we were in Australia and her sister Jane was due to begin school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I took the girls down to the local school, began the registration process and ordered uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That night at home Sam and I talked, it just didn’t seem right, the girls were flourishing outside of a schooling environment and we really were enjoying SelfDesign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I called the school the next morning and cancelled the uniforms; we were now officially home learners, not just travelers whose children weren’t attending school.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Sofie is now entering her seventh year with SelfDesign and now Jane and Jack are enrolled as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have had the same learning consultant all along, except for the year that she was on maternity leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I like that she is familiar with our family and our children and she knows their interests and learning styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg1rOzc3of63LXgByMPlmIyV1bfIK_M0zqkkAgm6n7DFEYN3NcG0aXd_agUbVMQMxFoiZQ-sJAkKR2zom-IqNkM3g3ZYlTT0iCuD2rjcpGG5pNaJrEebg9dy941-2UxuhQOV0Rz6kAq4/s1600/111_6607.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg1rOzc3of63LXgByMPlmIyV1bfIK_M0zqkkAgm6n7DFEYN3NcG0aXd_agUbVMQMxFoiZQ-sJAkKR2zom-IqNkM3g3ZYlTT0iCuD2rjcpGG5pNaJrEebg9dy941-2UxuhQOV0Rz6kAq4/s400/111_6607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573576818096545026" /></a> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>SelfDesign is an independent online home learning program, funded by the BC Ministry of education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Part of the requirement in enrolling is a weekly report of Observing for Learning as well as a log of 25 hours of learning (pretty easy to reach when you look at all the learning opportunities around us).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are also 3 seasonal reports that require a greater in-depth look at what your child has been learning. As long as you maintain timely reporting, SelfDesign provides $1122 per student per year for learning expenses incurred through out that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This comes in the form of a preloaded Visa card that is loaded 3 times during the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another requirement is that your child will participate in the government FSA testing in grade 4 and 7.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I sometimes find the reporting can be a bit onerous, but if I keep myself on schedule and don’t get behind, it really doesn’t take a lot of time, and it is a nice reflection on what we have done in the past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the reasons I enrolled in the first place was that as a fledgling home educator I felt the need for some accountability to myself and I liked a permanent record being created if my children were to return to a traditional school at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have over the years tried a number of curriculums as well as learning styles and for now I have scrapped the kitchen table ‘school’ time in lieu of finding the learning in everyday situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsrqCAV4Uxj6K3WqXp3Cw7QnYtRk915Aj9ax2iN-sDOfP2rAdXtgMEL-IHftGrOSUmJQh51IhyphenhyphenVv4NnCVS07itK_FpMUt-iDfboTphIyggBK4BXvqNBgZUSVrma1W6npTU09BxQBFIGw/s1600/111_6572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsrqCAV4Uxj6K3WqXp3Cw7QnYtRk915Aj9ax2iN-sDOfP2rAdXtgMEL-IHftGrOSUmJQh51IhyphenhyphenVv4NnCVS07itK_FpMUt-iDfboTphIyggBK4BXvqNBgZUSVrma1W6npTU09BxQBFIGw/s400/111_6572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573577169734951010" /></a> </span>We play lots of music, make lots of art and do lots of reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And at the end of the week, I jot down what we have done and send it off to our LC to glean the learning outcomes. If you were to take my children and measure them up with the ‘bricks and mortar’ school measuring stick, they would fall behind in some areas and stride ahead in others but at the end of the day, I am so proud of my children and the people they are becoming and I wouldn’t change a moment of it for anything.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-61560886693655533012011-02-14T21:39:00.000-08:002011-02-14T22:03:46.792-08:00Valentine's Day 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR3UMIe_UmgeNoNVBbEzQjViJ8XmU6eGrVMl_G3qJ_ffRccdGHNfhlih3BDTv8Nn8OuTLpc-M8QRwDYsn4uxxMv8Un3atyUgYwxvhWxwDVZHjhfg742mDB8DFsD4w_L6qs_hSXi-Irfg/s1600/P1010543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR3UMIe_UmgeNoNVBbEzQjViJ8XmU6eGrVMl_G3qJ_ffRccdGHNfhlih3BDTv8Nn8OuTLpc-M8QRwDYsn4uxxMv8Un3atyUgYwxvhWxwDVZHjhfg742mDB8DFsD4w_L6qs_hSXi-Irfg/s400/P1010543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573791920746895426" /></a><br />I was just thinking about how great Valentine's day is. What is not to love? The celebration of love and eating chocolate. Really it is hard to go wrong when you remember those two simple things. Then I went back to my post of 2010 on Valentine's day, and I was impressed with myself. I think I pretty much nailed it. It is about Love, not commercialism and it seems each year my love for this holiday grows.<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday I brought out a couple baskets of paper, some fancy scissors, glue sticks, stamps, you name it and we all set to work making Valentine's cards. Jane set to work baking, at 10, she is pretty skilled in the art of baking. She is not so good at following the instructions (no idea where she gets that from) but she can make an amazing loaf of bread and her lemon cupcakes are very decadent. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsxGZ3OmM7FtNLTjM6RhKE9vij4oD3jrM87FUCZydKYGo1qqcOwcsdDElpqpBrHgzEVGyCbmfsxW3eMZ7VIE02XSDeZV00GrP4K9P0hcUCRTjIifKOwWCa5IwgYOFO-_bVXggnUlJIj0/s1600/P1010549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsxGZ3OmM7FtNLTjM6RhKE9vij4oD3jrM87FUCZydKYGo1qqcOwcsdDElpqpBrHgzEVGyCbmfsxW3eMZ7VIE02XSDeZV00GrP4K9P0hcUCRTjIifKOwWCa5IwgYOFO-_bVXggnUlJIj0/s400/P1010549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573792443497168034" /></a>There was a flurry of activity in the kitchen and we all really had alot of fun inspiring each other with our ideas. The cards were so beautiful. This morning we got busy making more while the crowd cried out for heart shaped pancakes. Who could deny such a lovely request. Not me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our day was filled with friends and just being together. Oh, and chocolate and cupcakes of course. I decided on a dinner of pizza, where I made Sam his own heart shaped vegan pizza. Come on now, that some serious show of love. The children loved making cards for everyone and the girls took Piper across the street to deliver hers to her little friend. It was a really fun day.</div><div><br /></div><div>So now as this day draws to a close and I know I have had my fill of chocolate, I am also filled with love for my family and friends. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-86431622666545039662011-02-12T22:01:00.000-08:002011-02-12T22:13:34.133-08:00Dear Blog....My Darling Blog,<div>How are you, I am well, I am so sorry it has been such a long time since I last wrote. I have thought of you often and always mean to write. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't mean to neglect you and I certainly never meant to put you at the end of a long list of 'to dos', but alas this is where we are. What with getting busy for the Holiday season sales and then planning holidays for the family, adhering to my commitment to make hand made toys for each of my four children, juggling family, friends and social commitments, knitting for my own enjoyment, reading the odd book/magazine, homeschooling the family, laundry, dishes, cooking 3 healthy, vegetable laden vegetarian meals a day, more laundry, moving our entire house of furniture around, preparing seasonal reviews, invigilating seasonal tests, more knitting, some yoga, a little me time if I can, organizing and facilitating getting my children to piano, cello, violin, guitar, soccer, swimming, sneaking some late night chocolate, spending time with my darling husband, trying to photograph my pottery so I can finally get it on etsy, more cooking, visiting some friends, it is sad but true, you my dear blog have come pretty close to last. Trust me, there is a toilet needing a scrub that can wait until I am done with you.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, I do promise to try harder, to show you some love and respect. To spend some time with you, find some nice pics. Share my thoughts with you. I have so many ideas I want to share with you. But for now, this is it, I will be back, soon, I pinky promise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please wait for me,</div><div>lots of love,</div><div>Mary</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-51639443745587324372010-11-20T17:57:00.000-08:002010-11-20T20:43:46.256-08:00It's Beginning to Feel alot like Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8XA3xdusLMqbT3mtgSuG6T3jN9Sc-j9YtSu0_QbkUu4UpoJT7VcbgduzCOHlxCCc7c8x7mpMwRP4kukB1ybxMgpmpGUi6S66UwKZrNilCDPiCTVlg6DE7MFuNS9ZoElvFGwXuloMMEk/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8XA3xdusLMqbT3mtgSuG6T3jN9Sc-j9YtSu0_QbkUu4UpoJT7VcbgduzCOHlxCCc7c8x7mpMwRP4kukB1ybxMgpmpGUi6S66UwKZrNilCDPiCTVlg6DE7MFuNS9ZoElvFGwXuloMMEk/s400/IMG_0390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541817355688739666" /></a><br />I have been potting like mad over the last few weeks, getting ready for the upcoming holiday sale season. I will be selling my work at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121933251201867">Owl Designer Fair</a>, November 26 and 27, 2010. I will also be selling at the <a href="http://www.mossstreetmarket.com/">Moss Street Market Holiday Market</a>, December 11 and 12, 2010.<div><br /></div><div>Here are just a few examples of the type of work I have been doing.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_zkU6yQkCBd2l5Tz7vyxc4Yg0RNqttAjShg4-HeH9sbFdRdCSv8mj0IQ56w9s5sks01WUKnlgt3KP6FL8q7ZDWFX-wJxK61WsrstQMkDQD-fSNnRBUVnRGo30QMiRkjPzCm-AdK-adM/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_zkU6yQkCBd2l5Tz7vyxc4Yg0RNqttAjShg4-HeH9sbFdRdCSv8mj0IQ56w9s5sks01WUKnlgt3KP6FL8q7ZDWFX-wJxK61WsrstQMkDQD-fSNnRBUVnRGo30QMiRkjPzCm-AdK-adM/s400/IMG_0546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541856412891243282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ymrl5O-EmU9u8DdBwV_STSW4eNON-hvUralsWSKJY7sHoOSmyGZ1E6M3C87JcaoEdry6rrGa1UVqmQXuj4idADUbCBU05NddeKoT0aD9kTiY2cE18ip1E-AMRwTcQ9GnSPBIVlP4mhg/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ymrl5O-EmU9u8DdBwV_STSW4eNON-hvUralsWSKJY7sHoOSmyGZ1E6M3C87JcaoEdry6rrGa1UVqmQXuj4idADUbCBU05NddeKoT0aD9kTiY2cE18ip1E-AMRwTcQ9GnSPBIVlP4mhg/s400/IMG_0593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541856273919828866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbIrK-0HpeCtfx6LhDI290o03LcwsE2ZzCGVvQIvS2C07kE5ZSNDSt8tLgzbZUpn412hyGHNx2crsKh6KLYSr1CSWRVCFwRilq4fMqV5nlAAzaZHRA_ADm-fYpOitXmpf9XtKtlLl_Xo/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbIrK-0HpeCtfx6LhDI290o03LcwsE2ZzCGVvQIvS2C07kE5ZSNDSt8tLgzbZUpn412hyGHNx2crsKh6KLYSr1CSWRVCFwRilq4fMqV5nlAAzaZHRA_ADm-fYpOitXmpf9XtKtlLl_Xo/s400/IMG_1039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821468429201410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb8HCx6pfcXl4VOxmsE2ID5xgn9369_lJWXMd2xfr1a7jf3ERXZb1l7BBYSwcHd9reWrRviH3fi89PyPBeNs856uLcqUFNx4vU4JatBr3YWT_kJp3EYv7MBcQTKfS_iiohxRrUjGHLLo/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb8HCx6pfcXl4VOxmsE2ID5xgn9369_lJWXMd2xfr1a7jf3ERXZb1l7BBYSwcHd9reWrRviH3fi89PyPBeNs856uLcqUFNx4vU4JatBr3YWT_kJp3EYv7MBcQTKfS_iiohxRrUjGHLLo/s400/IMG_0540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821188317381474" /></a>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-29914846277994935162010-11-05T21:06:00.001-07:002010-11-05T21:40:44.573-07:00Beyond the Fifth Quadrant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNR2DXjwC7FFUa1CNhO_D5UzTIbi_NuO4oVN3NZUfyMSOtn8nmcpX0v0aFZdaP3JG-UpPQbtfhk6dQraC4l30KdQ-miRXcfHrf5hb1QLzEeO_pVIMh2qtufaIJ9VyrqzP3_hb48_UM8k/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNR2DXjwC7FFUa1CNhO_D5UzTIbi_NuO4oVN3NZUfyMSOtn8nmcpX0v0aFZdaP3JG-UpPQbtfhk6dQraC4l30KdQ-miRXcfHrf5hb1QLzEeO_pVIMh2qtufaIJ9VyrqzP3_hb48_UM8k/s400/IMG_0848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536292003511874914" /></a><br />A friend stopped by today to retrieve some tables that I borrow for the summer markets. As we stood chatting in the drizzle about our day ahead, I was inspired by her list for the day. She told me she was working on five projects. Five, wow, I was impressed. I had showered this morning and I was feeling pretty accomplished by that alone. <div><br /></div><div>So when I returned inside, I decided I too should work on 5 projects, none quite as complex however as my friends, mine were more like tasks. I decided I would write down my five tasks, regardless how small they seemed and try and make it through the list. The 'Five Project Project' I called it.</div><div>1. Make Pizza for my two neighbours who recently had babies.</div><div>2. Change Piper's sheets.</div><div>3. Put the duvet cover back on my duvet.</div><div>4. Sort the coat closet.</div><div>5. Finish this weeks homeschool reports.</div><div><br /></div><div>I quickly realized I didn't have the makings for pizza and swapped out #1, I would instead change Jack's sheets instead. I will make pizza tomorrow (and I will make enough to feed my family as well, dinner done for tomorrow, yippee).</div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed this challenge, the tasks were simple and manageable and it make feel happy to check them off. We even managed to slip out for a walk in the rain to have coffee with a few of my closest friends up the street. And feeling rather accomplished, I managed to mentally add some more tasks, like washing the bedding, and organizing a bag of clothes for donation and give away. </div><div><br /></div><div>In my continued search of finding ways to make my life and household run more smoothly, I like this idea of the 5 project Project and I may continue it, perhaps for 5 days. And what better way to end your day than to climb in nice clean sheets with fluffy duvets.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-37259628965840167712010-10-14T21:04:00.000-07:002010-10-14T22:00:18.699-07:00Ahhhhctober!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFq1h8kfz-RJvSsut0fB3OEmtL9jCpL15qTdpCcSMKxlaYBLd7ChrGwG60AVuQXoTQxbQvL9xs6S-Xub2O2P0nFVNaiSOWNlftnoTxnsrqJj8CqxSDTiUTDT4z_kHQtTPw1AEDfkHciA/s1600/HPIM0169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFq1h8kfz-RJvSsut0fB3OEmtL9jCpL15qTdpCcSMKxlaYBLd7ChrGwG60AVuQXoTQxbQvL9xs6S-Xub2O2P0nFVNaiSOWNlftnoTxnsrqJj8CqxSDTiUTDT4z_kHQtTPw1AEDfkHciA/s400/HPIM0169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528131565500333970" /></a><br /><br />I love autumn, it is so wonderful. The air feels so fresh, dew in the morning on the grass, crisp leaves changing colours against a vivid blue sky. I love summer too, hot weather, pretty skirts and shorts, long evenings with friends. Winter is not my favourite, but I feel it is short, so I move onto Spring, new growth, fresh flowers, the promise of summers warmth. Sorry I digress, back to Autumn, you see, even though we homeschool so our year stays pretty constant, I still feel that fresh beginning of September. I remember back to school shopping as a child, a time to buy your new shoes, a new school uniform (being the last of eight, it was a 'new to me' uniform), but I always got new shoes. In my university days, it was new cords and some new sweaters. September is like a new year. We begin new lessons and start back up the ones we put on hold over the summer months. It is usually a very crazy month, trying to juggle everyones schedules, trying to remember everyones schedules and trying to get back to 'home learning'. I spend most of the month feeling like I am treading water, always feeling as though I am supposed to be somewhere. I keep a pretty good log, utilizing calenders and lists, but the feeling is with me until I am in the swing of things. So usually, by the time October rolls around, I am back on dry land, my head stops swimming and I work like a well oiled machine, bad on timing usually, but getting the job done all the same.<div><br /></div><div>This October is no different. I even had one of those a-ha moments, a bit like watching news on tv when they lose the live feed and then the anchor says "...and we're back". Ever since we put our house on the market, and then took it off. I have felt a sort of one foot out the door mentality. Never really sure if I was coming or going. But now, as I tuck away my summer clothes and pull out some beloved sweaters and continue my search for the perfect pair of cords, I am back. Our fall schedules are in full swing. We are busy, but so far all happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a great Thanksgiving, I made pumpkin pies, one vegan, one not. They were both good. And now we are gearing up for Halloween. I am getting busy and am feeling very inspired by my pottery as I prepare for 3 upcoming holiday sales. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am sad to say good-bye to summer, having felt like we were a bit ripped off by the weather this year, but I am fully embracing Autumn and all it has to offer.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMONkpKpqyPwtWpWuE3ZFSbLumIupPHSdMIEe93-v2zYVju6UA5muTMaPfP8aEzUTLpmdrmDIqr2EGUAmVdNbSC4emopHUDUMng_IUo4GQrYXn33LGdO4tMY-3oGUxxM3iMiXH1ujOyo/s1600/Photo+Library+-+404.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMONkpKpqyPwtWpWuE3ZFSbLumIupPHSdMIEe93-v2zYVju6UA5muTMaPfP8aEzUTLpmdrmDIqr2EGUAmVdNbSC4emopHUDUMng_IUo4GQrYXn33LGdO4tMY-3oGUxxM3iMiXH1ujOyo/s400/Photo+Library+-+404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528132969338938594" /></a>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-47485747445352755362010-09-06T09:11:00.001-07:002010-09-06T09:30:24.122-07:00I Love Lists!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_GclBZBtUTGTGHHgyLWr4n8B0Yiq5pQkjSdyMQ4hY_lheBVO4p-KJFSN5D1M0xY-gxnOTlPUsCcm_EJ6zj3xJFLSX6vg-WsJOglad7CGRLTOjapfQcSRslNeCwHKQ7deET_uL7hzWDM/s1600/sc-flower-pink.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_GclBZBtUTGTGHHgyLWr4n8B0Yiq5pQkjSdyMQ4hY_lheBVO4p-KJFSN5D1M0xY-gxnOTlPUsCcm_EJ6zj3xJFLSX6vg-WsJOglad7CGRLTOjapfQcSRslNeCwHKQ7deET_uL7hzWDM/s400/sc-flower-pink.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513838088659409266" /></a><br />I have always loved making lists. I love being able to check something off, written proof of a task accomplished. Also, I feel that sometimes putting it on paper is just another way of putting it out to the universe that something needs to be done. Sometimes I even cut photos out things out and put the in a file. One time I saw a picture of a really cute swim cap and I cut it out tossed it in my "Good Things" file and didn't think much about it after that. About a year or so later I was culling things in my files and found the picture of the swim cap, I had a good laugh, because without remembering the photo, I had purchased the exact swim cap. I also have picture of a Tuscan villa, and I am still waiting for it to come to fruition.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, today I was reading an article about making lists and came across this website <a href="http://www.43things.com/">43things.com</a> and I liked the look of it and the idea of the number, currently my age. So I began typing and voila! the list began to evolve. I have now added a link on the blog to my list of goals/dreams/intentions. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have always liked 101 lists, and I also read recently about <a href="http://www.dayzeroproject.com/">101 things in 1001 days</a>. I think I will start with the 43 things. So far I have 10, they may change, I may add some, I may delete. Who knows. But, I just love lists and you just never know, it may be exactly what I need to get myself going and achieve some of these goals.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-59618570701290835662010-08-23T19:11:00.000-07:002010-08-23T19:23:43.895-07:00For Tara With Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoawBLY3-8prcNEbc5efxDMs-ko6txTIM4Sads71vo5isgdgXKHpVfXDvKhYzQWAWjM7EPQ5uWIVg60KdwcOiUwVeJQX0oZAAZwg2b2pr2izkH3bciTxZcVV9b5FG7nkyvWrOYDkVYqk/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoawBLY3-8prcNEbc5efxDMs-ko6txTIM4Sads71vo5isgdgXKHpVfXDvKhYzQWAWjM7EPQ5uWIVg60KdwcOiUwVeJQX0oZAAZwg2b2pr2izkH3bciTxZcVV9b5FG7nkyvWrOYDkVYqk/s400/IMG_1250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508794958289181186" /><br /><br />Hand built porcelain tea pot in cream with paisley stamp pattern and turquoise blue interior.<br /><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYOCg-roCQ7dhdgC4oVSZNlM-2pg07O611sbLVYAqQMXlaee6h0NFQ1SOM1W74_CMcZeVdxPeYuv5wqQMSWliU5Wu9sk95D9JyRT9Tgb_yB-U74e1h3z9gUKP_1hkBNHfTkis8ATBdDY/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYOCg-roCQ7dhdgC4oVSZNlM-2pg07O611sbLVYAqQMXlaee6h0NFQ1SOM1W74_CMcZeVdxPeYuv5wqQMSWliU5Wu9sk95D9JyRT9Tgb_yB-U74e1h3z9gUKP_1hkBNHfTkis8ATBdDY/s400/IMG_1262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508795271112629554" /></a><br />Porcelain pendant and bangle with Japanese flower pattern.<div><br />In case you have just stumbled upon this post and not come from the For Tara with Love blog, I will give a little heads up. Our home schooling community lost a dear friend recently. She was the mother of two fantastic children and the partner to a very committed husband. The amazing community that we are so fortunate to be a part of, with the help of some very generous people have rallied around and have planned a family fun carnival. This will be a fundraiser to help keep this family at home together through this period of grieving and loss. The posting is pictures of the pottery I have donated to the silent auction. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-12731517850878336632010-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:002010-07-11T18:12:37.804-07:00Ever notice how in the story of the boy who cried wolf, they never talk about how terrible the mother felt after the wolf came and ate the boy. Parenting can be like that, how to decipher the 'wolf' from the Academy Award worthy wounded cry. A number of my children have a flair for the dramatic, so I am becoming quite skilled in assessing injury based upon the decibel and quality of the scream, and more often than not, the real injuries come with alot less volume. Let's be honest, we have all missed one of those cries, the ones where you think/say, "brush it off, let me give you a kiss, it will be alright", only to find that there really is a wound in need of some tending. A goose egg, or a rather nasty scratch/cut. But again, in my experience, the injuries, the ones that require a trip to the emergency room, not only is it the sound of the cry, but it is gut instinct. Something inside tells you this is not a stubbed toe, or a bad bruise. This is the time to come up with a plan.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight we were having dinner out. Sofie and Jane had been at their friends house for the afternoon and the rest of our family was going to meet up and we would all have dinner together. They had had a great afternoon, lots of fun, no injuries. Sam and I had only arrived 30 minutes earlier when we heard a cry from the back garden, "Mama, I have really hurt myself". A cry that was seriously lacking in dramatics and volume. More like a wounded animal, a deeper, guttural cry. On some level, I knew instantly that this was going to be bad, but I guess in my hope of hopes, I was trying to think it was a hurt, not an injury, trying to think positively. </div><div><br /></div><div>It seems (though, still rather unclear,) that Jane had either jumped or fallen out of a window, about 2 metres. She landed on her feet and pitched forward onto her right arm. She came running to me, we assessed where she was hurt and then she laid down on a picnic rug with me while my friend grabbed a bag of ice. Jane seemed tired, maybe even hungry. I sat with her and tried to evaluate how bad it was, her arm ached, but she was fine everywhere else. After a short time I checked her arm and by then there was a large lump and swelling. I looked at Sam and said we were going to need to go, he gathered her up, left me and the rest of the children and headed to emergency. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is now nearly eleven and I am waiting for them to return home. I have news, Jane has fractured her radius and about an hour ago they were waiting for her to have a cast put on. (Ever noticed how many children have casts on in the summer?) You know, we as parents try, we try to protect our children from danger. We stop them as they try to sneak a bottle of dish liquid out to the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath, we teach them to look both ways before crossing the road, but in those instances where we just sit back, enjoy a glass of wine with some friends, these things can happen. We can't protect them all the time, and really, life happens, you just go with it. The important thing is to just be there for them if you can when these things happen. Let them know you love them, let them know things happen, we try to be safe, make safe choices, but we can't prepare for everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jane's arm will heal and we will learn from this. And if there is one thing I have learned for certain, go with your gut, it generally won't steer you wrong.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-23459017195711108782010-06-29T08:45:00.000-07:002010-06-30T11:46:19.627-07:00Home Sweet Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84yMVBsRGbC6Z70jRNMKFiNSfTPJfCVRdJ3bPU9M3X5jUAa5h84L4bcE_FBN6nRbFyBrVKYs8psDSh-2mpLetJRZpDyK2Wb9US8RM9B6CT8BWX5vFBkiHqGYq5Jx7dw-F8wZ6_wCgHRc/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84yMVBsRGbC6Z70jRNMKFiNSfTPJfCVRdJ3bPU9M3X5jUAa5h84L4bcE_FBN6nRbFyBrVKYs8psDSh-2mpLetJRZpDyK2Wb9US8RM9B6CT8BWX5vFBkiHqGYq5Jx7dw-F8wZ6_wCgHRc/s400/IMG_1031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487852572158313266" /></a><br />Each morning when I come home from yoga, I step inside our front gate and pause there for a moment. Our garden is spectacular. And in the early morning quiet, it is just so peaceful, so idyllic. We have taken our house off the market, but when it was for sale, I used to think that this is when people should come for the viewings, about 7 or 7:30am. Everything seem so fresh, so alive. Maybe in retrospect, I should be happy that no one came to see it like this, they may have bought it. And sure we could use a little more space and another bathroom, but let me tell you, I don't mind staying here.<div><br /></div><div>We made the decision a few weeks back not to sell. The market had slowed, pretty much the day we listed, and selling was taking longer than we had imagined. Also, Sam decided it was time to make a career change, and banks get kind of funny about mortgaging a new house with out income verification, funny how that is. I do believe things happen for a reason. Shortly after we made the decision to stay, we were at a friends birthday with a lot of our friends from the neighbourhood, and everyone kept telling us how happy they were that we weren't leaving. I think it was nice for Sam to hear this. As the person at home with children, I am sort of the family frontline in the neighbourhood, Sam busy working, doesn't get that level of interaction on a regular basis. To have all these people happy we were staying I think really reaffirmed for Sam how fortunate we are to live in a great community.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Lr4uCOM0VLvNank4rDQPyC_uIG0gfJlCKaPs5vswnozfRYco42stp5gg7O9CxZHVtM41jFCr1e29KChg1j0V4bXmjwYYv6DyEU2hC_FLwbynJ5i-hra_0cBcq9g-NZ10LiRio9fSSao/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Lr4uCOM0VLvNank4rDQPyC_uIG0gfJlCKaPs5vswnozfRYco42stp5gg7O9CxZHVtM41jFCr1e29KChg1j0V4bXmjwYYv6DyEU2hC_FLwbynJ5i-hra_0cBcq9g-NZ10LiRio9fSSao/s400/IMG_3761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487855521797458226" /></a></div><div>I don't want to get too complacent, as one never knows what the future holds, especially when your partner is in the midst of a career change. But for now, I am happy to be here. I am happy to have Sam home, fixing things around the house and spending time as a family. I am happy to enjoy my beautiful garden and my wonderful friends. I will make the most of these moments and really be grateful for them.<br /><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_RDgWmvewYUQ5geMbHery8A0eOg-vtrvYeWrC1wzmtLOFNJbOFoKoXBYPcfmdY3QU8n7x5nbfjvdpzolicpDbmWB14abAVMPdYKBSTzc1iWDOQs6W3IFgFiTMT2OAkQ9tCgpDZsNy-w/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_RDgWmvewYUQ5geMbHery8A0eOg-vtrvYeWrC1wzmtLOFNJbOFoKoXBYPcfmdY3QU8n7x5nbfjvdpzolicpDbmWB14abAVMPdYKBSTzc1iWDOQs6W3IFgFiTMT2OAkQ9tCgpDZsNy-w/s400/IMG_3802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487855294522447890" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-27915610914308396202010-06-28T06:47:00.000-07:002010-06-28T06:47:00.365-07:00Tourist in My own Town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlo1gT3Q14_9uw_QqERiMGNYfD3wz3IYgSzRoq0w51WVQrPQCdzYpVGn4_U2t-gXZZO_AEeBRBN8Fybv3JNJk6fPoMFKr1Ramm-BJe2GHQDJbaQ8PPEpAQ9Z-jBY7d-TBeTSwdS8psYA/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlo1gT3Q14_9uw_QqERiMGNYfD3wz3IYgSzRoq0w51WVQrPQCdzYpVGn4_U2t-gXZZO_AEeBRBN8Fybv3JNJk6fPoMFKr1Ramm-BJe2GHQDJbaQ8PPEpAQ9Z-jBY7d-TBeTSwdS8psYA/s400/IMG_1012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487492559020222898" /></a><br />It seems that summer has finally arrived. Yeah. I was getting very tired of Juneuary!! Not to mention my children being upset with me for packing up their puffy coats. So, we have had lovely weather this week which timed nicely with my sister and her husbands visit from Australia. We decided it would be nice to get out and take in some of the amazing things that Vancouver Island has to offer.<div><br /></div><div>We began with a delicious meal and strawberry shortcake made with fresh local strawberries. The next morning we cooked a big delicious pancake breakfast, more fresh berries and then headed off to hike up <a href="http://www.vancouverisland.com/parks/?id=542">Mount Douglas</a>. It is a great place to hike, it is easy enough for children to do, (Sam did have to carry Piper part of the way) and the view from the top is just beautiful. You will have to excuse me, as my sister had the camera and I will have to get some pictures from her. You get a panoramic view of the southern tip of Vancouver Island. We finished off our day with a walk around the inner harbour and some yummy fish and chips at <a href="http://www.fishermanswharfvictoria.com/">Fisherman's Wharf</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday was Sofie's birthday and breakfast of choice was waffles with whip cream. More fresh local berries for those who like fruit. We then headed out to <a href="http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1">Butchart Gardens</a>. It was a gorgeous day, probably the hottest all week. The gardens were packed with people from all over the world, so some areas were a bit like a lineup and if you went the opposite direction it was like a fish swimming up stream. The Japanese garden was spectacular. And the children enjoyed riding the Carousel. We had a lovely birthday dinner for Sofie and I made one of her favourite desserts, Meringues with Whip Cream. (We literally went through 2 litres of whip cream this week.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday we had a busy day planned with a walk to <a href="http://www.wittyslagoon.com/">Witty's Lagoon</a> in the morning. It is a lovely hike down a wooded path to the beach. The tide was way out so we were able to wonder out on the sand. We saw some beautiful Swans. It was a busy day down there, as there seemed to be a number of different schools with large groups. We still had a great time, went for a little wade and played some frisbee. Then it was back up the trail, where Jack was very excited that we got to see a very small dead bat, and off to <a href="http://www.pointellicehouse.ca/">Point Ellice House</a>. At Point Ellice House we enjoyed a yummy and filling Victoria Style Tea on the lawn, played some Croquet and wondered around the beautiful gardens. It was a really lovely day capped off a visit at home from some good friends who were about to head back to Wales.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic9-XssiYcbu6vObXFdfATS9KzFWQTqqsd8ouYgjnKVtYUt9v9pspw4gChbsQvPFybn8nWncXvL2YS2F2bTLEs5sQj_q_WPo2CEKO-o3xMle95_PXl0dVMVnVZUDPNRWNxmtea2fSc4U/s1600/111_6730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic9-XssiYcbu6vObXFdfATS9KzFWQTqqsd8ouYgjnKVtYUt9v9pspw4gChbsQvPFybn8nWncXvL2YS2F2bTLEs5sQj_q_WPo2CEKO-o3xMle95_PXl0dVMVnVZUDPNRWNxmtea2fSc4U/s400/111_6730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487492920236901538" /></a><div><br /></div><div>On Friday I took my sister and her husband to my favourite bike shop, <a href="http://www.northparkbikeshop.com/">North Park Bike Shop</a>, and seriously, you would be hard pressed to find better customer service than there. The owners are lovely and they have a fantastic selection of Electra bikes, a family favourite. </div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed my time with my sister and her husband. I really miss her when she is so far away, and am extremely envious of her and the weather she gets to enjoy. It was fun to play tourist in your own city, it opens to you to so many possibilities and hidden gems. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*The cupcakes at the top are Rootbeer Float Cupcakes I made for Sofie's Birthday party, the recipe is from </span></span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/06/root-beer-float-cupcakes/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Smitten Kitchen</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-23571701334258056462010-06-27T16:55:00.000-07:002010-06-27T23:09:30.229-07:00The Dutch Cheese and Butter Cleanse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB-QCx1G70z3ddYtCVE2UAadhUYF4YCNguRTD2ojk45iGz8KMHKAQQ_IVAp1Steq3qo40c-GuLhydNEtu7m1p13Vz6FvEEetAcQcWlWo5XUoXvyZebUGOxs_o95p8YmQW3gwtcgmMdB4/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB-QCx1G70z3ddYtCVE2UAadhUYF4YCNguRTD2ojk45iGz8KMHKAQQ_IVAp1Steq3qo40c-GuLhydNEtu7m1p13Vz6FvEEetAcQcWlWo5XUoXvyZebUGOxs_o95p8YmQW3gwtcgmMdB4/s400/IMG_0962.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487449404552948354" /></a><br />I was having a conversation with a couple of friends recently about our generation's fascination with going on cleanses. I have tried a couple, some went well, some were a hopeless failure. I have also heard of some really seemingly ridiculous cleanses. One friend reported his girlfriend dumped him at Day 5 of an 'Apple Cleanse', I am just surprised he hung on till Day 5. We have another friend who swears by the lemon water with cayenne and maple syrup, he does it every year. Another friend does the Wild Rose twice a year, the Wild Rose was my hopeless failure.<div><br /></div><div>We began to wonder if part of the cleanse fascination was potential weight loss and then wondered if this was our generation's idea of a diet? </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally I know that I have tried cleanses to try to get myself back on track to eating healthier well rounded meals. Generally in the spring, I try to knock off the wheat that I have survived upon all winter. I really have a weakness for bagels. I have tried giving up dairy, but I just love cheese too much. Last year I managed 30 days with no dairy, I am not sure how. I mean I do really try to eat healthy, I live in a household of vegetarians. But really, just try to hold me back from a friend cinnamon raisin Mount Royal Bagel with honey vanilla cream cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, last week with spring well upon us, I decided it was time to eradicate the wheat and dairy. I lasted till about lunch. Sunday is not a good day to start a cleanse. Apparently neither was monday or tuesday. Each day my valiant efforts were worn down by late afternoon. I did manage to go one whole day no wheat and dairy. Ooops apparently wine is not allowed on this cleanse, and I am meant to meet a friend for a drink. I'll start again next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year the cleansing has not gone as well. Is it more parties, or perhaps my 'been there, done that' attitude? I am struck by a comment one of my readers mentioned on an earlier post, "what things would you do, if there was no chance of failing at it?" Perhaps knowing I can do it without fail has brought me to a failing wall. It really should be the opposite. I just can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps in my heart of hearts I am really not that interested in cleansing, and I should just get over it and make more of an effort to live by what I really am committed too, everything in moderation, including moderation. </div><div><br /></div><div>This, I believe, I cannot fail at.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-9491238150499563782010-06-04T09:03:00.001-07:002010-06-04T10:54:33.460-07:00A Brisk Walk and a cup of Tea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pEyvAEl-IxpJ0OiQCCo65U2pMeqmCKmuiV089LWm5HXrT-bKFs8VHQk7WkhOz9rH7ZvqpGXJk9kuo7qPe8yehWo6kuMSEpKBdC8e76XPRP5In88Gp6zM50bv2pwME6_M7eB4gVSH_OY/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pEyvAEl-IxpJ0OiQCCo65U2pMeqmCKmuiV089LWm5HXrT-bKFs8VHQk7WkhOz9rH7ZvqpGXJk9kuo7qPe8yehWo6kuMSEpKBdC8e76XPRP5In88Gp6zM50bv2pwME6_M7eB4gVSH_OY/s400/IMG_0512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478969494674471266" /></a><br />I often think that the majority of problems both personal and global could be settled over tea and/or a good brisk walk. I think perhaps my working brain is directly connected to the cadence of my feet. A good pace and the thoughts just start flowing, a bit like a mouse on a wheel. This morning I decided to skip yoga and hit the streets. I laced up my shoes, charged up my iPod and headed out the door. I have a lot on my mind right now and I just needed to get out and get some fresh air. I find music helpful, my current playlist of choice is the two albums by <a href="http://www.danmanganmusic.com/site/">Dan Mangan</a>, they seem to help me walk and think.<div><br /></div><div>We are currently facing a change in financial circumstances and for the next while we will be dealing with some uncertainty. So, my topic of the day was to come up with some strategies to get through the next couple of months. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you know me, you will know, I am not that great with money. I have an unnatural love of shoes, strollers (I have owned 11) and bikes, I currently own 2. Notice I left the shoe count out!!! I am also one of the world's biggest procrastinators. I have journals and journals filled with my great ideas for saving money, getting in shape and getting organized. Sadly they span about 20 years. Don't worry I don't really waste too much time thinking about it, it seems the moment I finish jotting down my big plans, I am back to enjoying life, hanging with my family, buying shoes and eating meringues.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGn3FezbzamwsGa4JDL38ul_-DJTK9QlYijyjqLTQpBg1CI_-3hNgn7F0OrtWHkJh1B7-kldCmZG4VD75nPbaOuYRF9BtxGxH2i_n2h0QadY-A3aFz9o1oLOUc5bWMzaCuP6FaIzPyY4/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGn3FezbzamwsGa4JDL38ul_-DJTK9QlYijyjqLTQpBg1CI_-3hNgn7F0OrtWHkJh1B7-kldCmZG4VD75nPbaOuYRF9BtxGxH2i_n2h0QadY-A3aFz9o1oLOUc5bWMzaCuP6FaIzPyY4/s400/IMG_0919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478976801341489010" /></a><br /></div><div>I recently signed up for a daily online newsletter with a group called the <a href="http://smartcookies.com/">Smart Cookies</a>, hoping to pick up some sweet tips for becoming more financially savvy. It has only been a week so, I will have to report back on whether this is helping. The tips are good, it is just, will I put them into action or not.</div><div><br /></div><div>My walk this morning was very helpful, I am all geared up to get busier over the next few weeks making pottery and I am planning on opening up my studio for the <a href="http://wonderfullifeinfernwood.ning.com/">Fernwood Art Stroll</a> and also being at Moss Street for the Moss Street Paint In. I am very excited about the pottery I have been working on so this gets me very excited.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the tea part, I think I shall enjoy a cup and mull over my thoughts and decisions, come up with a plan of action and a schedule to try and work with in. I will keep you posted.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-78216163043228783112010-05-06T15:49:00.000-07:002010-05-06T16:52:31.285-07:00The Fifth Quadrant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUT5x5sgBD7maL2SN9b59TMoO10i3n-0cf2OCnG1kKarr20Apqznj88h1JDhUQrUdyvkuCoA5lWT4hGzfdyHauPtPu-pALoXq-iyUZh-6tGNO4MMc3ACs4X1xswh-a8nDnV9i9GhADXo/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUT5x5sgBD7maL2SN9b59TMoO10i3n-0cf2OCnG1kKarr20Apqznj88h1JDhUQrUdyvkuCoA5lWT4hGzfdyHauPtPu-pALoXq-iyUZh-6tGNO4MMc3ACs4X1xswh-a8nDnV9i9GhADXo/s400/IMG_0915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468305336655692178" /></a>Recently, before deciding to sell, I looked at all the areas in my house that needed to be sorted and reorganized, I assigned them a degree of difficulty between 1 and 5, with 5 being the most difficult. The attic for instance was a five, my dresser a 1. I then added up all the numbers and divided it by 5, the number of days Sam was taking off for 'staycation'. It was the end of the fiscal year at the company he works for and he had some days off he needed to use up. At this time we had no inclination to go anywhere, so I figured I would let him do the homeschooling and I would reorganize the house and do some pottery. It seemed like a great plan. I would have 7 points of reorganizing difficulty to sort through each day.<div><br /></div><div>Monday rolled around, it was just so great to have him home, I could go to yoga a little later, a leisurely cup of tea, some general hanging with the family, piano lessons etc. and soon it was time to make dinner. I figured I could push the week back into Saturday and I would still have 5 days to tackle 'the five quadrants' as I had begun calling them affectionately. To divide the task into four days would have been ambitious at best, I felt I was being realistic with five days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday, I caught up on some emailing and paper work, you know the pre-clean organize. More tea, more hanging with the family and so the week went. By Thursday, Sam and I had been able to spend some quality time together, the kind of time where you get to discuss more than what is for dinner and who is going to what lesson or play date and so on. We talked about our house and the need for more space and another bathroom, and with this on the table there seemed no point in me organizing. If we were going to move, and I was going to have to pack at some point, there was no need for me to agonize over the sorting right away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thus began my journey, wrapping my head around the idea, trying to see the positives in the idea of moving. I didn't manage to get any pottery done either, it seemed like everything got put on the back burner as we figured out our next move. Thus shelving my "Fifth Quadrant".</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcieAPuYObhGMHUnpByHMd-Bo-PBEHi7hbw03N0hC8hv_uNAl8KMnr5mpc_xBSXTaX6A5AhSd17yUAXuBqIG24Tls4POsZtWmQmLsLt9F7Kom7fDPYEXaz_w6Sr2oFVJNI3cdAqwtzmNM/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcieAPuYObhGMHUnpByHMd-Bo-PBEHi7hbw03N0hC8hv_uNAl8KMnr5mpc_xBSXTaX6A5AhSd17yUAXuBqIG24Tls4POsZtWmQmLsLt9F7Kom7fDPYEXaz_w6Sr2oFVJNI3cdAqwtzmNM/s400/IMG_0917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468305650237219650" /></a></div><div>I did lots of yoga that week, took some naps, and spent some great time with the people who mean the most to me. I am back doing pottery and I have cleared alot out of the house, and I free-cycled some of the clutter. I have done alot of soul searching recently and I have now realized, there is alot more than just organization in my fifth quadrant, there are many things I put off for another day, while I do what makes me truly happy. And I think, we all should have a fifth quadrant, somewhere to put the the things that at the end of the day really aren't as important as the everyday.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0TVNMgNJeKTqp0YOu4Ce1Tw-bpwjcrfY3k9k0X1jEjsywkYBH23Lhkr5vs2uUoaqQuWc6SSH6YxTHpvTLuyRf65uJI2nYF9owwzNJgjRcoCDhx6LHsCkoa3Jtzvqhr6Gu7hc6I35bRw/s1600/140_0294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0TVNMgNJeKTqp0YOu4Ce1Tw-bpwjcrfY3k9k0X1jEjsywkYBH23Lhkr5vs2uUoaqQuWc6SSH6YxTHpvTLuyRf65uJI2nYF9owwzNJgjRcoCDhx6LHsCkoa3Jtzvqhr6Gu7hc6I35bRw/s400/140_0294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468307798780182162" /></a>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-65322684199461970612010-05-01T16:29:00.000-07:002010-05-01T21:50:00.058-07:00Queen of Denial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLstUlEhOb0mDXIaQU85bve_TT1UW3WlxYNPvnD0F2GxG_ouvwQiQ8BusJIW2TolIqISimXmg7QJyY5YNM0THBYif03_LT93l5-8mJKPxs60DxwRNMGdUuJxNF7h1xWsshVN7QLiNnPSc/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLstUlEhOb0mDXIaQU85bve_TT1UW3WlxYNPvnD0F2GxG_ouvwQiQ8BusJIW2TolIqISimXmg7QJyY5YNM0THBYif03_LT93l5-8mJKPxs60DxwRNMGdUuJxNF7h1xWsshVN7QLiNnPSc/s400/IMG_3798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466518559889479026" /></a><br /><br />So, remember about a month back, I published a post, The Village Vibe, about how great it was to live in the same place for a good period of time, well lets just say that was a bit of a Freudian slip. I guess I was living in denial, thinking that my lovely 1500 sq. ft cottage was ample for myself, my four growing children and my 6'5" husband. Alas, I was mistaken, it has become abundantly apparent that we are quickly (read already) outgrowing our home. So, we came to a decision a few weeks back that we need to look for a larger place. Sadly this means leaving our wonderful neighbourhood as there is nothing large enough in our budget.<div><br /></div><div>I kind of shrunk back into myself as I came to terms with this whole idea. Leaving a place that fit me like a glove, a slightly small glove, but a glove all the same. Many of our friends who know us well, have stepped into this house, only to remark how "Sam and Mary" it is. We were so lucky when we found this home. I have moved many times in my life, too many to mention or be believed, but this move, to here, was the most seamless I have ever experienced. We immediately met a great group of like minded friends and neighbours. I found a great hairdresser, dentist and with a little search a great doctor.</div><div><br /></div><div>The girls and Jack made friends, many on the same street. We found art classes, joined the Y and discovered music teachers who resonated with each child. Our house became alive with music and art. Our garden full of friends on a summers eve.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we first saw this house, we were drawn in, like children drawn to the sound of a passing ice cream truck, giddy with excitement. There is something magical about this place. The garden is delightful, with many little areas to explore. The house full of hidden surprises, secret doors and cupboards. We stayed for the full open house and made an offer later that day. I am not sure if we picked this house, or it picked us.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U-pCyxaeWteNDrMwS4mGeJ47KmGa1gWPDP_9zD7xV0XEyGzCUbfoAnIfAWSX7biN8e7_6_RP67t3XQxy0Lu2yK_HQcaFQ32nF1LDoQtumxM45aqvPyjC3N-Quksiet4H6vuctWX-kgI/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U-pCyxaeWteNDrMwS4mGeJ47KmGa1gWPDP_9zD7xV0XEyGzCUbfoAnIfAWSX7biN8e7_6_RP67t3XQxy0Lu2yK_HQcaFQ32nF1LDoQtumxM45aqvPyjC3N-Quksiet4H6vuctWX-kgI/s400/IMG_2593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466518072954276978" /></a><br /></div><div>I have packed away a great deal of what makes this house our home, so someone else can imagine their lives within these walls. I have filled boxes, moved furniture, taken down all that is personal to me. It has been hard, there have been many tears. But, I do have to say putting so much in boxes did reaffirm for me the need for a larger space.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have come to terms with moving on, this is the right move for our family. I am looking forward. But for now I must sit, waiting in limbo, for that special person that this house chooses as it's next owner.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-57735181116080512982010-03-31T20:27:00.000-07:002010-04-01T11:46:59.655-07:00Earth HourWe observed Earth Hour the other evening. With a few minutes to spare I scrambled around the house, lit some candles and powered down the computer, turned off all the lights as well as many other electrical devices in the house. The children loved it, the whole idea of the candles, trying to get ready for bed, it was fun for them. They asked lots of questions and relayed lots of ideas. They were intrigued that that was how Laura and Mary Ingalls had to live, how they had to get ready for bed by candle light. It was nice to see their references.<div><br /></div><div>What we didn't cover, was that there were no street lights casting a glow on the Ingall's cottage, and if Mary and Laura needed to go the bathroom before bed, it was outside!!!! The whole idea of getting an email to remind you to shut off your lights for one hour for the earth is so far from Mary and Laura that it is almost absurd.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I have to say in the stillness of that hour, when everyone was off to bed, it was heavenly. So quiet and the glow from candles is just so warming and wonderful. I was slow to turn any lights back on when the hour was over. (I did have a small book light that I used read a Real Simple magazine). I mean what would Caroline have done. Again, a magazine celebrating the simple living is completely absurd in terms of the Ingalls. Can you just imagine what Charles would have said if he came home to find Caroline reading a magazine by candlelight. I am sure there were things to be done, dresses to be mended, dishes to be washed. </div><div><br /></div><div>That evening Sam and I discussed how great it was and how much the children enjoyed it and how it opened up many discussions about the environment and how to be good citizen of planet Earth. We thought we should do it more often. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning I was informed that we were not using the computer or any other electronic devices for the whole day, so I couldn't blog. Now one hour of candle light was delightful, but a whole day without internet, blogging, etsy, email, or even solitaire on the iPod, that was a chore. I know, I know, Caroline could easily show me a thing or two about what a chore really is, but I am not Caroline and this is not the turn of the last century.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel we are really fortunate for the time we live in, we have the ability to choose, we can live simple or all plugged in. And I think the important thing is finding that balance. I survived sunday with no internet etc, and I really enjoyed it, so much so we are thinking about scaling back for the month of April. No TV/Movies for sure. </div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-28325165512072473212010-03-13T09:40:00.000-08:002010-03-14T08:16:34.856-07:00Fight or Flight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8t5M6eAle8p331kays_g8DajifJWZ1IYLDBSZZDJYylfjSYv-Tbr-J4dumtwDb4VKQFUU4p3MYmMhmsugEbGduR_13r8iNiNcxTpix1ADR3CU4qiLhdZ1uPc46wW6OPKTDuNA9HQclk/s1600-h/mitsy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8t5M6eAle8p331kays_g8DajifJWZ1IYLDBSZZDJYylfjSYv-Tbr-J4dumtwDb4VKQFUU4p3MYmMhmsugEbGduR_13r8iNiNcxTpix1ADR3CU4qiLhdZ1uPc46wW6OPKTDuNA9HQclk/s400/mitsy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447995952858563842" /></a><br /><div>In circumstances where I am faced with a fight or flight decision, I will usually take option C. Curl up in a ball. I am not competitive and I am most certainly not confrontational. But this spills over into other non-challenging areas of my life. For instance, if we were meant to meet for a workout and you are not able to make it, I too will likely skip. I will take the softer, cushier perhaps less bumpy road. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other day I was looking forward to 3 hours with just myself and Piper. I had planned on going for a big walk, but the weather had gone sideways; snow and sun, snow and sun, on and off all day long. The fire was on, I was in comfy clothes and I really could just have made some tea and done some knitting. Then I remembered a lovely sunny day recently where a friend wanted to go for a walk and I was tired and would have been more than happy to sit in the sun and have a cup of tea, but we went for that walk and it was so lovely and all the children came with us and we had a great time. So, snowy weather be damned, I was going to go for a walk. I pack up Piper in buggy, put on her "bubble" (rain cover) and headed out. She was asleep with in just a few blocks. I kept going, my goal, the ocean, about 25 minutes away. I could have turned back, put her in her bed and spent a quiet afternoon alone, but I pressed on. The weather continued changing, so did I, coat on, coat off, etc., etc. When I reached the ocean, it was sunny and calm, I walked along the waterfront for quite a while before turning back to home. </div><div><br /></div><div>I felt so exhilarated, it was truly quite a beautiful day and I feel so fortunate to live close to the ocean. I could see large clouds of rain blowing in farther up the coast, while beams of sun streamed through the dark clouds. I love the sound that the ocean makes as it rolls in and out over the pebbled beach. I was not too cold and not windy. The good and bad thing about going for a long walk away from home is that you have to walk all the way back home.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a good walk and I got to admire all the blossoming trees. I was really glad I had fought the urge to just curl up and take it easy. It seems that sometimes we just really need to give our selves that little extra push and it will all be worth it.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDZDpjiyzyRgH2tV52jF6SWNTGLOmQAxenWA2Op-BBRILfaPQ15rxMVDH509ml1Jfp5fgAAzQ2ncBrJvg8PVa6q7v25RfEZxRMIqKfxNzjgyGkImrLZJQY2vP40QicJKypd02nCwUSdc/s1600-h/IMG_0639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDZDpjiyzyRgH2tV52jF6SWNTGLOmQAxenWA2Op-BBRILfaPQ15rxMVDH509ml1Jfp5fgAAzQ2ncBrJvg8PVa6q7v25RfEZxRMIqKfxNzjgyGkImrLZJQY2vP40QicJKypd02nCwUSdc/s400/IMG_0639.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447997509945896946" /></a><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-79181852916402105812010-03-12T09:56:00.000-08:002010-03-12T21:21:41.378-08:00Wandering YogiI purchased a great pass called the Wandering Yogi, from Lululemon, it was a fundraiser for <a href="http://www.kidsportvictoria.ca/">Kidsport</a>. The cost was $25 and you were able to attend one class at each of 10 studios around town. Some were for cross training, yoga, dance and even boxing. It ran through the months of January and February, and in true Mary form, I spent February 20 to 28th trying to cram in 8 classes. I did fairly well I think, I only missed two of the 10 studios. It was such a great experience being able to try out classes that perhaps I wouldn't normally have done, like boxing for instance. (I actually really loved the <a href="http://www.hittofit.com/">boxing</a> one, it was a circuit class and at the end you got to put on some gloves and go-at-it on the big bag, I was a bit surprised how much I liked that last part).<div><br /></div><div>I learned alot about myself trying all the different classes, like say for instance, at <a href="http://www.bellyfit.ca/baselounge/descriptions/">Bellyfit</a>, I am still as uncoordinated as when I tried aerobics in my late teens, but it was fun to try out the different moves. I also found out I am tougher than I give myself credit. I went the whole 75 minutes of "<a href="http://www.bdhq.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=88">The Drill</a>", another circuit training class with 30 different stations, 2 minutes each and three of them were riding a bike without a seat! I could barely move two days later, but I also learned I had muscles I didn't know I had.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got to check out five different yoga studios that I had never been to before and get a sampling of teachers. It was really great. I love yin yoga, I think it is a nice balance to the <a href="http://www.ashtanga-yoga-victoria.com/">Ashtanga</a> I normally do. I skipped hot yoga as I had tried that before and felt it was more fun to try new things. I did a fantastic Primary Series class with an awesome teacher named Darla at Yoga Shala. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of it all, I came to this conclusion. I don't like to run unless I am being chased. I like to walk, though I don't really wander, as I walk at a pretty good pace. And as much as I really enjoyed the circuit training, yoga, specifically Ashtanga is my exercise of choice. I feel really lucky to have two wonderful instructor/mentors in Jeff and Harmony Lichty. And Ashtanga gives me the peace of mind I need to get through my day. So perhaps, I am not a wandering yogi but a Walking Yogi. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333763142984375698.post-35787386273140775032010-03-03T10:40:00.000-08:002010-03-05T13:20:06.492-08:00Lost in a world of perler beads, felting and free home makeovers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWMYli-5Wr13D3K7YArSviimV1MbMf2SPg6GFesMYxSBsjjG2P4RIVNKOURkssel9A3gpGP6TamcebjC8dsMO9wDsuW0xX2QgWVLLX6aO8DrPrkagV4PNIDmChCh4XI6fEbh12NZ15uI/s1600-h/140_0403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWMYli-5Wr13D3K7YArSviimV1MbMf2SPg6GFesMYxSBsjjG2P4RIVNKOURkssel9A3gpGP6TamcebjC8dsMO9wDsuW0xX2QgWVLLX6aO8DrPrkagV4PNIDmChCh4XI6fEbh12NZ15uI/s400/140_0403.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444483812476665922" /></a><br />It has taken me a little while to post again. I am still here, just a little distracted. I have been busy planning my spring, figuring out my pottery for the upcoming season, as well as other creative outlets. Also, busy with the wee ones. Homeschooling, government exams, crafting and just generally running the "book store".<div><br /></div><div>Jack has been really into fuse beads lately, he has been blending this with his love of birds and butterflies and has been making some wonderful creations.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The girls have been really into needle felting and now they have me jumping on the bandwagon, at any moment anywhere in my home you can find a chunk of foam, a needle and a bag full of roving. I am also engrossed in a knitting project I began the other night. It is a lovely bag from a <a href="http://www.laughinghens.com/productrange.asp?id=428">Rooster</a> kit a I purchased a couple of years ago and never got around to making. I am so excited, I can hardly wait till it is done, it is pink and cream coloured.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is great how when you get started on one creative project, it just gets things going creatively in many areas. I guess it is just the freshness of spring helping out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHkZ5U6HgBArUwKG_Mut1AVwDjQ_pswwXlG2IJbiH0KMuMTJ2yCp9lIhHE1mVC9vCqkLSzvK3rzhoee0DFBSC5ZJtES38PV8XUhRhLxT2-JbZC3-ehMC7qdlhz_Huy24KHqshaY7hqLA/s1600-h/140_0408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHkZ5U6HgBArUwKG_Mut1AVwDjQ_pswwXlG2IJbiH0KMuMTJ2yCp9lIhHE1mVC9vCqkLSzvK3rzhoee0DFBSC5ZJtES38PV8XUhRhLxT2-JbZC3-ehMC7qdlhz_Huy24KHqshaY7hqLA/s400/140_0408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445256050761417682" /></a>As for the home make overs, if you are not too concerned about the results, homeschoolers will often offer free make overs!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAd-LAAnt_8LoR5AWZm7ucgHqg1RqOMgfkJVVd_MGl4PjInXbWfRiEqA9Un6yvHvSiy4qNVB7dc0Xmu3bbjuNFhe7PGVAuRqMXFxPHdUiWZd1D_WYw-oJza0t8a03Gh5_FVJsM4xejU0/s1600-h/140_0341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAd-LAAnt_8LoR5AWZm7ucgHqg1RqOMgfkJVVd_MGl4PjInXbWfRiEqA9Un6yvHvSiy4qNVB7dc0Xmu3bbjuNFhe7PGVAuRqMXFxPHdUiWZd1D_WYw-oJza0t8a03Gh5_FVJsM4xejU0/s400/140_0341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445262441116397506" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18420001399568307757noreply@blogger.com2