When I moved to this town four and a half months ago, one of the draws, and one that would form one of my obsessive routines, was the Farmer's Market. It started about two weeks after I had moved, and even though I was far from settled, I wanted to go. I had this planned, and I live so close by that I can walk to the market, so I manned my knapsack and my iPod and off I went. I can remember feeling warm as I reached the top of the hill and looked down into the town...a town which has retained much of the old charm.
For the first week, the crops were perhaps still not ready, and the presence of vendors was sparse, but the weeks that followed brought more vendors to the street.
....the fresh baked breads, croissants and danishes
........farm fresh fruit and vegetables
............fresh brewed coffee, where I would sit and take in the sights and sounds of a Saturday morning.
....and the odd craft and jewellery vendor....
Today is the last day for the Market, and I am left feeling sad. Some of the vendors recognize their regular patrons, and some of those will operate out of other areas during the winter. They volunteered their information and I may visit. As I left the Market, I stood at the top of the hill and looked back. My routine now must change. My Saturday morning jaunt is curtailed.
Somehow, though, I think I will find something to fill that space until the Market returns next year.
Peace.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Scratch my Head
This world of ours can be a funny place...and the other day I watched something that entertained me while I was at the checkout counter.
First a little background.
When I was young, I can remember having paper bags as shopping bags. I would get penny candy in wee paper bags and my Mother would have her groceries placed in large paper sacks. How we arrived at the world of unlimited plastic I'll never know, but thankfully we have finally woken up and are doing something about using less of it.
So, now we reduce and reuse and charge people for the use of a plastic bag, which is all good, so people now bring their own bins or bags or whatever.
...except for one lady...
While at said checkout counter waiting for the lady in front of me to finish, I noticed that things were taking somewhat longer than normal. I also noticed a lot more activity than usual. Then I noticed why. The lady did not bring any bags or bins, so she had to unload each item from her cart to the checkout counter (and there were many items!), then she had to load each item back into her cart.
Now you also have to figure that she had to load each item back into her car and then get each item into her house (unless she had the bins in the car and was too lazy to go out and get them). Whatever it was, it was certainly entertaining.
I have an intolerant remark that I refuse to make here, but rest assured that it is in my head.....and it has something to do with hair color...
Have a good weekend y'all...
First a little background.
When I was young, I can remember having paper bags as shopping bags. I would get penny candy in wee paper bags and my Mother would have her groceries placed in large paper sacks. How we arrived at the world of unlimited plastic I'll never know, but thankfully we have finally woken up and are doing something about using less of it.
So, now we reduce and reuse and charge people for the use of a plastic bag, which is all good, so people now bring their own bins or bags or whatever.
...except for one lady...
While at said checkout counter waiting for the lady in front of me to finish, I noticed that things were taking somewhat longer than normal. I also noticed a lot more activity than usual. Then I noticed why. The lady did not bring any bags or bins, so she had to unload each item from her cart to the checkout counter (and there were many items!), then she had to load each item back into her cart.
Now you also have to figure that she had to load each item back into her car and then get each item into her house (unless she had the bins in the car and was too lazy to go out and get them). Whatever it was, it was certainly entertaining.
I have an intolerant remark that I refuse to make here, but rest assured that it is in my head.....and it has something to do with hair color...
Have a good weekend y'all...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Audition
In my last post I made reference to an audition that the gym was holding in order to search for cycling instructors. They are actually looking for Pump, Step and Flow instructors as well. I found this out later. So, I had a preconceived idea that I would try for the Pump and Spin sets.
A little background. I have been down this road before. A few years ago, I had wanted to teach, and somehow I volunteered to learn to teach Step. I took the required courses and then was scheduled to shadow teach....then things all fell apart for me. Work became horrendously busy for me. Things were not going well and I felt too much pressure to continue. I threw that opportunity away, walked away, and chalked it up to experience.
This time it is a little different. It is not so much voluntary. Going to the audition is voluntary, but after that only accepted individuals will be selected.
When I arrived there last night, I was handed many sheets of paper, and had to fill out numerous forms, and then I was advised to pick one discipline, because we could only try out for one area....not both Pump and Spin. I had to really think about this one, because I love both of those disciplines (among others). So, I picked Pump because it is truly my passion.
The room was packed...about 40 people arrived to try out. I was probably the oldest but was certainly one of the more fit people there. We all had to do a Flow class and a Pump class. Then we had a choice to do either the Spin or the Step class. I did Spin. During these mini classes, scouts were evaluating the participants, with particular focus on the individuals who selected their discipline of choice. Photos were being taken, and attention to technique and form were high on the agenda.
Now, there was something strange that certainly stood out. When I go to the gym, I always bring my gym shoes, be that my trainers or my cycling shoes. Last night I brought both. But there were actually people who arrived in flip flops thinking that they would only be doing the Flow class (which requires bare feet). Boy were they surprised to find out that they had to do Pump and one one of the other 2 classes...and they had to do them in either their flip flops or bare feet....gross!
Good thing I was a Girl Guide...always be prepared.
I'll let you know the results of the audition. As I said earlier, it was never about getting picked or not...it was about going...and I already succeeded.
A little background. I have been down this road before. A few years ago, I had wanted to teach, and somehow I volunteered to learn to teach Step. I took the required courses and then was scheduled to shadow teach....then things all fell apart for me. Work became horrendously busy for me. Things were not going well and I felt too much pressure to continue. I threw that opportunity away, walked away, and chalked it up to experience.
This time it is a little different. It is not so much voluntary. Going to the audition is voluntary, but after that only accepted individuals will be selected.
When I arrived there last night, I was handed many sheets of paper, and had to fill out numerous forms, and then I was advised to pick one discipline, because we could only try out for one area....not both Pump and Spin. I had to really think about this one, because I love both of those disciplines (among others). So, I picked Pump because it is truly my passion.
The room was packed...about 40 people arrived to try out. I was probably the oldest but was certainly one of the more fit people there. We all had to do a Flow class and a Pump class. Then we had a choice to do either the Spin or the Step class. I did Spin. During these mini classes, scouts were evaluating the participants, with particular focus on the individuals who selected their discipline of choice. Photos were being taken, and attention to technique and form were high on the agenda.
Now, there was something strange that certainly stood out. When I go to the gym, I always bring my gym shoes, be that my trainers or my cycling shoes. Last night I brought both. But there were actually people who arrived in flip flops thinking that they would only be doing the Flow class (which requires bare feet). Boy were they surprised to find out that they had to do Pump and one one of the other 2 classes...and they had to do them in either their flip flops or bare feet....gross!
Good thing I was a Girl Guide...always be prepared.
I'll let you know the results of the audition. As I said earlier, it was never about getting picked or not...it was about going...and I already succeeded.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Re-Connecting
Well, it has been awhile since this poor blog has been updated. Things have been busy here, or rather, I have been busy. I'll spare you the details, but just know that things are keeping me hopping....mostly fun.....
The house and I are now one and at peace. Little things pop up, but nothing that has me running into the street screaming for assistance.
The basement is still in the process of being demolished. When I need to get rid of some stress, I go downstairs and take it out on the walls. The demolishing has a two-fold reason behind it. #1 - Prior owners didn't finish it properly, and I simply want to open up the space and get the air flowing through. #2 - BJ picked up the bright idea to claw through the vapour barrier plastic which covers the insulation, and has decided that this makes a great bed. NOT! So I have been hunting out his immediate spots and ripping off plastic, digging out fiberglass, and tearing down walls....worker chick.
The truck is going to get tricked up. I have always wanted to bling it up a bit, and now is the time to plan for that and get something done. When it's done I'll post a few shots of the new look.
The gym is looking for cycling instructors, and is holding an open audition where scouts will be picking potential candidates. I am planning on attending the audition. If I get picked, great, If I don't get picked, that's okay too. The key thing for me right now is to go to the audition. Wish me luck.
The house and I are now one and at peace. Little things pop up, but nothing that has me running into the street screaming for assistance.
The basement is still in the process of being demolished. When I need to get rid of some stress, I go downstairs and take it out on the walls. The demolishing has a two-fold reason behind it. #1 - Prior owners didn't finish it properly, and I simply want to open up the space and get the air flowing through. #2 - BJ picked up the bright idea to claw through the vapour barrier plastic which covers the insulation, and has decided that this makes a great bed. NOT! So I have been hunting out his immediate spots and ripping off plastic, digging out fiberglass, and tearing down walls....worker chick.
The truck is going to get tricked up. I have always wanted to bling it up a bit, and now is the time to plan for that and get something done. When it's done I'll post a few shots of the new look.
The gym is looking for cycling instructors, and is holding an open audition where scouts will be picking potential candidates. I am planning on attending the audition. If I get picked, great, If I don't get picked, that's okay too. The key thing for me right now is to go to the audition. Wish me luck.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Drum Therapy for the Soul
Snare....Accent...Cymbal...Toms...Splash...Ride...Crash...Highhats
These are some new and exciting words in my vocabulary.
In my construction of a (ahem) new life, I have uncovered many things that even I did not know were there...and, obviously, other people didn't know they existed either...playing percussion...backup singing....and now drumming. The drumming just sort of happened....I think. I had intended to pick up guitar lessons again, but for some reason, I couldn't get my head around that...not yet anyway.
But first, a little background.
My childhood saw me as a typical little girl, but shy...horribly shy. I only spoke when spoken to, and even then it was minimal conversation. In that world of shyness, I took refuge in the world of toys, and though I really enjoyed Barbie dolls, I really wanted to play with some of the boy's toys ...like toy forts and garages.
I also wanted to play with drums.
When I moved to The Cottage, I saw an ad for Drum Lessons in the local paper. I was curious. This was my opportunity. My kick at the can. So, I called and we agreed on a time for an intro lesson. As the day grew closer, I became more and more excited.....and a bit nervous, as you can well imagine.
The house where the lessons take place is an old mansion turned into apartments. There are 3 levels to the home. The drummer and his family live on the top floor, while the bottom floor is rented out (I know this, because I was welcomed by one of the tenants (in his bathrobe) who advised me to try upstairs for the music guy (eeeek). So off I went to try and find Drummer Bob.
At the very top of the house is the attic...which is also where the magic happens. Here, there are vintage drums and drum kits, some of which were purchased at yard sales. The teaching area is set up with one set for the teacher (a $10,000 set of beauties) and the student set (beat up, toned down, but still quite appropriate for learning). The walls and slanted ceiling are covered with LPs, pictures, posters, and other memorabilia from Drummer Bob's career (he has travelled extensively and has played with David Usher and Honeymoon Suite).
After an introduction to the teacher, the instrument and technique, I sat for the very first time behind a drum kit....right foot settled firmly on the bass, left foot settled on the Highhats.....and 2 very nervous hands gripping the sticks.
Then it all came together.....repetitious and rhythmic whacking, hitting, slamming, all with the intent of uncovering which limbs provide the most power....and then to have each limb work independently, and vary that power (think it's easy? Try it...).
What also resulted was a tremendous feeling of release....release of all those bad feelings, stress, everything. It all came whooshing out of me and placed itself onto the snare skin. I was rejuvenated. I felt liberated.
I felt at peace in this new-found toy.
Peace.....
*drum icon courtesy of CafePress*
Overruled
...this post was overruled that is.
I was going to write about my Introductory Drum Lesson, but another, more pressing, topic, required addressing.
My Cleo is reincarnated and appearing at my patio door. Not quite.
Some of you remember Cleo. She was the smartest, most attentive little Tortie. She was my most favoured kitty of all the kitties that we had (well, okay, BJ has maybe now taken first place as my Numero Uno, just because he has been there for me through everything). Cleo went to kitty heaven when she was 17 years old, but she had a grand life, I think. She was spoiled, as was I, but gave back in so many ways. She would greet us at the door when we would return home from work. She was a talker, and could respond to words spoken to her. She was a huge cuddle monster, and would let me snuggle my arms around her at night. To this day, I still miss her very much.
Back to the present. *sigh*
Yesterday, I was fiddling with things around The Cottage. When I went to the back of the house, where my bedroom is located, I spotted a Cleo look-alike. She was a Tortie, of course, and had the same coloring as Cleo. She was a smaller, younger version, but her eyes had that same quality that Cleo had......curiosity and inquisitiveness, darting from location to location, trying not to miss anything.
She was sitting quietly at the patio door. She was peering inside, tying to see what she could see, and looking like she might want to come inside for a visit (which would NOT have been a good thing, seeing as BJ is the resident cottage kitty). When I went for my camera, she took off in search of flies, so I couldn't get a snap of her.
....but just wait until next time...and I think there will be a next time.
................Sweetie
I was going to write about my Introductory Drum Lesson, but another, more pressing, topic, required addressing.
My Cleo is reincarnated and appearing at my patio door. Not quite.
Some of you remember Cleo. She was the smartest, most attentive little Tortie. She was my most favoured kitty of all the kitties that we had (well, okay, BJ has maybe now taken first place as my Numero Uno, just because he has been there for me through everything). Cleo went to kitty heaven when she was 17 years old, but she had a grand life, I think. She was spoiled, as was I, but gave back in so many ways. She would greet us at the door when we would return home from work. She was a talker, and could respond to words spoken to her. She was a huge cuddle monster, and would let me snuggle my arms around her at night. To this day, I still miss her very much.
Back to the present. *sigh*
Yesterday, I was fiddling with things around The Cottage. When I went to the back of the house, where my bedroom is located, I spotted a Cleo look-alike. She was a Tortie, of course, and had the same coloring as Cleo. She was a smaller, younger version, but her eyes had that same quality that Cleo had......curiosity and inquisitiveness, darting from location to location, trying not to miss anything.
She was sitting quietly at the patio door. She was peering inside, tying to see what she could see, and looking like she might want to come inside for a visit (which would NOT have been a good thing, seeing as BJ is the resident cottage kitty). When I went for my camera, she took off in search of flies, so I couldn't get a snap of her.
....but just wait until next time...and I think there will be a next time.
................Sweetie
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Horoscope
New discoveries will provide excitement for you. This day will be a stimulating one that will hold many pleasant surprises and outcomes. If you are not flexible, this could be nerve-wracking. Teaching, lecturing, performing, selling, demonstrating--any activity that puts you in front of the public in positive ways are where you can be found this afternoon. Your wisdom and the way you portray your ideas to others will help guide people at times when you may not know. Time is on your side this evening . . . whatever you involve yourself with now will be successful. Perhaps after such a busy day, you will enjoy some form of relaxation. Certainly, any strain in a love relationship will benefit from your relaxed undivided attention.
This is my horoscope for today. For all of the non-believers and non-subscribers....pfeh! You can stop reading right now. :)
Lately, my daily horoscopes have been pretty dead-on. For me, this particular horoscope was just screaming for a post today, because it is just so, so, accurate with regard to the performing aspect.....at least my interpretation of it anyway.
Tonight I will have my first drum lesson on a full drum kit. This has been a secret passion for me, which only a few people know about........and now you guys.
When I listen to music, I usually use my hands in some sort of drum banging motion...tapping on the table or whatever. When I do the percussion thing, I usually incorporate some form of tapping with the Cabasa.
And so it got me to thinking.....
Then, one day, there was an ad in the local paper for Drum Lessons, so I called to inquire. This is purely experimental at this point, but I am going to give it a whirl.
..............and we'll see where it leads.
..........................and, as usual, look out!
This is my horoscope for today. For all of the non-believers and non-subscribers....pfeh! You can stop reading right now. :)
Lately, my daily horoscopes have been pretty dead-on. For me, this particular horoscope was just screaming for a post today, because it is just so, so, accurate with regard to the performing aspect.....at least my interpretation of it anyway.
Tonight I will have my first drum lesson on a full drum kit. This has been a secret passion for me, which only a few people know about........and now you guys.
When I listen to music, I usually use my hands in some sort of drum banging motion...tapping on the table or whatever. When I do the percussion thing, I usually incorporate some form of tapping with the Cabasa.
And so it got me to thinking.....
Then, one day, there was an ad in the local paper for Drum Lessons, so I called to inquire. This is purely experimental at this point, but I am going to give it a whirl.
..............and we'll see where it leads.
..........................and, as usual, look out!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
New Life
Quite a few people have been choosing this term lately when referring to my circumstance....."adjusting to my new life". When I actually sit down and reflect on what the words mean, it is ironic. I mean, we only have one life. We are born into this world once. We don't get a second life or a new life. We have the same old life that we had, only different. That said, we may get a second chance at making a different life, whether we like it or not.
I prefer to say making a different life for myself. The key to that phrase is "for myself". For the past 6 weeks, and actually for the 5 months prior to that, I have been carving a new path in my life journey, because, after all, it is a journey.....my journey....an unshared journey with unique experiences. Each day presents something new to challenge me, be it small or large, and somehow I'm not doing to badly.
I have earned a few things about myself that I never knew before.
- I can live alone (well okay, with BJ...because he is the bestest company), and not be lonely.
- In all likelihood, I will not marry again.
- I don't have to eat dinner if I don't want to...and I usually don't.
- I enjoy mowing the lawn....but most of my male neighbours seem to want to help me for some reason....must be the construction boots with the shorts.
- I appreciate how my next door neighbour looks out for me like he's my brother....at least that's how I refer to him....
- I like how my furniture doesn't really match...but it doesn't have to...just sayin'.
- I am pretty good at assembling things...even though I may curse at the inevitable hiccups.
- I love destroying things....even though I may, again, curse at the inevitable hiccups.
- Power tools still scare me, but less so....now they empower me somewhat....and nothing has fallen down yet either.
- The men in the hardware store no longer look for the man of the house to talk to. Now they have to deal with me and my string of inevitable questions. Poor them.
- I get to work out at 3 different gyms, and I have tripled the number of people that I have met by doing so...and, yes, they are learning to experience Mau.
- I love accompanying the band every week. That has been, and continues to be my escape pod.....and now I even have my own bag of instruments....so look out.
- I love my backyard space, with the Bluejays, Cardinals, Chickadees, Hummingbirds, Chipmunks, and Squirrels. I even know where the vegetable garden will go....eventually.
- Backyard campfires are nice at night...especially the past few chilly evenings.
- I like Tiki torches in my garden..Tiki torches are cool....the tribe has spoken.
I am thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am grasping it with both arms extended.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
A Freebie a Week
There is an antique shop closeby, which I visit regularly. The shop is quaint, and packed with all kinds of treasures, well, treasures to me....they may not be treasures to someone else. Since my house is old, I have found a few things that fit in well here. Today I picked up an antique mirror, which has a cubby for keys.... for an insanely low price. I also have the most perfect spot for it too. As I was leaving, I spotted a sterling necklace chain, one which has the most unique linking that I have ever seen....again for an insanely low price.
But, even though I manage to find something to buy, the highlight of the day is always the freebie part. One day, I was given a sterling silver heart that had an opal in it. Another day I was handed an antique money bank. Today, it was a Victorian sterling locket look-alike.
A freebie a week keeps the antique geek happy and meek.
:)
But, even though I manage to find something to buy, the highlight of the day is always the freebie part. One day, I was given a sterling silver heart that had an opal in it. Another day I was handed an antique money bank. Today, it was a Victorian sterling locket look-alike.
A freebie a week keeps the antique geek happy and meek.
:)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stunned Silence
When I left the gym this evening, I glanced up at the televisions which were displaying some shocking news... ..that Michael Jackson was dead. Now, I am sitting here in stunned silence, watching the assorted coverage of his life.
Love him or hate him, he was one of the world's top performers. Remember the MoonWalk, and that silver glove, and Thriller.
I will mostly recall him as the adorable little guy with the Jackson 5. He was one of the five brothers who went on to be something huge.
Yes, he had a sordid past which overshadowed everything else that was possibly positive. Yes, he was a child molestor. Yes, he was a little strange. But he was also incredibly generous, probably almost to a fault. Remember Neverland.
He will now join Farrah Fawcett, who also left this earth today. Though her passing was expected, the beloved Charlie's Angel is now at peace.
Two great people gone in one day. Life is short and oh so fragile.
Love him or hate him, he was one of the world's top performers. Remember the MoonWalk, and that silver glove, and Thriller.
I will mostly recall him as the adorable little guy with the Jackson 5. He was one of the five brothers who went on to be something huge.
Yes, he had a sordid past which overshadowed everything else that was possibly positive. Yes, he was a child molestor. Yes, he was a little strange. But he was also incredibly generous, probably almost to a fault. Remember Neverland.
He will now join Farrah Fawcett, who also left this earth today. Though her passing was expected, the beloved Charlie's Angel is now at peace.
Two great people gone in one day. Life is short and oh so fragile.
Scratcher
I may have coined a new term here. A new term for me that is.
One of my favourite hobbies is making my own cards from scratch. I use scrapbooking materials, but I also like to use other things as well, hence the scratch term. Now, in most circles, and Sue is the most knowledgeable about this, the term Scrapbooking is used, and the people who practice it are known as Scrapbookers or Scrappers. These folks also work their creative magic and turn precious mementos into scrapbooks.
I don't enjoy doing this as much as making cards.
So, I guess that makes me either a Scrapcarder or a Scratcher.
....but feel free to coin a proper term for what I do....
One of my favourite hobbies is making my own cards from scratch. I use scrapbooking materials, but I also like to use other things as well, hence the scratch term. Now, in most circles, and Sue is the most knowledgeable about this, the term Scrapbooking is used, and the people who practice it are known as Scrapbookers or Scrappers. These folks also work their creative magic and turn precious mementos into scrapbooks.
I don't enjoy doing this as much as making cards.
So, I guess that makes me either a Scrapcarder or a Scratcher.
....but feel free to coin a proper term for what I do....
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bits and Bites
I acquired My Sweetie's tools....many of them....most of which I haven't a clue what to do with. I do know that some of them weigh a ton. and may need a small forklift in order to move them around...kidding! Now I am okay with some tools, usually the manual kind, but the electric rechargeable scares me a bit (did you get the word pun there?!?).
The first part of this fear dealt with the fact that the drill only had one drill bit. Of course, the screws that I had needed different bits. Unable to find the rest of them, I bought a neat set of 'things'....since there is no instruction manual (and I am really into instruction manuals, since that is what I create for a living) I was at a loss as to what these pieces all do. The guy in the store rattled off the purpose of each (he is smaaaaart...like most men when it comes to tools and such), but once I arrived home, I sat on the couch and stared at the box...unable to even open it.
So, I did my evening routine, and after dinner, I started to tinker with the drill and the 'bits'. Not so bad. This goes here. That goes there. This attaches to that. Simple right? Well, yes, pretty much. I have a piece of wood that is now my test piece, and I am not doing too badly.
So I have a couple of projects which will require me to use The Drill. No sweat ;)
p.s. - I also plan to visit Home D when they have their courses For Ladies Only....
The first part of this fear dealt with the fact that the drill only had one drill bit. Of course, the screws that I had needed different bits. Unable to find the rest of them, I bought a neat set of 'things'....since there is no instruction manual (and I am really into instruction manuals, since that is what I create for a living) I was at a loss as to what these pieces all do. The guy in the store rattled off the purpose of each (he is smaaaaart...like most men when it comes to tools and such), but once I arrived home, I sat on the couch and stared at the box...unable to even open it.
So, I did my evening routine, and after dinner, I started to tinker with the drill and the 'bits'. Not so bad. This goes here. That goes there. This attaches to that. Simple right? Well, yes, pretty much. I have a piece of wood that is now my test piece, and I am not doing too badly.
So I have a couple of projects which will require me to use The Drill. No sweat ;)
p.s. - I also plan to visit Home D when they have their courses For Ladies Only....
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Voice from a Window
First of all, I want to thank those who have returned to visit my blog. It is nice to see followers once again, and to follow on a regular basis.
In a past post, I talked a bit about where I now live. The area has a mish-mush of residents. Some are single (actually a LOT are single), but there are also quite a few families (I know this because the school bus route passes by my window, and I get to see the little buttons meeting up with their Mommies).
There are also a few century homes here. At first, I thought that these homes were inhabited by a single family. I later learned that these places have been converted into multiple apartments. One of these buildings is across the street from me, containing four apartments. All of the residents are quiet, in fact. I have only seen one of them.
Until today....when I heard a voice from one of the upper windows.
The building is for sale, and the owner is usually there to try and fix one thing or another. While he was there today, I looked out and saw him looking up and talking to one of the upper windows. The voice was asking for something cold to drink ?!? Now, I have been here almost a month, and have never seen anyone there.
Maybe vampires?!?
In a past post, I talked a bit about where I now live. The area has a mish-mush of residents. Some are single (actually a LOT are single), but there are also quite a few families (I know this because the school bus route passes by my window, and I get to see the little buttons meeting up with their Mommies).
There are also a few century homes here. At first, I thought that these homes were inhabited by a single family. I later learned that these places have been converted into multiple apartments. One of these buildings is across the street from me, containing four apartments. All of the residents are quiet, in fact. I have only seen one of them.
Until today....when I heard a voice from one of the upper windows.
The building is for sale, and the owner is usually there to try and fix one thing or another. While he was there today, I looked out and saw him looking up and talking to one of the upper windows. The voice was asking for something cold to drink ?!? Now, I have been here almost a month, and have never seen anyone there.
Maybe vampires?!?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
New Hobbies
A few months ago, I began meeting up with one of my cousins at an establishment which featured a Blues Jam. What is a Blues Jam you may ask. Well, it is an afternoon of, mostly, blues music, with the stage featuring a core group of talented musicians. In addition, anyone can get up and join in, either in a vocal capacity or with any instrument they play. On any Sunday there might be sax players, trumpet players, slide guitars, and the list goes on. Lately, there have been two very talented young guitarists - one who is 16 and plays like the next Stevie Ray, and the other who is classically trained, but can play anything. Both of these fellows always command the attention of the audience. We also have a keyboard player who used to play with the band Max Webster.
Now, for the longest time, I would just be a part of the audience. I would order a light lunch and become immersed in the music, escaping the world for a few hours. It was also a fine opportunity to bond with my cousin. Then one day I was asked if I could sing backup on a song or two. Now, I can sing. I sang in the Sears choir for 5 years. I sing in the shower and in the car, but have never sung into a microphone...in front of people....until this one day. But, when I finally did this, I had a blast. I even had a few people come up to me later saying 'I didn't know that you could sing'. I was thrilled. After that, I continually kept coming out to the Blues Jam, and would pick up the odd percussion instrument...tambourine, shakers, maracas, whatever was handy.
Today, the jam was at one of the band members homes in the country, with the stage set up on his deck. What a perfect day. I was onstage for the entire afternoon. I played various percussion instruments. I sang backup a few times. But, the greatest part of this is that I learned that I am going to have a dedicated mike for me!!!
woohoo!!!~
Stay tuned.....
Now, for the longest time, I would just be a part of the audience. I would order a light lunch and become immersed in the music, escaping the world for a few hours. It was also a fine opportunity to bond with my cousin. Then one day I was asked if I could sing backup on a song or two. Now, I can sing. I sang in the Sears choir for 5 years. I sing in the shower and in the car, but have never sung into a microphone...in front of people....until this one day. But, when I finally did this, I had a blast. I even had a few people come up to me later saying 'I didn't know that you could sing'. I was thrilled. After that, I continually kept coming out to the Blues Jam, and would pick up the odd percussion instrument...tambourine, shakers, maracas, whatever was handy.
Today, the jam was at one of the band members homes in the country, with the stage set up on his deck. What a perfect day. I was onstage for the entire afternoon. I played various percussion instruments. I sang backup a few times. But, the greatest part of this is that I learned that I am going to have a dedicated mike for me!!!
woohoo!!!~
Stay tuned.....
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Cottage
Two weeks ago, I moved away from Barrie and closer to the city, but still outside in a relatively small town. My house is referred to as The Cottage, and the surrounding nearby area is referred to is similar to a cottage community.....small, quaint, and friendly. This is not suburbia with cookie cutter homes. The houses are all quite old, and have their own sense of character (and, yes, there is a melange of characters that may dwell here). There are big, old trees everywhere. I have a woodpecker who lives on top of the telephone pole just outside my house. There are cardinals and bluejays, squirrels, and many neighbourhood cats.
I have a garden and a backyard that I am not quite sure what to do with yet, in fact, I am slightly intimidated by all of it. Maybe there are garden teachers out there who give lessons on these things.
BJ has settled in pretty nicely. He spends the nights with me, and part of the day. He has found a neat spot of ducting, and there he prefers to hide when strangers visit. I am okay with this. I can always go and see him whenever I want, since I know where that spot is. He is happy and I am happy if he is happy. He has also discovered the windows, which allow him to see 'stuff'. I think he likes that too.
This afternoon, I spent some time with a Contractor who is going to do some work for me. This is Contractor #2, however. Contractor #1 was supposed to be doing the work once I moved in, but there were a few problems. For one, he never returned my phone calls, and for another, due to his nationality, I could not understand him (and I have the strong feeling that he could not answer me as well). Contractor #2 came as a referral through another referral. So far, I am quite happy with what he has been doing.,,,and he is Irish...so I understand him (yay!). He even came shopping with me today to pick out a new door for the side of the house, and window blinds (since most of my windows were bare, and I was tired of feeling that I was living in a fish bowl). He even installed 4 of the crucial ones for me....another yay! I think that Contractor #2 is going to work out fine.
Have a good weekend peeps....
I have a garden and a backyard that I am not quite sure what to do with yet, in fact, I am slightly intimidated by all of it. Maybe there are garden teachers out there who give lessons on these things.
BJ has settled in pretty nicely. He spends the nights with me, and part of the day. He has found a neat spot of ducting, and there he prefers to hide when strangers visit. I am okay with this. I can always go and see him whenever I want, since I know where that spot is. He is happy and I am happy if he is happy. He has also discovered the windows, which allow him to see 'stuff'. I think he likes that too.
This afternoon, I spent some time with a Contractor who is going to do some work for me. This is Contractor #2, however. Contractor #1 was supposed to be doing the work once I moved in, but there were a few problems. For one, he never returned my phone calls, and for another, due to his nationality, I could not understand him (and I have the strong feeling that he could not answer me as well). Contractor #2 came as a referral through another referral. So far, I am quite happy with what he has been doing.,,,and he is Irish...so I understand him (yay!). He even came shopping with me today to pick out a new door for the side of the house, and window blinds (since most of my windows were bare, and I was tired of feeling that I was living in a fish bowl). He even installed 4 of the crucial ones for me....another yay! I think that Contractor #2 is going to work out fine.
Have a good weekend peeps....
Thursday, June 18, 2009
It's Been A Long Time Coming
Gonna be a long time gone.....
Those were some lyrics from a CSNY song....and with that, something to signal my return to the blogworld.
Now, what to talk about. Well, I could discuss the weather...the crappy and cold weather that has befallen us. But no. Not the weather.
I could discuss work. Nah. Work is work, and besides, everybody seems to find it necessary to discuss work for some reason. So no. Not work.
Hmmm. This leaves me with a few hot options for possible topics. Like Farmer's Markets. Yes, the Farmer's Markets are opening everywhere. I went to my very first one last Saturday. It was very cool, especially since I can walk there. So I grabbed my travel cup of tea and my knapsack and headed out. The old downtown here is quite small and quant. The vendors were all friendly and managed to have something in store for everyone. I picked up a basket of veggies containing an orange pepper, small cucumbers, 2 tomatoes and 4 potatoes. Cool. This menagerie provided for some nice salad fixings throughout the week. I also picked up a blueberry streudel and a raisin sourdough bread, which I sliced, bagged and stored in the freezer to be enjoyed throughout the week. Sweet.
Wow...so glad that I got that off my chest :)
Those were some lyrics from a CSNY song....and with that, something to signal my return to the blogworld.
Now, what to talk about. Well, I could discuss the weather...the crappy and cold weather that has befallen us. But no. Not the weather.
I could discuss work. Nah. Work is work, and besides, everybody seems to find it necessary to discuss work for some reason. So no. Not work.
Hmmm. This leaves me with a few hot options for possible topics. Like Farmer's Markets. Yes, the Farmer's Markets are opening everywhere. I went to my very first one last Saturday. It was very cool, especially since I can walk there. So I grabbed my travel cup of tea and my knapsack and headed out. The old downtown here is quite small and quant. The vendors were all friendly and managed to have something in store for everyone. I picked up a basket of veggies containing an orange pepper, small cucumbers, 2 tomatoes and 4 potatoes. Cool. This menagerie provided for some nice salad fixings throughout the week. I also picked up a blueberry streudel and a raisin sourdough bread, which I sliced, bagged and stored in the freezer to be enjoyed throughout the week. Sweet.
Wow...so glad that I got that off my chest :)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
The End.....
When I first began this blog, I had high hopes for it. I certainly didn't want it to become one of those blogs where I ended up discussing what I ate for lunch, but I am afraid that is how it may have sounded sometimes. To me, that is just plain droll.
Along the way, things changed. I went from being an anonymous writer to a writer with a name, and a family, and a personality. In retrospect I prefer the anonymity.
My life is quite upset right now, and I have reverted to more personal areas for writing. I have no need to publicize anything online. There really is no purpose in that.
Suffice it so say that it is now time to re-evaluate things.....what my blog's purpose is, if indeed it has one, and what my purpose is.
The title was always the direction that I wanted to take. It was about time...time was, for me, the indicator and driver of my posts, but the well is a bit dry these days, and I need new inspiration.
Perhaps when things settle down I will return, but for now my blog and I need a break.
Along the way, things changed. I went from being an anonymous writer to a writer with a name, and a family, and a personality. In retrospect I prefer the anonymity.
My life is quite upset right now, and I have reverted to more personal areas for writing. I have no need to publicize anything online. There really is no purpose in that.
Suffice it so say that it is now time to re-evaluate things.....what my blog's purpose is, if indeed it has one, and what my purpose is.
The title was always the direction that I wanted to take. It was about time...time was, for me, the indicator and driver of my posts, but the well is a bit dry these days, and I need new inspiration.
Perhaps when things settle down I will return, but for now my blog and I need a break.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tag!
It has been a long time since I have dine this. Fellow bloggers, I have been tagged by Sue's Blog
You are all familiar with the drill. Answer the following 10 questions and then tag 6 other bloggers.
I now tag the following blogger folks:
My Spirit's Journey
Skittles' Place
Dork-O-Rama: The Random Thoughts of a Total Goofball
Down River Drivel
The Quarter Life Chronicles
Calabar Gal
You are all familiar with the drill. Answer the following 10 questions and then tag 6 other bloggers.
- Diamonds or pearls?
- What was the last movie you saw?
- What do you eat for breakfast?
- What is the second first name on your birth certificate?
- What are the foods you would never eat?
- Coffee or tea?
- If you were a colour, which one would it be?
- Who was the last person you spoke on the phone to?
- What is your favorite day of the week?
- If you could take off on a plane today, where would you go?
Diamonds. Pure and simple.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
OJ, and tea are the mainstays. It then varies from oatmeal to cereal mix to English muffin and peanut butter.
Ann
Oysters...olives
Tea
Yellow
A friend.
Wednesday...I always like to have something to look forward to...the end of the week.
Hawaii
I now tag the following blogger folks:
My Spirit's Journey
Skittles' Place
Dork-O-Rama: The Random Thoughts of a Total Goofball
Down River Drivel
The Quarter Life Chronicles
Calabar Gal
Sunday, March 08, 2009
I Am A Home Owner!!!
I just bought my first house...on my own. ...just me and the Agent.
...and I am ecstatic!!!!
......over the moon ecstatic!!!
This is the first time that I will be living alone and on my own. This is a new experience for me, but I feel as though I am being guided throughout this process....perhaps through past experience, or maybe just through faith, but wherever that assistance is coming from, it is making me a stronger person.
There had been much hunting prior to this little gem, and I viewed some pretty bad properties, but yesterday I found my space...my deal. I knew from the moment that I stepped on the outside steps that this felt right...and I was not disappointed when I went inside. It felt warm and inviting, cozy and comfortable. I felt connected.
It is a small detached bungalow, also referred to as a Vet's house...homes which were built during the War time for the Veteran's who came back from the war. My parents had an opportunity to buy one of these homes when my Dad returned from WWII, but they never followed through. I guess that I am fulfilling that.
The house has a front porch, which is also a entry mud room.
The living room has a gas fireplace, 2 windows and another teeny window.
The living room leads to the kitchen, a sweet little kitchen with 2 windows, 3 appliances, and a side door to the private driveway and detached garage.
(Note that I can see the entire house from the kitchen!!).
The kitchen, of course, leads to the cozy dining room.
There is one bathroom, a bedroom which will be my office.
The highlight, for me, is the Master which has an entire wall of patio doors which open out to the HUGE backyard, complete with beautiful big trees.
The basement is a full basement that is partially finished, but which has loads of storage space (but I really wish they would leave the punching equipment :)))
When I said that this was THE deal for me, I wasn't kidding. Everything has been done....new CAC, new roof, new windows and doors, new floors, new furnace, nicely painted.
The place is only waiting for me to 'bring it'....and I plan to.
Wish me luck!
...and I am ecstatic!!!!
......over the moon ecstatic!!!
This is the first time that I will be living alone and on my own. This is a new experience for me, but I feel as though I am being guided throughout this process....perhaps through past experience, or maybe just through faith, but wherever that assistance is coming from, it is making me a stronger person.
There had been much hunting prior to this little gem, and I viewed some pretty bad properties, but yesterday I found my space...my deal. I knew from the moment that I stepped on the outside steps that this felt right...and I was not disappointed when I went inside. It felt warm and inviting, cozy and comfortable. I felt connected.
It is a small detached bungalow, also referred to as a Vet's house...homes which were built during the War time for the Veteran's who came back from the war. My parents had an opportunity to buy one of these homes when my Dad returned from WWII, but they never followed through. I guess that I am fulfilling that.
The house has a front porch, which is also a entry mud room.
The living room has a gas fireplace, 2 windows and another teeny window.
The living room leads to the kitchen, a sweet little kitchen with 2 windows, 3 appliances, and a side door to the private driveway and detached garage.
(Note that I can see the entire house from the kitchen!!).
The kitchen, of course, leads to the cozy dining room.
There is one bathroom, a bedroom which will be my office.
The highlight, for me, is the Master which has an entire wall of patio doors which open out to the HUGE backyard, complete with beautiful big trees.
The basement is a full basement that is partially finished, but which has loads of storage space (but I really wish they would leave the punching equipment :)))
When I said that this was THE deal for me, I wasn't kidding. Everything has been done....new CAC, new roof, new windows and doors, new floors, new furnace, nicely painted.
The place is only waiting for me to 'bring it'....and I plan to.
Wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)