My quest for a greater QUANTITY continues TAKEN: APRIL 17th, 2018 |
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Q IS FOR QUANTITY
From the April -Z Blogging archives.
Monday, April 19, 2021
P IS FOR PARADISE
From the April A-Z Blogging archives
This was originally posted April 19th, 2016
The beachfront at our rental home in Elbow Cay, Abocos, Bahamas. (Photo credit & rental heads up to my very good buddy JCW) TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2015 |
I’d be lying if I wrote that my deep yearning to head to Aruba was just for the stamp in my passport. Though that’s definitely part of it, when I was young my parents always said 'when they took their first trip to an island paradise, they'd be walking on the white sands in Aruba.' Suffice is to say my mother was gone before they ever had the chance to take that trip.
Saturday, April 17, 2021
O IS FOR OPTIMISTIC
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.This was originally posted April 17th, 2014
April 17th, 2014 - OPTIMISTIC |
Zero. Zip. Nada. Nothing. Zilch.
Friday, April 16, 2021
N IS FOR NOSTALGIC
From the April A-Z Blogging archivesThis was originally posted April 16th, 2013
April 16th, 2013 - NOSTALGIC Taken: June 2012 |
Thursday, April 15, 2021
M IS FOR MIAMI MOJITO
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
L IS FOR LAUGHTER
From the A-Z Blogging archivesThis was originally posted on April 14, 2013
April 14th, 2013 - LAUGHTER Taken: April 2008 |
Have a great day all, and remember to keep that frown turned upside down!
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
K IS FOR KNOWING
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.
This was originally posted April 13th, 2020
This isn't going away tomorrow!
Sunday, April 11, 2021
J IS FOR JUKEBOX
My son Jukebox, singing in the finals of Muskoka Voice! TAKEN: AUGUST 2018 |
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.Originally posted April 11th, 2020.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
I IS FOR IMPOSSIBLE
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.This was originally posted April 10th, 2015.
You're only as old as you feel...! TAKEN: APRIL 9th, 2015 |
Friday, April 9, 2021
H IS FOR HEARTFELT
Thursday, April 8, 2021
G IS FOR GIFT
From the Aprill A-Z Blogging archives.This was originally posted on April 8th, 2014
I have been married for almost a quarter century, and the earrings were not from my husband. My comment wasn't to share about the earrings per se, but to illustrate the fact that gifting has never been something I have a whole lot of experience with.
April 8th, 2013 - GIFTS Taken: Myrtle Beach SC (Xmas 1997) |
After all these years together, by refraining from the exercise, sometimes I wonder if that's why neither of us aren't even remotely materialistic people
When it comes to us, there's never been some underlying expectation that the next gift will out shine the last.
Both of us were raised to appreciate that the best gifts in life come from the heart rather than from a shopping mall. I wish I could admit that when it came to our children we didn't over indulge, but at least we always tried to make them prioritize what they desired most.
At the end of the day, the earrings may have been the most expensive gift I have ever been given, but they are nowhere near my most treasured by far. That gift, is something that I have just recently given myself.
It's called hope.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
F IS FOR FACING FEAR
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.
This was originally posted April 7th, 2016.
Just waiting for the right wave. TAKEN: APRIL 7th, 2016 |
My eldest boy surfed yesterday and he was amazed just how hard it was.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
E IS FOR EXCITED
From the April A-Z Challenge archives.
This was originally posted April 6th, 2017.
Headed to New Orleans with my Timmies! TAKEN: APRIL 6th, 2017 |
Monday, April 5, 2021
D IS FOR DECADES
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.
This was originally posted April 4th, 2020
Pretty Curls TAKEN: DECEMBER 1969 |
Lake Louise with my Mama TAKEN: JULY 1976 |
High School Daze TAKEN: MAY 1984 |
Tampa, Florida TAKEN: APRIL 1989 |
Labour Day Monday at Santa's Village TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 1996 |
The summer we lived at the cottage. TAKEN: JULY 2002 |
Sweetie & Me ~ Westin Harbour Castle TAKEN: MAY 2008 |
Top of El Arco - Mazatlan, Mexico TAKEN: NOVEMBER 2019 |
Saturday, April 3, 2021
C IS FOR CAMERA
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.
This was originally posted April 3rd, 2013
April 3rd, 2013 - CAMERA Taken: March 29th, 2013 |
Friday, April 2, 2021
B IS FOR BRAT
From the April A-Z Blogging archives.
This was originally posted April 2nd, 2015
Annie watching Puddie & Dot run the golf course. TAKEN: MARCH 15th, 2014 |
Thursday, April 1, 2021
A IS FOR AMBITION
'JUST SHOW UP EACH AND EVERYDAY' ~ W.J. Schneider DOT's PIC TAKEN: March 31st, 2014 |
I’m not talking about the kind of ambition it takes to get the hell out of bed the morning, after you and your best girl friend decided to solve World Peace until the break of dawn on the cottage dock. I'm talking about your internal drive that literally comes from within.
You know, the passion and desire to always keep growing, which in turn has you moving forward and never giving up. The kind of ambition that's really easy to talk about and extremely hard to replicate.
What can I say? One post down and twenty six to go. Thank you so very much for having the ambition to finish reading my very first of this challenge.
Dot and I (and the next twenty five letters of the alphabet) are truly grateful that you're reading!
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
LIFE LESSON #883
Though I wasn't the bully, the hard fact is the ones making fun of her were also the ones continually making fun of me. The single difference between she and I was that I got to walk around in their presence. To this day, those that treated the two us that way, are generally still the same; ill informed, overbearing and insecure.
One of my teen year bullies snapped this pic! (Introducing my one time blog costar: Dusty) TAKEN: WINTER 1983 |
I use to be remorseful at how I forced our friendship to end, yet everyday I am grateful I finally did.
My point tonight is that in watching the local crossing guard limp way, I was offered an instant 30+ year flashback. I instantly envisioned all of us standing in that high school atrium on that very day.
The saddest part to my story?
In mid-life, that gal is still a part of that specific crew. All these years later, she has become the one they STILL secretly put down behind her back.
For the umpteen time I reaffirm this simple life lesson.... Mean people suck!!
Sunday, February 28, 2021
POLITICAL HAIR DAZE
In this electronic offering, I would like to discuss something as simple as the fact that I was privileged enough to get my hair cut and coloured in Simcoe-Muskoka last week.
As proof of how truly grateful I am, I have attached before and after selfies illustrating my being provided a much needed personal service that I took completely for granted.
Before and After: With selfie photoshoots happening less than a month apart. TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2021 |
Before I begin my rant, I would like to insert a caveat. With all we have happening in the world right now, I wake up every morning making an honest effort to be politically diplomatic. Meaning... 'to say nothing, especially when speaking, is half the art of diplomacy.’
I will acknowledge the fact that I’m sure you're perplexed out of the gate with the concept of my saying ‘nothing.’ My choice isn't because I have decided to shy away from the comfort of confrontation, more because in the last year I tend to gut check before I engage online with a person that is being irrational; to ensure that they are NOT going to be doing the same thing.
That said, though I have my own ideas on how we got to today, I was wondering if anyone else (specifically in Ontario) feel like the tail is now officially wagging the dog?
Why has cart sanitation and hazard pay at the local box stores disappeared, yet my amazing hairdresser with only one chair, obsessed to comply with every safety aspect thrown at her, expected struggle to generate honest revenue and pay bills?
It makes no sense.
The fact that the 'essential' weed shop in the sleepy little town where I live is an uber small business with a line up around the corner and down the lane, yet for months I couldn't get a haircut in a shop with a single chair. Even more baffling's that the elementary schools remain open here after cases are confirmed in students, and people still can't get a f*ucking haircut!
Look, I know I am scratching a scab that has been puss filled for a year. But we are locked down in Muskoka again thanks to a supposed 'UK variant' that has landed from Ireland. How did it get here?
At this point, because we aren't allowed to travel, my best guess makes me wonder if it landed on the lid of a can of Guinness sold at the local LCBO, that slipped into the store cooler after refusing to wear mask.
That said, did you hear? I got my hair done. We wore masks and everything!
Had it been 72 hours later? My gal would have lost her license!!
#rantcomplete #yagottalaughaboutit #totalbullshit #limitededition
Sunday, January 31, 2021
JANUARY JUGGERNAUT
For the last decade, Friday mornings in January had me check the weather to see how low the temperature was expected to dip within the coming 48 hours. This weekly tradition helped me understand how my weekend was going to be spent (-10C registered as balmy and -25C as housebound).
If I was lucky enough to be blessed with a mild winter, one of the two days had me strap on my snowshoes and head out with the pups. Nine times out of ten I would land at the cottage but if I did not have the luxury of half the day to myself, the golf course across the street was an excellent option for my weekly ritual.
A few years ago, when our beloved Dotti's hips began to be an issue, my biggest winter priority was ensuring she had a series of snowshoed paths for easy access around the lower level of our yard, so she would never struggle when out to do her stinky winter thing with nature.
With our Puddin’ entering her twilight years, it seemed my winter weekends were once again destine to be spent blazing trails with my showshoes. With her general lack of speed and muscle mass, I knew she would be appreciative to be able to navigate her turf with general freedom; and yours truly, grateful for the outdoor exercise.
That said, with my husband having his own personal health setback at Thanksgiving, he too is in search of whatever exercise he can easily accomplish.
You can tell by the picture I am sharing (which I snapped standing in my showshoes) that my trails are getting an updated facelift, and my longstanding pup efforts are being replaced.
Can't stop change, only manage it! #yagottalaughaboutit TAKEN: JANUARY 31st, 2021 |
I don't mind his initiative, I honestly don't. My girls will love their new trails that are wider and much easier for them to navigate.
I guess my wee issue is that this whole lockdown situation has NOT been my friend.
I may do my best to do my due diligence in the exercise department - only to come back into the house and enjoy a plethora of warm milk and cookies.
I know I have no one to blame but myself. But I will say, that not spending an hour every morning on my appearance to head into an office job, has enabled my keen ability to shroud myself in clothing that masks the number of calories being enjoyed at any given yummy juncture.
Wanting to embrace my glass half full, I have decided to shift my mindset to an uber positive outlook as my appearance changes.
My new mantra? I prefer not to think of myself as overweight...
Just substantially easier to see!!
#missionaccomplished
Sunday, January 17, 2021
HARD DRIVE DOLLAR DAZE
Over the holiday break, I decided to clean the crawlspace underneath our beautiful front entrance stairs. This 'out of sight out of mind' task can only be described as the long brewing perfect storm of general guilt, individual curiosity, and ultimate discovery.
Neatly tucked away, when you opened the door you were greeted by a gloomy space filled with decorations, old video game paraphernalia and the remains of what I decided to store when I disassembled my marketing firm after the banks fell back in 2008.
Around the corner and under the actual stairs, where the single light bulb couldn't reach, was a massive technical graveyard. A segregated area full of old laptops the kids killed, and any desktop towers I had been blessed to receive the blue screen of death on.
It was also where old printers, monitors, scanners, and ink cartridges from my digital press were also laid to rest. And it wasn’t until I began to haul everything into the downstairs living room that I came face with thousands of hard earned and impulse spent technologies dollars looking back at me.
My two office assistants completely ignoring my technology exorcism. TAKEN: DECEMBER 27th, 2020 |
Thursday, December 31, 2020
REMEMBERING 2020
Most Significant Moment: The arrival and living with COVID-19.
Everything from the toilet paper crisis (the centre pic was my rare cottage find when there was none left within the Province of Ontario), to the end of Donald Trump as the President of the United States.
I feel 2020 was the year of solitude; served with a side dish of hatred and divide!
TAKEN: Throughout 2020 |
January: I participated in a five weekend advanced digital marketing (in-class course) in downtown Toronto. An amazing and eye opening experience!
February: Jukebox and his band headlined a local event that was sold-out and attended by all, including my bestie @veronekak.
March: Our entire community rallied around our childhood friend as he battled a very debilitating illness. This event, held Saturday March 7th, 2020, was the last time I was out socially before the initial pandemic lockdown took effect.
April: The unexpected and very premature passing of my husbands step father from ALS. Rest in peace Ivy!
May: No longer able to live normally because of Covid-19, we moved full time to the cottage.
June: We planted and enjoyed tending to our very first cottage vegetable garden. (We have serious plans for expansion in 2021.)
July: We gave Stella, our floating picnic table, a serious facelift and added a trolling motor for speed. She became the talk of the lake.
August: My Sweetie and her sweetie. I captured this Kodak moment the first time JMrex visited the cottage to meet us.
September: I took a step back and made a plan to move forward!!
October: Our tiny bubble enjoyed a Thanksgiving pumpkin carving event. This was also the evening my husband suffered his life altering health issues.
November: The look of the last eight months as we prepare to hunker back in to yet another lockdown.
December: Totally locked back down and hoping this one word is what we all get to experience in 2021.
Sunday, December 27, 2020
TINY BUBBLES
My electronic journal found some bizarre inspiration this morning.
It was when the vinyl record player that is my mind kept hearing the classic 1966 Don Ho lounge lizard tune: Tiny Bubbles . (The song title is a link for those that have yet to have the pleasure.)
Now I'm sure we can all agree my chosen isn't a festive holiday tune, nor a track that plays into the whole 'reason for the season' vibe. Let's face it, as we crawl toward the end of a year so annoying it continually tripped over itself (twenty-twenty), a song about tiny bubbles within a lockdown mandate shouldn't be considered unfathomable.
My tiny bubble. Featuring my amazing Fab Five! TAKEN: DECEMBER 25th, 2020 |
Thursday, December 24, 2020
MY HOLIDAY MUGGING
My hug-a-mugga-fulla-java holiday tradition I truly enjoy. TAKEN: DECEMBER 24th (l-r 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) |
It started a few years back when I began embracing Instagram. The mug became a unique way to send best wishes to the masses whilst embracing my love of taking pictures. Not an online shopper, before purchasing this offering (the mug on the far right) I really did have to search high and low locally.
In the end, I chose the one I did for the one-word explanation it illustrates.
I literally stood in the store talking to myself, wishing the past year had brought more joy and far less angst in so many areas of my life. My 2020 choice resembles what I hope the future will unconditionally bring to everyone. JOY.
Merry Covid Christmas eve everyone. More importantly...
Java GREAT day!
Thursday, December 17, 2020
MY CHUCK B. TREE
A week or so in I noticed my wee Chuck B was not taking on water. The second week I noticed my holiday ribbon beginning to sag. Figuring he was sent to market a month before he became mine, then proudly jimmy rigged him on a glass table so his star could reach the ceiling (next to a large picture window), week three had the inevitable happened. Suffice it to say, I had to officially call his very brittle time of death.
Not one to throw dead needles out before a celebration supper, I decided to refrain from plugging in my beloved 700+ lights until our upcoming Christmas morn.
Meaning, the neatly wrapped gifts will be lit by a lighter shade of green on Chuck's last day, then I will have him serve as my annual Boxing Day quick burn bonfire sacrifice. In a non-religious or Game of Thrones kinda way!
Jokes aside, I’m not even remotely surprised about the general fate of my tree. As a matter a fact, as we head back toward grey-lockdown here in Ontario, I will just add it to my long list of... “I didn’t see that coming at me in 2020." Which also reinforces the important message my buddy Charlie Brown (aka - Chuck B) has been reminding me for decades: “It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters. It’s who’s around it.”
I guess the difference between this year and all others previous, is if you happen to be one of the five in my bubble on Christmas Day, I must ask that you please refrain from standing around the tree with any type of heat bearing or igniting thingamajigs.
Better yet, best ensure ugly holiday sweaters are both flame retardant and cover off at least two of the four hazard categories for arc protection and flame resistance: being the tree itself and a turkey that may burst into flames in the oven.
Guess as a proactive measure, I should promise to have both fire extinguishers and garden hose on standby to keep our wee bubble of visitors safe from any potential and unexpected harm. Which is soothing in itself.
But let's face it....
Who the hell worries about an ongoing lockdown and world pandemic risk when I'm the one cooking a butter-basted bird?!
#yagottalaughaboutit
Sunday, November 22, 2020
SNOW IT STARTS!
My pretty pups posing with my frozen foe! TAKEN: NOVEMBER 16th, 2020 |