I am gonna warn you, I am gonna offend people with this post. It’s inevitable. But only really my Mother in Law and her “friends”. But it’s my opinion and every opinion is valid in some way. (Even if the only reason it’s valid is to enlighten us that it’s the wrong opinion.) This long weekend I was taken to a secluded camp to join Dance Camp. What kind of dance? Well, The Dances of Universal Peace. They mainly consider themselves to be Sufi. I found once I was there that they also reference other religions. Maybe to “unite” them…
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I was at my mom’s many moons ago, and I found the little books they let you make in grade school, even the special hard cover ones. I loved writing even then. But in grade 2,3,4 I was bright-eyed and confident in myself and my writing was courageous…brilliant even. I mean, it was small sentences in grade school language but I had humour and grace. Now I second guess myself and every word seems not good enough. I was in Grade 8 when I got separated in to a different classroom than all of my friends. I became the punching…
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In his book of letters, Jack Kerouac said something that really stuck with me. “So let there be no equivocation about statement, and if you think this is not hard to do, try it. You’ll find that your lies are heavier than your intentions. And your confessions lighter than Heaven. Otherwise, who wants to read? I myself have difficulty covering up my bullshit lies. ” – Jack
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Dear Son. There are many, many things I should teach you. Most of them I haven’t even thought of. The most competitive you should be with any person is with yourself only. Never mind what anyone else is doing. Challenge yourself and always set new goals. There is no such thing as cool, or uncool…. Some of the coolest people were horrible “nerds” in school, and vice versa! It’s all relative. Be patient with people’s differences. You are who you’re supposed to be. Don’t try to be someone else. Whether you are straight or gay, respect the one you’re with.…
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There is something extremely comforting about the smell of coffee. Some studies classify it as a drug and no wonder. It can be intoxicating to me. Freshly brewed has a slightly sticky molasses smell that is delicious. If I walk in to a house that is permeated by that smell I feel like I’m home. Maybe that is strange for such a common smell. The only other smell that makes me feel that comfortable is the pages of books…. Perhaps it’s that the smell reminds me of family? My earliest memories are my mom and dad with coffee breath…
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We have an ant infestation. The mini black ants have taken over the playroom thanks to the poorly sealed basement window, and now have moved up to the kitchen. The other day I moved a toy bin in the basement playroom and the stupid things had made a nest under it! Carpet is not dirt and not a proper nest. Seriously. So I disturbed them last night and this morning they are in the kitchen. When a horde of them ran over my bare feet I was jumping out of my skin! I forced myself to stand there until I…
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What do I feel strongly that my daughter must know to make her world her own, her heart strong, her head successful? Be a compassionate listener. Do not sit there waiting for your turn to speak. Do not think you know everything about that person’s situation or relationship based on one emotional conversation. Truly listen to people and they will for you. It’s good advice for both personal and business conversations. Good leaders have been good listeners, trust me on this. Do not assume that the person wants advice. Maybe they just want you to listen to their opinion. Maybe…
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The new Club House Neon food coloring is really impressive. We have used it in spray bottles to colour snow or the steps outside. We have used it to colour the bath water or the bubbles in the bath. My sister thought of this one. Coloured pancakes with designs. The one that worked out the best was the heart pancake! We will definitely be trying this again.
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I got a thrift store dress that I want to wear every day. I love it. I look cute and pin-up and yet I feel as comfortable in it as pajamas. I do not feel all fussy ‘Dressed UP’. You know what I mean. It’s this dress. I want to love every piece of clothing in my wardrobe as much as I love this dress. I used to fight myself on what I liked. I am drawn to 50’s style or pin-up style clothing. I love lace and a touch of ribbon. I was always worried I didn’t look ‘Grown…
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So we went to The Black Keys concert here in Calgary a gazillion years ago, but what with colds and kids I haven’t had time to write about it! But better late than never, as they say. My wonderful sister-in-law agreed to sleep overnight at our house with our toddlers, age 3 and 1. She’s crazy, I know. And a doll. We also used her Friends and Family discount for her hotel to get a room downtown overnight. I was so excited! So she came over at supper time and we ate supper with her, than took off. We took…