Jun 7, 2013

May 30, 2013

Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I realized that I never did a review for the first book I read for the local book club that I am part of.
So here it is.

At the start the book seemed simple enough. Nick and Amy married for 5 years, things start to get stale and the two parties involved start getting resentful of each other. Then Amy goes missing, leaving a terrible crime scene.
It is a book full of who done it, how was it done, and Huh?
It really keeps the reader guessing.
Wish there was more I could share.
But that would give too much away.
I really enjoyed this book, and recommend for a great summer read.

Hang in....another book review coming very soon.
 

Apr 23, 2013

For Those Moments When You Need To Move!

When feeling lazy and unmotivated, I turn to this song.
I dare you to not start moving.

And today I need to move.

Apr 22, 2013

Nothing In The Room

A friend on facebook shared this. I thought it was thought it was worth sharing as well.

 

Apr 16, 2013

You Are More Beautiful

Grab a tissue...


and remember....
You are more beautiful than you think.

Apr 15, 2013

Prayers to Boston

Such a sad day for the human race. I really don't have much to say. Today reminded me of how I felt on Sept. 11th. I was pregnant with my first child. What I remember most from that day was feeling like I had made a huge mistake. Bringing another life into a world where there are people who do terrible things like this to others. I cried all the way home from work.
I have a good friend who told me that we had to have children and raise them to be loving and caring human beings. That if we did this it would help to balance the bad ones. So when moments like today happen I think about that too. And know that I will always feel a pinch of guilt for having children grow up seeing this, but I will also have HOPE. Hope that what they do in this world will not only balance things, but just maybe tip them in the direction of peace, and love. Thanks for reading. Much love and light to anyone who is suffering right now.

Apr 14, 2013

The Tree Lovers

I was straightening out a drawer today and came across my card collection. I find beautiful cards that I believe I will one day frame....best laid plans.
Anyway, in amongst them was a paper with a poem on it. There is no author listed on the sheet.
I wanted to share the poem cause I am in love with it. If you know who wrote it....please let me know so I can give credit where it is due.

The Tree Lovers

They grew in the fringe of woodland at the foot of the homestead hill,
Where ran like a silver ribbon a dimpling summer rill -
A spruce and a leafy maple - so close together they grew
That hardly a lance of sunlight might pierce their greenness
through.

Their mingled branches swaying cast ever a cooling shade
O'er the strip of emerald grassland where the happy children
played,
And a slender lad and thoughtful, with dreamy eyes of blue,
Said the tree was a maple maiden and the spruce her lover true.

The fancy pleased the children, as fancies children will,
For it gave them a sense of friendship with the trees below the hill:
As if the spruce and the maple had a life to their own akin,
And beneath their bark imprisoned beat human hearts within.

They saw how the maple nestled to the spruce's sheltering side,
As his rugged green arms clasped her with fond protecting pride.
He the taller and stronger; she the more graceful tree,
And never could human lovers more kind and faithful be.

When the winter snows were silver, and the winter winds
were keen,
The gray-cloaked bride was leafless but the sturdy spruce was green;
And when the springtime rapture thrilled all the woodlands
through,
The tender tints of maple were blent with his somber hue.

All through the days of summer they talked and whispered low,
While the gentle west-winds wavered their branches to and fro;
And in the autumn the little maple, in her splendor of crimson gay,
Stood proudly close to her lover in his rugged and dark array.

The children have grown and wandered from the ken of the homestead hill,
But the trees through seasons many are green and faithful still.
Still nestles the little maple to her knightly lovers side,
And still the spruce tree shelters with his mighty arms his bride.

Though the winter winds are biting, but the closer drawn are they,
As fond as when summer sunbeams among their branches play:
Time passes o'er them as lightly as it does o'er the ribbon rill,
There, as each season passes, at the foot of the homestead hill.
 

Apr 10, 2013

You Take The Good.....You Take The Bad!

You take them both and there you have The Facts of Life!
I got the best surprise last night!

Netflix Canada has The Facts of Life!

How sweet is that?
I know that I am not the only one who grew up watching Natalie, Tootie, Blair and Jo.
My favourite character was Jo, I really wanted to be like her. She was tough and not easily swayed by peer pressure. Of course we eventually learn she has a softer side.
Funny enough though, my favourite episode doesn't have Jo in it.
I really liked the episode where Mrs Garret holds a sex education class even though the headmaster objects. They always seemed to deal with real life topics early on. 
A quality that many shows just don't or didn't have.


So tell me who did you most identify with?
Do you have a favourite episode?

Apr 9, 2013

Have You Heard of Alabama Shakes?....You Have Now!

I am really enjoying Alabama Shakes....thought you might too.

Brittany Howard has an amazing voice.
Truly.

Apr 8, 2013

A Monday Funny

Can't we all use a good chuckle at the end of a Monday?
I think so.
Found this on pinterest and it made me laugh out loud....loudly.
Enjoy!

Apr 7, 2013

Spur Of the Moment

It is so wonderful to be me! Tonight hubby encouraged me to go out with a friend for dinner. So I did. Thank you to my lovely husband who knew I needed to get out and have some chat time. And to my friend Dana who at the last minute came! I am a lucky girl!




Apr 6, 2013

A Concert Goer Once Again

Today I am so happy to be posting about music!
I had another blog long(ish) ago that really focused a lot on music.
Its kind of a thing with me.

I got a chance to see WiL last night.
It was wonderful.
I had learned about WiL through a series of advertisements for Travel Alberta.
Travel Alberta helps to showcase the beauty of Alberta and encourage tourism in the province.

I posted one awhile back....here.
I find myself going back to watch them cause it makes me happy.
The music just fits the pictures perfectly.
So you can imagine I just had to see this wonderful artist live.

He was taking part in a concert series they have here featuring Alberta Artists.
While I was not impressed with the first and last musical acts WiL was something special.
So here are a few samples of what I was able to enjoy last night!

Enjoy!
 

The last video is an ad for the Calgary Stampede.
A local well know rodeo.
Thought it was important to include considering Calgary is were I live.

Apr 4, 2013

A Quick Hello

I have been so busy trying to organize my thoughts and put together a little birthday party for my son. I don't know why but this kind of thing makes me go crazy. I am trying to not sweat it and relax. So here is a little picture to remind us that summer is coming (despite the current weather report) and the time to chill is going to happen! Till tomorrow!

Apr 3, 2013

Questions about Friendship


Ahhh Friendships.

I have been thinking about friendships lately. The different kinds, and the needs that are met by those.
I know many ladies that have really close friends. They seem almost attached at the hip.
I don't have that kind of friendship. Not sure if I just haven't met that person, or that I haven't really looked. 
I had some good friends while growing up, but I don't recall feeling incredibly close with any one in particular. Nobody that I felt knew me more than I knew myself.

After getting married and moving 4 hours away from where I grew up I really felt alone. My husband and I knew nobody. I think back now and know that this is why we are as close as we are now. When asked who my oldest and dearest friend is, I would have to answer....my husband.

I started working here in Calgary and thought this is were I would meet some girlfriends. 
Most of the women I worked with were older and not really interested in making new friends. I did make one good friend and have kept in contact with her even though she has moved across the country.
But really both my husband and I agreed that once we started a family we would meet more people. People who we would have things in common with.

I stop here to wonder....is it like this for others?

It is true. I did meet many other Moms after having babies. The first group I met during the labor prep class that I took with my first. Of that first group I made a few new friends. Today I have a wonderful music buddy out of that group. The others have moved away....or moved on.

It seems that is the way of grown up friendships. Moving on and moving away. Are these best friend friendships ones from childhood? or made as we become grownups?
Am I an oddity that I just don't develop that kind of connection to people?
Does this come from being an introvert?

The friendships that I have made since having my kiddos have been wonderful. Lots of great memories made on mountain retreats and dinners out.
It seems though as of late that these too are becoming harder to hold on to.
Are we destined to grow apart? It used to be easy to gather a group together. But things change.
I am also starting up friendships with lovely people oceans away. I hope to travel to see them.
I wonder what the next stage of friendships will look like.
Maybe the lesson to be learned here is that I need to focus more on me.
At the end of this rambling I have discovered that the one friend who knows me best, knows the good the bad and the ugly is my husband. I hear you....all those groaning out there.

I would love to hear what you all have to say on the matter.


Apr 2, 2013

A Most Magnificent Post

I had such plans for today's post! But alas I gave up. I had such a long frustrating day. The kids and I went to the zoo on what has to be the busiest day ever. I am no lover of crowds. Which basically drained me if all energy and happy thoughts. The boy and I got a little to much sun as well. Oh well can't complain too much it was a beautiful day. Tomorrow we are expecting snow. So here I am heading to bed. I look forward to a quiet day tomorrow. I will then post the wonderful blog post I had in mind. Here's something for you to think about. What kind of friend are you? Night all!

Apr 1, 2013

Book Review: Witness to Evil by Veronica McGrath with Yvonne Kinsella

The Bookworms Book Club selection for March was 
Witness to Evil.

It is a true life crime story, and because of that I was quite eager to read it. I really enjoy watching programs like Criminal Minds, Law and Order, and 48 Hours. I find the study of human behaviour quite fascinating. 
It was quite easy to get into and turned out to be a very quick read.

A dreadful turn of events had this poor girl witness the death of her father at the hands of her controlling mother and fiance.  Then of course leads to a life of depression and heartache. There was a moment where I just wanted this poor woman to stop, and find help. But as in many cases in many countries, help isn't always as easy to find. She finds herself relying on people who are unhealthy themselves.
My heart aches for this woman and her family.

I would say if you enjoy true life crime stories and shows then this is a book you may want to pick up and read. My suggestion though is not before bed....a few crazy dreams were had when I did.


The book selected for April is Plainsong by Kent Haruf.

Mar 7, 2013

Book Review: BossyPants by Tina Fey





The February book selection for The Bookworms Book Club was Bossypants by Tina Fey.
I was looking forward to reading and laughing my way through this book. I am a fan of Tina Fey and was certain that it would be a great read.
I was sadly mistaken.
As I read I kept thinking that I was missing something. Like I somehow missed the joke.
Was it obvious to others but not to me?

As I looked around within the group and online, I came to the conclusion that I was not alone. No one part of the book stands out for me and to be honest I kind of glossed over about half way through.
But lets not dwell on this book! I have another to start!

March's book selection is Witness to Evil by Yvonne Kinsella and Veronica McGrath.
Looks like quite an interesting read.
Till next time....Happy Reading!

Feb 2, 2013

Searching For Sugarman



I just had to post about this wonderful documentary I watched last night.
It is called Searching For Sugarman, and it is nominated for an Oscar.
It is an incredible story about Rodriguez, an American Folk singer, who should have been a huge success in the United States.
After being discovered in Detroit, and making 2 albums, which sold next to nothing in the US, he went about his life as a construction worker.
The next step of the story takes you to South Africa in the middle of the fight against apartheid.
No one is sure how a copy of his album, Cold Fact, reached South Africa. His music quickly became the soundtrack for the Anti-Apartheid movement. He was said to be bigger than Dylan, bigger than the Rolling Stones in South Africa. During this time Rodriguez knew nothing of this tremendous success.

It was believed by South Africans that at some point Rodriguez took his own life.
The rest of this documentary is a wild ride.
The search is lead by two South Africans, curious to know, how Rodriguez died.
Only to find what is truly an amazing story.
Check it out....I swear you will love it!

 

Jan 27, 2013

Room by Emma Donoghue *A Book Review*

I recently joined not one but two book clubs. One takes place here in the city in which I live, and the other an online group of ladies started by New Farmerette (Elaine).

I have to say that I haven't done this much reading in a long time. I really fell off the reading wagon after having kids. Just seemed to not have the time combined with my kids not giving me a quiet moment to  absorb what I was reading.
This has changed....sort of.

I have made the choice to change it.
This first review is of the book I most recently read for the first book club. Then next month I will be back to review the first book choice for the online group.
Looking forward to this.

Room by Emma Donoghue
At first I found this book to be a hard one to get into. I think it was the fact that the story is being told by a five year old boy. Once I became used to to that fact it became quite interesting.
I found myself unable to put it down, not wanting to leave poor Jack.
The story is about a woman and child who are being held captive in an 11x11 room. It goes through their daily routines to their escape and for Jack, dealing with an unknown world.
The boy was born in the room and knows nothing of the outside world. He speak about the furniture and everything in the room as if it were alive, with feelings. You find out that the mother has really not told him about the world outside, most likely to protect him and it would seem he is a fairly happy and intelligent child.
I found that the story flows quite well until about the middle, where I found that it all sped up. As others in the group mentioned, it may have done so cause that is essentially how things like this feel. 30 minutes feels like 5 minutes for example.
I don't want to give too much away about the ending so I will leave you with this...
Read it.
It is a quick and easy read.
It will change you.
You will have no choice but to look at your life in a different way.
What if.....




Next Months Books being Reviewed by Me are: 
BossyPants by Tina Fey
and
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield 
              

Jan 23, 2013

Today I Want To Runaway

You know those days.
The day that shouldn't have started in the first place.

Ya....one of those.
Today was that day for me. They don't happen often, but when they do I just want to scream.
I couldn't make anyone happy today. Least of all myself.
I said all the wrong things, although I felt I needed to be honest about my feelings.
I was the bad, 'your a mean Mom' today too.
Even though I am told that means I am doing what I (the Mom) am supposed to be doing.
So
Today
I
Want
To
Runaway.
To the mountains. They never are disappointed in me. And if they are, they never let on.
Tomorrow will be better....




Jan 22, 2013

Making Good

Ok
So in my last post I made a list of things that I wanted to focus on this year. No pressure to be perfect.
Somehow however I always feel a little pressure once I have announced it to the world. (sorry, too much credit given there....I am sure that the entire world does not read my blog)
First off...More conscious choices concerning food
Thankfully I am not alone in doing this one. My husband and I both are working together to make smarter choices. We are paying more attention to how we prepare food and what ingredients we are consuming. It is tricky however to convince our kids that this is a good thing to do. We aren't rigid in our approach though, and that is why I think that this will be successful in the end.
I have just started adding chia seeds to my diet. They are supposed to be chalk full of good stuff. Check out this LINK to read more.

Read More
I am currently reading...
BossyPants by Tina Fey 
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I am currently finding both a little tough to get into, but they haven't lost me yet! 

Ah yes...Last but not Least...WINE

I have just finished downloading the lectures onto my ipad. I hope to start watching them very soon. Stay tuned!

But for my local friends I wanted to share a really great resource I was told about.
It is Liquor Connect
This is a great site that will tell you where to find any kind of alcohol you may be looking for. Just type the name into the search and then add where you are located. It will list the stores that are the closest to you that have had that item shipped to it.
AWESOME right?
This will be great considering some of the fancier wines are not stocked in my little hood here. This way I don't have to drive all over Calgary to find what I need.  
A huge thanks to the lady at the Liquor Depot who was tired of answering all my questions. :o) 

 

Jan 15, 2013

2013...A Fine Year You Shall Be!

Happy 2013!

Better late than never.

Right after NYE, I always have the need to steer clear of places like Facebook and Twitter.
It drives me crazy to see all these people making such a deal about the start of a new year. So many promises, so many expectations. I feel the disappointment before it hits.

What a lot of pressure to dump on a simple date change.

I would rather take the quiet route. Make small changes. Slowly and with intention.
Makes sense to me anyway.

In 2013 I want to:
1. Make more conscious choices concerning food.
-more 'from scratch' cooking
-less box store
-less prepackaged

2. Read more (something I seemed to have stopped)
-having officially joined 2 book clubs I think I am well on my way.
-check back here to see a once a month review!

3. Learn more about wine.
-pretty self explanatory


So this is my start to the year. No pressure or high expectations.
Just small steps forward.