Fantastic Giveaway!!

You must check out Jeanette Blix's blog for her wonderful giveaways! You have until Sept. 12 when she will chose the winners of 6 lovely prizes:

-tools

-metal design stamp

-handcrafted earrings

-custom business card design

-"wish" pendant (by Cindy Wimmer with Sweet Bead Studio)

-polymer clay beads

Shadow Shot Sunday

It is once again time for shadows! Shadow Shot Sunday is hosted by Hey Harriet! each week.

It is a challenge sometimes to find and photograph shadows. Sometimes, they are found after a picture is taken - as happended with the shots I took at the Fergus Scottish Festival in early August!

These young Scottish dancers were so graceful and talented!

Be sure to check out the other participants!

Sky Watch Friday

It is once again time to share your lovely skies! Sky Watch Friday is hosted each week by Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and Louise. Sky Watch is a wonderful place to see beautiful skies from all over the world.

Be sure to check out all the skies here - maybe try your hand at it as well!

I have always loved photographing skies and clouds. Here are a few of my favourites:

Wishcast Wednesday

It is once again Wishcast Wednesday and Jamie (of Jamie Ridler Studios) asks a very probing question:

What do you wish to acknowledge yourself for?

As I thought about this question, I realized that just the act of moving forward, of trying, of perservering is worth acknowledging.

I have come out of a dark place and feel that , although grief will always be there, it is s no longer the smothering cloak it was last year.

I am pusrsuing new dreams, even as I get closer to 60! You are never too old to dream and pursue those dreams.

I continue to love, even through pain. Love is the only answer.

I love Jamie's image. Yes, we need to celebrate ourselves.

Yah ME !

Yah Wishcaster Friends!

Be sure to check out the other Wishcasters at Jamie's Studio.

ABC Wednesday - F is for Flowers!

Once again it is ABC Wednesday, hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt.

This week we are focusing on F. So many choices, but for me the pick is flowers. I love photographing them, and I always have a bouquet on the table (usually roses).

B sure to check out the other participants here.

Weekly Affirmation - H is for Health

Up until this week, my affirmation words have been verbs. The focus has been on doing - an action.

This week I knew I needed to refocus on health. Hence H is for health.



The first week of living healthier went well - even lost 2 pounds!. Last week did not go as well. I did not lose any weight and I craved some things I knew I shouldn't have (and then had them!)!


This week I am trying to get back the momentum of week 1. I know what the keys to good health are; I know what I should and should not eat. But, tiredness and emotions play havoc with good intentions.


So this week, I am adding journalling about food and exercise - to keep track of what I am eating and doing movement wise. Keeping track for myself will make it more concrete.

New Award and Some Tidbits About Me

I've been awarded the MeMe Award by the wonderful Mel, creator of "From Clutter to Shine". Thank you sooooo much for the lovely, kind words and the chance to share some tidbits about myself.

The rules of this award are twofold:

1. Share 7 tidbits about yourself.

2. Share this MeMe Blog Award with 7 blogger friends.

As we put our posts out into blogland, we don't tend to reveal a lot about ourselves.

So here goes:

1. I have been to every province but 1 (and that is Newfoundland) and all but 1 territory (Nunavit).

2. I have lived in (in the order I lived there) , Manitoba (where I was born), Quebec, Ontario, Northwest Territories, back to Ontario, Alberta, and now I am back in Ontario.

3. I have walked on the ocean - okay it was frozen - while teaching in the N.W.T. This was at Tuktoyuktuk and it was on the Arctic Ocean.

4. I have a cat named Fluffy, who is 17 and still very active. She is just the last in a long line of pets (cats, dogs, gerbils, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, fish, skinks, lizards - and there were probably others!)

5. I remaried at 50 and got to wear the beautiful bridal gown I never wore first time around. I felt like a princess.

6. I donated a kidney to my husband - he had been on dialysis for a year and a half and that is not a quality life. Be sure to sign your donor card!

7. I'm afraid of heights, close quarters, but especially of driving on highways.

Now I would like to pass this award on to these special women:

1. Sylvia of "From Over the Hill". She has inspired me through many of her posts. I look forward especially to her "Evening, Wisdom and Beauty" posts.

2. Grammy, who has just started a new blog for the Wrecking Sisters. Instead of just talking about it, she did it. Thanks Grammy.

3. Michelle Normand of "My Life on the xyz List", for her fabulous mandalas and inspiration.

4. Holly, who always is so very supportive of all who take part in Wishcast Wednesday. Thanks for your special thoughts.

5. Sema of "Affirmart", who has inspired me and many others.

6. Sarah, of "Cottage Garden Studio", whose thoughtful posts are a must read.

7. Kim, of "Imonkation" , whose "5 Things" should inspire others.

There were so many others to choose from - many already had the award - thanks to all who take the time to share their thoughts, feelings and beliefs on their blogs. I hope we can all stop by!

Be sure to check out all these ladies!

Sunday Citar

The more you explore in BlogLand, the more you discover. From one blog to another and then you catch site of something new.

Today I discovered "Sunday Citar" and it resonated with me. I knew it fit in with what I was trying to do with my affirmations.

Tabitha of "Fresh Mommy Blog" asks us to share an inspiring quote that effects us in some way - whether it is tears or laughter! (Be sure to check out other great quotes at blogs listed there)

Here are several quotes that have meaning for me:

"There are only two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs.

Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that.

Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."

Howard Thurman (civil rights activist and theologian)

"Let the beauty you love, be what you do."

Rumi

Shadow Shot Sunday

Sunday has almost arrived and I had totally forgotten about looking for shadows this week. Blame it on trying to get my room ready at school (so much to do as I have moved from a portable into the school - after almost 30 years of teaching I have a wee bit of stuff! lol). As well, I was working on ATC cards as well.


I decided to use an object I bought last week in Stratford at a lovely little Chinese shop called "Symphony in Brass".


It is a little black horse, about 2" by 2" in size. It is quite heavy and adds to our horse collection.

Be sure to check out the other shadows here.

Virtual GNO

At Mandala Michelle 's blog she was holding her VGNO and having fun!

What a blast!

She had a great drink recipe and a fun game to try. I don't know how I have missed this girls' night out!

My drink of choice tonight was nothing fancy - just a wildberry cooler.

Remembering a holiday:

Celebrate!

The game - the Name Game. Try your hand at it. In fact join the others at VGNO!

Use the first letter of your name to answer the questions.

Your answers need to be real places, names and things. Nothing made up (You cannot use your name for #3 boy/girl "name" question.)

1. What is your name: Bev

2. A 4 Letter Word: Baby

3. A Boys Name: Bill

4. A Girl's Name: Brenda

5. An Occupation: Baker

6. A Color: Blue

7. Something you wear: Bra (well I do!)

8. A Beverage: Beer

9. A Food: Black Forest cake

10. Something found in the bathroom: Bathtub

11. A place: Boston

12. A Reason for being late: Broke my ankle

13. Something you shout: Boo!

Join in - have fun with it!

New ATCs

I have been enjoying creating ATCs for ATCsForAll. There are so many swaps that you can join - with different themes, mediums and dates.

This week I finished 2 more sets and have mailed them off. In return I will receive 3 for each set sent. I love the creativity and the challenge of creating these small cards. They are such fun. And it is like Christmas when the new ones come back - each one is a little piece of art.

 

 my "Collaged Trees".

There is a new site for the "Wrecking Sisters" to share their weekly art/work/fun!

Check it out here.

Sky Watch Fridays!

Another photography challenge - one I have been seing at others' blogs.

I love skies, clouds, sunsets, sunrises (although haven't captured too many of those! lol)

Every trip I take many pictures of skies and clouds - they are every changing and a perfect canvas ready to be photographed.

Today we are expecting rain so the clouds have been darkening this afternoon!

Be sure to check other awesome skies here.

Wishcast Wednesday

Every Wednesday Jamie of Jamie Ridler Studios poses a thoughtful question to which many resoind.

This week's question is

Who is the “you” you wish to be?

At age 57 you would think I would know who I am. But it is the twist to the question - who do I wish to be - that makes it more difficult.

I know Iwish I was more of an extrovert, more assertive. I wish I could express my creativity more often and more uniquely me.

Kavindra, in a very special post yesterday, "Lessons from Phoenix", offered a lovely story and assurances that we are all of worth no matter what we look like or what we do. Here is a brief glimpse of her words:

"What is my worth in this world? What is my work? Can I make a difference, even if I am small, unimportant, bland, even sometimes look ugly or useless in others eyes?

...you can touch others, you can bear witness, you can love those who come your way ...

You just have to be willing to ignore any labels, and be the best lover to those around you you can be. "

So, in the final big picture, my small wishes must give way to one big wish - that I give love and care to all I meet.

E is for Evening

ABC Wednesday has rolled round again - this week it is E.

E is for evening - a special time of day.

I love sky, clouds, sunrise and sunset.

The night of the full moon a week ago or so

Sunset

Be sure to check out the other wonderful particpants of ABC Wednesday!

G is for Give and Visualizing One's Dreams

This week the affirmation letter is G. It took me  awhile to settle on GIVE, but that action fit in well with the visualizing course I am taking through True North.

This week I came across so many interesting places and would like to share ("give") you some of these sites:

"Each day, a gift" . Patti Digh

What a beautiful way to describe our day.

I had heard about Patti Digh's book "Life is a Verb" (which sort-of lead me to the affirmations - one of the catalyst's anyway - even though I haven't read it - yet).

I ended up at her website "37 Days" and discovered the book and the reason behind the title "37 Days".

Quite moving and makes you realize just how precious life is.

For those who had great fun taking part in "Wreck That Journal", Grammy has started a new blog "Wrecking Sisters Reunited"! Sounds like it will be a great way to reconnect and have fun creating.


Brene Brown's blog "Ordinary Courage" has much to offer as well. She believes in authenticity and being your true self.

I had fun discovering which part of the day I was! I am Sunrise. As I read the list many of the items, it hit a chord.


" You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life.
You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.
You are a person of reflection and meditation.
You start and end every day by looking inward.
Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy.
You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.
All in all, you know how to love life for what it is
- not for how it should be. "

Check out the "What Time of Day are you ?" Quiz.



(And if someone can tell me how I can post this type of copy in my blog I would be grateful! I tried and could not get it to post here. I also wanted to post the you tube video of the "JK Wedding Entrance Dance - you have to see that one! I am learning my way around the net slowly - but my kids aren't home anymore and they were the ones to help out - even when they rolled their eyes at me! Thanks!)






I have been taking a Vision Journalling Workshop through TrueNorth (with Collage Diva), and have been really enjoying it. I have been working through many exercises to help focus on my dreams.



As I completed this collage tonight, the images and words I chose related to Health, Family and Friends, and Creativity. These are all issues that have come up through the Moon Dreamboards and Wishcast Wednesday as well.



The longer I focus on them, the more I can internalize them!

Shadow Shot Sunday

Another photo challenge is the "Shadow Shot Sunday" hosted by Harriet of "Hey Harriet". I had been observing several blogs from the sidelines and then decided this week to try the challenge!

We were visiting Stratford (Southwestern Ontario) yesterday and we had a great day walking along the Avon River observing the swans and ducks.

I realized that I had several shots with shadows!

Here there is both shadow and reflection! Such beautiful birds!

A View From Above

I have decided to try the photo challenge "A View from Above" - from "Brenda's Photo Challenge. This week it is being hosted by Charmine at Travel It's Fun.

The challenge for me was to find a photo that truly was "from above". The best one was from a plane as we came into Orlando in 2008 , after leaving a horrible snow storm in Ontario/ Detroit. We just made it out of Detroit and we made it to our cruise as well. Phew!

Wishcast Wednesday

It is Wishcast Wednesday and Jamie (of Jamie Ridler Studios) asks:

What door do you wish to open?

This week at ABC Wednesday I chose "D is for Door Knocker". How fitting.

I have been knocking at the door of better health for some time, but never really opened the door and walked through. This week the urgency seemed to hit me and I knew it was time. I took the "Real Age" test and found I was almost 2 years older than I really am! Yikes!

So I have knocked and I am opening that door of health. So many rooms to check out!

I plan to continue checking out Real Age - lots of great info on health issues and how to improve your life. Then in three months (as they suggest) I will retake the test.

D is for Door Knocker

It is ABC Wednesday again and this week we focus on D. I had so many ideas - Dairy Queen (great sundaues!), doors, dragons, even death (if you see my previous post you'll see why).


But in the end it was seeing my sister-in-law's door knocker that decided me.

I find myself looking at things now with an eye to ABC Wed. - would this work for such and such a letter? So I am taking lots of photos just in case!

Be sure to check out the other participants - lots to view!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today would have been my Mom's 80th birthday. This will be the second of her birthdays without her.

I needed to collage tonight - to create a gift for her (and myself).

My mom was a gentle soul.
She always cared for others. Anyone who met her was struck by her kindness, her interest in others.

She was always there for me – she was always there when anyone needed her. Her family was so very important to her.

She never complained. She had a hard life but you would never know it. “Not bad” was the standard answer when asked how she was. She did not like to have people fuss over her. She did not like to be the centre of attention.

She became a widow at an early age – only 43. She had 5 children to raise – 3 under 16.
Her children were her life. She never remarried, never dated for that matter.
When her grandchildren were born, she was a very doting grandma.

Mom was a homebody. She loved her home. She loved having people visit and loved baking and cooking for company. I remember so many times phoning her for a recipe and she always had it.

I will be having a cake for her later today. Some of the family will visit her gravesite. That is something I still have not been able to do.

Happy birthday Mom! I love you - you will forever be in my heart!

My Core Values

Week 2 of the Vision Journaling Workshop through True North has been about identifying your core values.

As Kathryn questions:

What do you stand for? What is important to you?

"Our set of core beliefs are unique to each of us."

By listing the values of people we admire, both past and present, we were then to choose key words. From these, we were to choose 10 core values that really are our truths.

This was a very powerful exercise - first, the focus on people we admire and why, and then extracting those 10 core values.

The person I chose first was my Mom. From her I have learned much and still refer to her teachings. The other people I look up to are: my Dad, my dear friend Marg, Mother Teresa, Oprah and Katherine Hepburn. There are many others, but for me these were the primary mentors.

My core values ended up being:

Caring Serve Others Positive Spiritual Teacher/Learner Patience Loyalty Passion Peace/Equality Creativity

I created a journal page using a watercolour background.

New Affirmations

This past week I did not have time to post the collage I created for "E". But I did follow its direction!

E is for Enjoy!

Life is a journey to be savoured and appreciated.

Life is to be lived fully.

How often to we let our "must do's" and "shoulds" take over. I am guilty of that. I make my lists of things to do and don't take the time I should to enjoy life.

This week my husband and I were on holiday and I tried to leave the lists at home and enjoy our days together. We did travel, we ate (Lots) and we laughed and had fun. We both needed it.

I hope we can continue with focusing on the present and not let worries prevent us from enjoying our journey.

This week I have chosen to continue with this theme.

F is for Feel !

I need to take the time to feel, not just with the tactile, but with my heart and soul and mind.

"Feelin' alive" says it all!

Labyrinths

I have returned! It has been a good week of some rest, some travelling, some needed time with my hubby. We visted family, travelled to Saratoga and Montreal and did some shopping.

I did miss the blogworld but I also needed to step back and do other things.

I rediscovered labyrinths this week. An article I read in a new little magazine for our area, "Sunshine" sparked a renewal of interest in labyrinths. The author, Lara Stewart-Panko states that the labyrinth is a tool for "discovery and transformation", that there is no one way to walk a labyrinth.

She also provided a finger labyrinth, which I had never heard of.

This morning I decided to find out more. I discovered some interesting sites:

http://www.srlabyrinthfoundation.com/mkingsds.html how to create a labyrinth

http://www.lessons4living.com/finger_labyrinth.htm There is a finger labyrinth here to follow. At this site as well there is a lot of information on labyrinths, so be sure to explore it.

http://www.pathsofpeace.com/dancingw.html The dancing woman labyrinth – for grief/ enduring love. I loved this one. It is appropriate for this week as my Mom's 80th birthday would have been on Aug.11th.

http://www.labyrinthonline.com/sug.html There are suggestions for walking a virtual labyrinth (about 15 min).

I have yet to walk a labyrinth, but using the finger model has been a meditation for me this week. I hope to seek out local ones soon. (check here for one near you! http://labyrinthlocator.com/

The labyrinth fits so well with Leah's Creative Every Day theme for August of movement. Here, the movement is both physical and spiritual.