Day 16 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts

Today's question - What is an embarrassing moment?  

Forgetting names, making weird noises at inappropriate times - these are embarrassing moments we all have had, myself included.
A specific embarrassing moment - my mind is blank right now. I try not to place myself in a situation where I will be embarrassed. Sorry.

Day 15 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts

Today's question - What is your favourite movie?

I can't name just one. I enjoy movies for different reasons, in  different moods or times.

Here are a few:

Favourite comedies:  "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Some Like it Hot"

Favourite Romances:  "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Shallow Hal"

Favourite Dramas: "The Shawshank Redemption" and "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Favourite Sci-Fi: original "Star Wars"

Favourite Fantasies:  Harry Potter series, "Lord of the Rings", "Princess Bride", "Back to the Future", "Hunger Games"

Favourite Western: "The Magnificent Seven"

Favourite War: "The Great Escape"

These are movies I have seen more than once and will probably watch again. There are so many more but these are the main choices.

Day 14 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts

Today's question - What are the top 3 blogs you follow?

If you check my three blog lists (!), you will see that I follow many blogs - for different reasons. I visit all of them when there are new postings. Be sure to check them out.

But the 3 which I seek outthe most  for their tutorials, art challenges or new ideas are:

Jessica Sporn


Carolyn Dube, A Colorful Journey


Balzer Designs

Day 13 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.


Today's question : What is  Something difficult in your life that you’ve worked to overcome?

Throughout my life I have overcome many difficult things:
-moving often
-being alone up north away from family
-raising a child alone, away from family and friends
-car crash and its aftermath
-divorce
-death of my Mom

But the ongoing challenge I have had to overcome most of my life is that of lacking self esteem, of feeling always on the outside looking in. It has gotten much better since I have gotten older and especially since I have remarried. I have found someone who loves and cherishes me for who I am.

I think for women body image, especially, can cause feelings of low self worth when we compare ourselves to the prevailing media image.

I feel much better about myself and am trying to get healthier for me, not for an image.

We need to find our purpose, our centre, our own magic if you will.

 

(a collage I created for a challenge)

Day 12: September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.
Today's question : What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is the lack of respect and caring shown today. There is too much of entitlement felt by many; the desire to have it at all costs.

This leads ultimately to hate crimes, to companies choosing profit over people, to a huge divide between rich and poor.

We live in a world where there is so much abundance in some parts of the world and so little in others. Respect for all would help to narrow the gap.

Day 11 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.
Today's question - What is your favorite and least favorite chore?

Luckily I have a husband who always pitches in - from washing dishes, clearing the dishwasher, to vacuuming.
I don't mind doing laundry, making the beds, evening washing the dishes.
But I hate, hate,  washing the floors!

Day 10 -Daily September Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.
Today's question - What would be your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be a return to Vancouver island and Vancouver in British Columbia. Our first trip there was so enjoyable but we did not see everything we wanted.
A dream trip for me would be a chance to see new things and be with people I care about. I have a number of relatives and friends in B.C., so it would be great to see them.

Here are a few shots from our trip:

Totems in Stanley park

Mountains!

Native art

From the ferry on the way to Vancouver Island

Day 9 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.
Today's prompt:   Show us a favorite photo and tell why it’s a favorite.

This is a photo of our cat Fluffy. She is around 18 in this picture. She lived til 21, passing away last Ocober (almost a year ago)
I still miss her. She had quite the personality. It was only in the past few years that she would actually sit on my lap for a longer period of time.
I still can't replace her.

Day 8 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.

Today's question: What is the best piece of advice that  you  have received? Who gave it?

I have received lots of advice over the years. Some of it was extremely helpful, some not so.

One piece of advice was from Linda, a friend who ended up dying from cancer. She had given us beautiful crystal glasses for our wedding and her advice was to be sure to always use the good stuff every day, as every day was precious.
I still use those crystal glasses ( and my good china) every day. And I think of her as I do.

I found this quote from Mary Manin Morrissey:

" Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God."

Day 7 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.

Today's question: What is the best piece of advice that  you  could give?

I have been thinking about this throughout the day. I don't think there is any one piece of advice I could give.

There are so many quotes that I have been collecting over the years and I am on my 5th or 6th book.
I have been creating art cards and journal pages for some of my favourites. In times of stress, I often play these over and over in my mind. They do help.

"This too shall pass" is one I use often though - so handy when the going gets tough or you're in the dentist's chair.

Here are a few of my favourites:

"...And the greatest of these is LOVE."

Day 6 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to daily prompts.

Today's question:   What have been the three greatest moments of your life?

Another challenging question!
The birth of my 3 children remains my greatest achievements. Each has brought me such joy. They have grown into very special people, and I am proud of all of them.

Great moments come at times of great love, overcoming challenges, facing fears. I have had many of those - here are just  a few:

*Moving out west  with a 2 year old,  to teach in Alberta, with no family around for support

*Driving again after a terrible car accident ( talk about fear - took me a year to do it)

*Remarrying at 50

*Donating a kidney to my new husband


We all have those times in our life when we remember exactly how we felt, and exactly what happened. Those are great moments, seared into our memories.

Day 5 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to prompts

Today's question: What is your favorite book? Why?

As someone who loves to read, and usually has several books on the go, this is a challenging question. There are so many books I have loved, for different reasons.
The only problem with reading quickly, is that you are finished too soon!

I have just finished reading a trio of books I loved.

"Ragged Company" by Richard Wagamese
An excellent read about how 4 homeless people's lives are changed by winning a lottery.
This book is the "One Book One Community" for our region.

"How the Light Gets In"  by Louise Penny
This is book 9 of her Inspector Gamache mystery series and it keeps getting better.

"The Silver Star"  by Jeanette Wells
Two sisters are left by their mother and move across country to live with their uncle.

But there are so many other books I have enjoyed. I use Goodreads now to keep track of my books. I try to take part in book challenges, but sometimes these limit what I want to read. I never know what mood I will be in and what book I will want to read next.
I try to read both fiction and non-fiction and usually have several of both on the go.
But I collect books - and have a huge TBR (to be read!) pile. But hopefully now I will have more time to catch up and read.


Some of the books I am reading for a healthier makeover.

Day 4 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to prompts

Today's question:  What has been your favorite blog post you’ve ever written?

Now that is a challenging question. There have been several, some relating to art, some to teaching, some more personal.

I think I will share one from each area, as I really can't choose 1!

Personal:
In May 2010, I received a "Life is Good" award and answered some questions. It was fun to reread the answers today.
Check it here.

Teaching
Twice I took part in 10 for 10 Picture Books. (This is an annual event in August, run by Cathy Mere and Mandy).   It gave me a chance to reflect on favourite books I used in my classroom.
Check it here.

Art
I take part in a number of challenges each week and one has been going for several years - ABC Wednesday.
I also have become addicted to printing with the gelli plate. I combined the two for "G is for gelli prints and plate"
Check it out here.

Day 3 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to prompts.

Today's question:  Why did I start blogging?

My first post took place over 4 years ago, on Mar. 17, 2009. I had been following a book study of Gail Meekin's wonderful book "The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women ", through Jamie Ridler, and I was inspired by the book and the other bloggers to become more creative and to just "do it".
As I said then:
"My bravest step thus far though, is the creation of this blog, to put myself on the line.
My goal is to explore my adventures in art, education and life."

That still applies. I am still exploring, still stepping out and trying new things. I began with one post a week to most times now, a post a day.
I have so enjoyed the journey.
I have created so much in the past 4 years. I have met some amazing artists and bloggers online.I have taken part in so many challenges, book studies and courses. I have learned a lot,  although there is still so much more I want to do and to learn.
It is an exciting adventure for sure.

Day 2 - September Daily Blogging

Karissa of "A Fresh Start on a Budget" is hosting an interesting challenge - blogging every day in September, by responding to prompts.

The second prompt asks:  What is your favourite season?  Why?

I do not enjoy the extremes of weather - whether too hot or too cold.
Fall and spring are equal favourites - for very different reasons.

                                                              Fall -                                                   
                                                       cooler weather
                                                           fewer bugs
                                                      gorgeous colours                                

                                                           longer pants
                                              Thanksgiving, Hallowe'en

                                          pumpkin pie
                                            school time


                                                  Spring
                                                   new life

                                            warmer weather
                                           rain, rainbows
                                           pretty flowers

                                        grass growing


(This is the kind of poetry I did often with my class - 2 or 3 word poems on a certain topic or theme.
Fun and quick to do)