Weekend Reflections

It's that time of the week to share reflections - whether in water or windows or even mirrors!

James of Newtown Daily Photo created this fun photo meme.

Here are my reflections for the week:

Be sure to visit the other great participants here:

Wishcast Wednesday

Today Jamie (of Jamie Ridler Studios) asks:

What do you wish for your relationships?

I almost decided not to answer that as the first thought that came to mind was that certain relationships are almost non existent.

But, then I realized that I do need to make several wishes.

1. I wish that my children and I could have more quality time together; that we could be in touch more often; that they would once again take part in family celebrations. I do miss their presence in my life., especially with my daughter who lives much closer!

2. I wish that the chasm that exists between my siblings and myself could be bridged, even if only a small bridge. The past cannot be forgotten, but it does need to be forgiven.

3. I wish to develop stronger friendships here. After spending 19 years in my former hometown, I need to establish deeper friendships here. This is my home now.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog . Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Visit other great wishcasters here.

ABC Wednesday - Y is for Yardstick

Once again it is time to tackle a letter of the alphabet. This week it is Y - we are so close to the end! It has been a fun journey - here's hoping we will continue with another round of ABC Wednesday!

Y stands for so many things but I chose yardstick. Okay, there's nothing really flashy about it but it is a very useful tool. I use one at school and for art.

Well, actually I use a metrestick but usually call it a yardstick. I was brought up with inches, feet and yards and still measure that way when not at school!

The big question: Which is longer - a yardstick or a metrestick??

Give up? It is a metrestick!

A yardstick is 3 feet or 36 inches long. A metrestick is approximately 3,2808 feet long.

A metre stick is equal to: 39.4 inches

100 centimetres

1000millimetres.

Be sure to visit the other great participants here.

Sunday Weekly Wrapup

Finally, school is done for this 2009/10 school year and I have 8 weeks to recover! (and celebrate!)

It has been a stressful year, filled with many challenges. I spent most of last week cleaning my classroom, sorting books and papers and trying to organize for fall.

Now it is time to concentrate on my well-being. Jamie Ridler's wishcasting question on Wednesday really made me think in terms of what I wanted (and needed) to do this summer. Number 1 is to make time for creating - making ATCs, photography challenges, completing my art room, working through art courses and books to improve my skills.

I began a challenge for myself (which was one of my 101 things to do in 1001) - create a collage card every day of July. Here are my first 4:

July 1sr - celebrating Canada Day
July 2nd - Playing with handmade papers

July 3rd - Queen's visit to Canada

July 4th - Queen's Plate and the Queen was there!

I have been busy as well with a number of ATC swaps for ATCsforAll. These offer just enough of a challenge and are fun to boot. I have met some very fine artists and received some great artwork in return..

Birds


Favourite Children's Books

I am continuing my work on my quote cards. Along with this, I would like to start a visual journal for my favourite quotes. A number of people have described theirs and I want to go beyond just recording meaningful quotes (which I do a lot of already).

So I have a lot to keep me busy and challenged this summer!

A lovely lady from Britain started an exchange for her 50th birthday. She wanted to receive 50 handmade postcards and in return she would send 50 back. I have already received my lovely card and am sending her hers.What a tradition to start for one's milestones! (I'll have to remember that for my 60th!)

Shadow Shot Sunday

Shadows are usually to be avoided when taking photos. But with Shadow Shot Sunday, the fun is seeking out those shadows. And fun it is!

While in Port Dover Thursday for Canada Day (see here), I found many shadows. It was that kind of beautiful, sunny day where shadows could easily be found.

Be sure to visit the other great shadow chasers at Hey Harriet!, a fun meme hosted by Tracy.

Macro Flowers Saturday

Time once again to showcase the beauty in gardens - whether our own or others.

While in Port Dover on Thursday for Canada Day (see here), besides the parade, I noticed so many lovely gardens and I had to take a few photos!

The roses in our garden are blooming nicely as are other flowers. I love this time of year, especially for the beauty around us!

Be sure to visit the other participants here.

Happy Canada Day!

Here's hoping everyone had a great Canada Day!

The weather here yesterday was perfect - sunny, but not too warm.

Hubby and I and his son, daughter-in-law and grandson went to Port Dover for the day.

The little guy was in the parade and was so cute. The parade itself had such variety - from decorated floats,

to marching bands,

to clowns



and vintage cars and trucks.

I haven't sat curbside for a Canada parade in decades!

We then spent a couple hours down by the beach - supper and sand and water - a great mix!

(This is the lighthouse on the pier. Great sand beach as well. Port Dover is on Lake Erie. It is the site of the Friday the 13th motorcycle reunion every year!)

We ended the evening with music (3 local bands) and then fireworks.

What a great way to spend a day!

Signs of national pride were everywhere - from shirts and faces,

to flagpoles,

small flags everywhere,

to rooftops!

Yeah Canada! Happy Birthday!!!