Month: November 2015

  • Love and respect for the departed

    Love and respect for the departed

    Some people think it is a bit strange to take a tour of a cemetery unless you are paying respects to someone you once loved. I have often thought the old cemeteries in the USA are really special places of beauty. The care and attention which families have placed into the resting places of their…

  • Superwoman education hacking

    Superwoman education hacking

    “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.”   ~Paul Harvey Our family had the interesting experience of getting through a labor dispute between teachers and the government. It went on for too long to simply do nothing. The job action started before the summer and continued into…

  • The MALM Transformation

    The MALM Transformation

    For anyone who is a frequent shopper, and by that I mean purchaser, of IKEA furniture, you know the MALM series. In my house, the only thing more prevalent are the BILLY bookcases. I have always earmarked my cash for other things. I am as likely to buy groceries for one night of dinner that…

  • Chaos of art supplies

    Chaos of art supplies

    My husband calls this art journal therapy. I have a different view of all 3 words – art – journal – therapy. I don’t see how spreading materials all over the tables, floor and shelves, grabbing this and that, coloring, painting, this is not how a real artist works? Certainly, I don’t need so much…

  • Stir the soul, learn everyday

    Stir the soul, learn everyday

    You know that moment when you learn something new, or maybe realize an old thought? A light turns on brightly, maybe more inside your head, rather than a bulb dangling above it. This lightbulb moment is also famously called an ahhhhaaa moment by Oprah. She uses this word to accentuate an important point one of…

  • The Secret Word

    The Secret Word

    My husband and I have chosen a word. It is our secret word to be used with each other or thought of as we desire. It relates to us. To our plans, hopes and dreams. To the future. Goals, wishes and desires. It makes us instantly think about the life we are creating. The good…

  • Sneak in Greens

    Sneak in Greens

    “The easiest diet is, you know, eat vegetables, eat fresh food. Just a really sensible healthy diet like you read about all the time.”   -Drew Carey We read about what a healthy eating menu plan should look like and yet we don’t follow it so well. We start our day by jolting our system…

  • Water Cruising Through the Desert

    Water Cruising Through the Desert

    Who knew that an amazing day on the water can be had in the heart of Arizona?  We flew many miles from Vancouver to enjoy the heat in March and were lucky enough to squeeze in a cruise. Not what we expected from the desert, but very much enjoyed. I welcome: comments, (below) emails –…

  • 4 aces is a long way from a deck

    4 aces is a long way from a deck

    “Birds have wings; they’re free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy.”   -Roger Tory Peterson I came across this art journal project, which I have interpreted in 2 ways. Once as an art journal spread and also as a recycled playing card project.…

  • What was Mother thinking?

    What was Mother thinking?

    It has become a pop culture norm to refer to a bucket list. The must-do’s before one, “kicks the bucket”. While I applaud the notion of all types of lists, making one for the end of life seems a little too late. Many people tragically figure out how important this list can be for them,…