For my faithful readers (I know there are a few)- here are the photos from our trip out to meet Alvin's family in Connecticut. There are several tales that I hope to post when the weather is not quite so gorgeous...
Until then here are a few shots of our fabulous weekend away.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
If I could belt it out like Alicia...
This is what I'd be hollering:
This tune will be my anthem this weekend. Alvin & I are off for a long weekend in New York to visit Alvin's family & see the Big Apple. I can't wait to post photos of our adventures...starting from taking the red-eye Friday morning- *eek*.
Until then I'm humming along to New York- dah dah dah dah dah daaahhhhhh.
This tune will be my anthem this weekend. Alvin & I are off for a long weekend in New York to visit Alvin's family & see the Big Apple. I can't wait to post photos of our adventures...starting from taking the red-eye Friday morning- *eek*.
Until then I'm humming along to New York- dah dah dah dah dah daaahhhhhh.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Self Professed Writers
It's the oddest thing: of late, I have met several people who tell me that they are writers. They write all the time. They develop special bonds with people because they have writing in common. And I never know how to react. They make writing sound so romantic & lofty. How does one respond to that? These are some thoughts that run through my head during that awkward silence after one informs me of his/ her writing prowess:
a) Are you published? (That sounds so pretentious)
b) What do you write? (Really, I'm curious- poetry? Stories? Research papers?)
c) How do you do it? (At the computer or old school with pen & paper? Maybe you have a coil bound notebook that you carry everywhere with you?)
d) Where do you find your inspiration?
I am a self-professed reader. I'll read anything (once anyway). One of my secret dream jobs is to proof-read for people- or for a big publishing company- because I hate picking up a book (or reading an article on-line) that has spelling or grammatical errors (but please excuse the errors you find throughout this blog- I know they're there)! But mostly I'd like to proof-read because my desire to read is insatiable. I have been dually inspired to post something about writing up here because, funny enough, I've just picked up a book about writing (Aunt Julia & the Scriptwriter, a required read from way back in high school by Mario Vargas Llosa). Maybe I don't call myself a writer because as I re-read this message I realize I've got no 'close'- all of these coincidences about writing have led me nowhere. Except inspired to post a blog about writing nothing. And to enjoy a quiet evening filling the lines on a page of loose leaf with news to an old friend that will have to get mailed the old fashioned way.
a) Are you published? (That sounds so pretentious)
b) What do you write? (Really, I'm curious- poetry? Stories? Research papers?)
c) How do you do it? (At the computer or old school with pen & paper? Maybe you have a coil bound notebook that you carry everywhere with you?)
d) Where do you find your inspiration?
I am a self-professed reader. I'll read anything (once anyway). One of my secret dream jobs is to proof-read for people- or for a big publishing company- because I hate picking up a book (or reading an article on-line) that has spelling or grammatical errors (but please excuse the errors you find throughout this blog- I know they're there)! But mostly I'd like to proof-read because my desire to read is insatiable. I have been dually inspired to post something about writing up here because, funny enough, I've just picked up a book about writing (Aunt Julia & the Scriptwriter, a required read from way back in high school by Mario Vargas Llosa). Maybe I don't call myself a writer because as I re-read this message I realize I've got no 'close'- all of these coincidences about writing have led me nowhere. Except inspired to post a blog about writing nothing. And to enjoy a quiet evening filling the lines on a page of loose leaf with news to an old friend that will have to get mailed the old fashioned way.
Monday, August 22, 2011
39 Years
We decided to host my folks to celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary. I was humming & hawing about what to make for such a celebration. Alvin suggested a smorgasbord...& what a smorgasbord is was*smile*
The centre piece of the meal was Thai Salad Rolls- inspired from a colleague's recipe & the question: why not try something new after 39 years? Congrats Mom & Pop - 39 years is no small feat!
Even more fun than all the eating was the match of cribbage post-feast. It has been years since I've played crib & knew that I wouldn't be able to remember all the rules to teach Alvin- I can't wait to play again.
The centre piece of the meal was Thai Salad Rolls- inspired from a colleague's recipe & the question: why not try something new after 39 years? Congrats Mom & Pop - 39 years is no small feat!
Even more fun than all the eating was the match of cribbage post-feast. It has been years since I've played crib & knew that I wouldn't be able to remember all the rules to teach Alvin- I can't wait to play again.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tom's Harvest
Tom & Dev have a lovely garden. The other day Tom took a quick photo of (one of his many) harvests.
I thought about trying to show him up but with a balcony & no garden patch that's virtually impossible. I'm going for size here, not quantity- check out this monster; I am quite proud of my first pot-grown fruit of the season*grin*. And it was quite delicious in the tomato sauce I made last night.
I thought about trying to show him up but with a balcony & no garden patch that's virtually impossible. I'm going for size here, not quantity- check out this monster; I am quite proud of my first pot-grown fruit of the season*grin*. And it was quite delicious in the tomato sauce I made last night.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Cherry Platz
The other weekend Pop & I picked cherries from Tom's backyard. We pitted, packaged & planned how we would use them. Alvin complained that they're too sour for muffins (for him maybe- I love them); but still, I considered other ways for enjoying these sour cherries. I looked through some of mom's Mennonite cookbooks looking for a platz recipe- that's what I decided I wanted. Gran used to make fruit platz (pronounced plautz) with an almost sugar-cookie bottom, fruit filling, and a sweet brown sugar topping. None of the platz recipes I could find were exactly what I was looking for. Undeterred, I baked without a recipe. A little daunting at first, but it turned out just as I had hoped so now I feel a bit like a seasoned baker- or like a Granny - to heck with measurements! I brought some over to the folks & after some of mom's input I would change the topping up a bit next time. But doesn't it look scrumptious?
When I was uploading my platz pictures I found some shots from one of my fave Edmonton festivals- Heritage Days. It was great to have Candra back too because her family always gets us free goodies from the Caribbean tent*grin*- gotta love Jamaican beef patties.
When I was uploading my platz pictures I found some shots from one of my fave Edmonton festivals- Heritage Days. It was great to have Candra back too because her family always gets us free goodies from the Caribbean tent*grin*- gotta love Jamaican beef patties.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
To Each His/Her Own
I rarely write about when I don't reach a goal, or when I cheat on my morning runs. I feel like it's time to come clean. The other morning when I set off for my 5:15 a.m. run it was pretty darn chilly. It was also not sunny and bright. Out came the fleece vest and thoughts of a looming Fall. Drat, I will have to come up with another exercise program because in the coming months morning runs will not be so enjoyable. The very next morning when the alarm clock went off I rolled over & stayed under the warm duvet.
But it turned out to be a gorgeous Friday and I made up for it in the afternoon when I went for a glorious run in the full afternoon sun. I chose a route down by the river (feel free to cue Neil Young- it is Folk Fest weekend in Edmonton) where the blue sky contrasted against the glistening green leaves. The river is so full from all the rain - it felt positively lush.
As I trundled along - enjoying the colours, the red-winged blackbird atop the highest branch, and the robin who's lunch I interrupted (he flew off into the bushes and left a writhing worm) - I noticed an older man out enjoying the trails as well. He had his book open in front of him as he walked along the trail. At first I judged- seriously? You need to read a book out on this glorious afternoon? And then I thought- if that's what it takes to get him out, or if that's how he enjoys his strolls- so be it. I will enjoy the colours, the birds, and the exercise in my own way...he can enjoy it in his.
Cheating on my early morning Friday run turned out to be a great thing- my weekend surely started out on a bright note.
But it turned out to be a gorgeous Friday and I made up for it in the afternoon when I went for a glorious run in the full afternoon sun. I chose a route down by the river (feel free to cue Neil Young- it is Folk Fest weekend in Edmonton) where the blue sky contrasted against the glistening green leaves. The river is so full from all the rain - it felt positively lush.
As I trundled along - enjoying the colours, the red-winged blackbird atop the highest branch, and the robin who's lunch I interrupted (he flew off into the bushes and left a writhing worm) - I noticed an older man out enjoying the trails as well. He had his book open in front of him as he walked along the trail. At first I judged- seriously? You need to read a book out on this glorious afternoon? And then I thought- if that's what it takes to get him out, or if that's how he enjoys his strolls- so be it. I will enjoy the colours, the birds, and the exercise in my own way...he can enjoy it in his.
Cheating on my early morning Friday run turned out to be a great thing- my weekend surely started out on a bright note.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
My Internal Smile
The other morning when I set off for my bike ride I was met by the most perfect full rainbow. Set against a dark sky and all. Drat, I thought, if only I had my camera I could share this moment with my few faithful readers. But as I pedaled faster, in search of the mythical pot of gold, I realized that's why I get out first thing: so I have this solitude to savour such beautiful gifts. I've started making a habit of referring to these sweet solo moments as my "internal smiles"; I carry them with me throughout the day so that when something doesn't go my way I can return to that private moment and smile.
On a completely unrelated note, I came across a beautiful piece of writing the other day and I suppose it made me consider how I remember my life in Lusaka. I don't usually post excerpts up here but I thought it such a poignant description of memories:
I'm off now for a quick bike ride before the next downpour (hopefully)*grin*
On a completely unrelated note, I came across a beautiful piece of writing the other day and I suppose it made me consider how I remember my life in Lusaka. I don't usually post excerpts up here but I thought it such a poignant description of memories:
In real life, I reflected, you warmed yourself on cold winter days in a foreign land by pulling out a rag-bag collection of those memories. You wondered which ones to keep and which to throw away, paused over a fragment here, smiled at a scrap. You reached out to grasp people you knew and came up with a handful of air, for they were only chimeras, spun out of your own imagination. You tried to pin down a picture, thought that you had it exactly the way it smelled and looked so many years ago, and then you noticed, out of the corner of your eye, a person who had not been there before, a slight movement where there should have been the stillness of empty canvas. (Anita Rau Badami, "Tamarind Mem")
I'm off now for a quick bike ride before the next downpour (hopefully)*grin*
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Going to the Place I Need to Go
My Pop's God-mother & her husband (my Uncle Nick) were in town for a couple of days. I love this couple; and if I've ever met a story-teller it would be my Uncle Nick. Born in Croatia, he grew up in Northern Ontario mining towns. He spent 41 years underground working in those mines. Despite all these years in Canada he still weaves amazing stories of 'the old country'. (I learned the other night that these stories need not be fueled by home brewed red wine...though they seem a bit warmer after a glass or two).
His story that made me smile so recently has to do with the things people first learn in a new language. Out came the story of Uncle John not knowing the word for toilet on one of his many trips to Croatia. Uncle Nick provides a translation of how villagers refer to visiting the bathroom/washroom/toilet: "I'm going to the place I need to go". I love it- isn't that the perfect conversation stopper.
Brilliant.
His story that made me smile so recently has to do with the things people first learn in a new language. Out came the story of Uncle John not knowing the word for toilet on one of his many trips to Croatia. Uncle Nick provides a translation of how villagers refer to visiting the bathroom/washroom/toilet: "I'm going to the place I need to go". I love it- isn't that the perfect conversation stopper.
Brilliant.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Then...& Now
I don't think any of us predicted that after this camping trip:
Mount Robson, August 2004- it would be 7 years until the five of us were together again.
But there you have it. Seven years: after each of us has had many an adventure (travels around the world, degrees under belts, break-ups, marriages, family births & deaths) here we are- all five of us back together again for a long weekend in Yoho National Park.
It was amazing to re-connect, to see just how little each of us had changed, but to share in the many experiences we've each had that have helped us mature. What am I talking about? We hiked, ate, laughed, drank, hit the hot springs...& acted as if no time had elapsed since our last visit.
Here is a slide show for your viewing pleasure. Otherwise I'm basking in thankfulness for having such a tight knit group of friends from way back in the day.
Mount Robson, August 2004- it would be 7 years until the five of us were together again.
But there you have it. Seven years: after each of us has had many an adventure (travels around the world, degrees under belts, break-ups, marriages, family births & deaths) here we are- all five of us back together again for a long weekend in Yoho National Park.
It was amazing to re-connect, to see just how little each of us had changed, but to share in the many experiences we've each had that have helped us mature. What am I talking about? We hiked, ate, laughed, drank, hit the hot springs...& acted as if no time had elapsed since our last visit.
Here is a slide show for your viewing pleasure. Otherwise I'm basking in thankfulness for having such a tight knit group of friends from way back in the day.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes
Oh the joys of an Edmonton summer. The weather on Thursday was glorious before the thunder storm rolled in- 27 degrees. Friday we were down to 11 with rain forecast for the whole weekend. Alvin came up with the lemonade this weekend though- rather than complaining about all the rain he gathered the troops & we hit the ice. That's right, who knew skating in July would be so much fun.
Alvin's second time on skates & he's already starting to look comfortable. Here are the boys warming up.
Al & Devo:
Let's get back at it...
I realized when uploading these photos that I never even mentioned Canada Day long weekend. Oops- we celebrated Jason's birthday one night
I couldn't resist posting this photo of Ma because it is rare to see her with two drinks...
and Canada day the next
Alvin's second time on skates & he's already starting to look comfortable. Here are the boys warming up.
Al & Devo:
Let's get back at it...
I realized when uploading these photos that I never even mentioned Canada Day long weekend. Oops- we celebrated Jason's birthday one night
I couldn't resist posting this photo of Ma because it is rare to see her with two drinks...
and Canada day the next
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Not enough hours in the day
I've been struggling to post for a number of reasons.
1. Lack of inspiring stories (sorry). I do have a couple epic camping trips coming up so inspiration should be round the corner
2. Desire to avoid computer at all costs while not working- when I get home from work I try to enjoy a few moments on my balcony...I would rather enjoy that beautiful Vitamin D while I can & leave off the blog
3. I can't think of any more reasons right now.
But what it leaves me with is some photos from my balcony taken a couple weeks ago...which I can compare with much more recent photos!
The first bloom on my fave portulacas
Portulaca now*grin*
Tomato in bloom
Tomato now...with some awkward-looking fruits
Finally, on a rainy day Alvin & I happened to discover a shoe organizer (not sure if I've ever mentioned we live in a small one-bedroom apartment...with little storage space). And apparently Alvin & I really love shoes- how sweet is this organizer! I'm so chuffed with this find.
1. Lack of inspiring stories (sorry). I do have a couple epic camping trips coming up so inspiration should be round the corner
2. Desire to avoid computer at all costs while not working- when I get home from work I try to enjoy a few moments on my balcony...I would rather enjoy that beautiful Vitamin D while I can & leave off the blog
3. I can't think of any more reasons right now.
But what it leaves me with is some photos from my balcony taken a couple weeks ago...which I can compare with much more recent photos!
The first bloom on my fave portulacas
Portulaca now*grin*
Tomato in bloom
Tomato now...with some awkward-looking fruits
Finally, on a rainy day Alvin & I happened to discover a shoe organizer (not sure if I've ever mentioned we live in a small one-bedroom apartment...with little storage space). And apparently Alvin & I really love shoes- how sweet is this organizer! I'm so chuffed with this find.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tall Tales of a Fisherwoman
Ok, none of you are going to believe this but I spotted a coyote this morning on my run. I do not want to gain the reputation of telling tales like fishermen...I may have to start carrying my camera with me because it is rather unbelievable- oh the wilds of suburban Northern Alberta.
I did bring my camera to shoot a couple photos of the beautiful Alberta wild roses that are in bloom.
Al & I were out enjoying the balcony as well- I'm enjoying every moment of sunshine.
I did bring my camera to shoot a couple photos of the beautiful Alberta wild roses that are in bloom.
Al & I were out enjoying the balcony as well- I'm enjoying every moment of sunshine.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Fox sighting
I've started running (or cycling) in the mornings again- it has been so wonderful. Yesterday I saw a fox on the street- I couldn't believe it! Alvin chides that it must have been a dog -but he was home having his breakfast so what does he know? Plus I was wearing my brand spanking new contact lenses so I could see for miles*grin*. I forgot how much I loved having these small morning adventures.
We also bought a car- weeeeeeeee! I can't wait to have all the paperwork in order so we can cruise in our new (1998) Toyota Rav4.
We also bought a car- weeeeeeeee! I can't wait to have all the paperwork in order so we can cruise in our new (1998) Toyota Rav4.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Looks like Summer
It doesn't feel like summer on these cool mornings...but it sure looks like summer's here.
I harvested my first rhubarb from Ma's garden & made the most scrumptious cake- I'm inspired to continue with the homemade hand-picked goods throughout the summer & harvest seasons.
And this is my beautiful balcony. Right now my flower pots are lined up to soak up the most sun, I'm not sure how I'll arrange them for aesthetics. It is lovely to be out there sipping on my tea (so long as my neighbour is not out there warming up his stupid motorbike for ever)*nasty smile*
I've got two habanero peppers in the first pot, a tomato in the middle, and some lavender in the pot against the wall. (and creeping jenny & a pansy)
Mint, nasturtium, and cilantro (my mini herb garden)
Here I've surrounded one of Pop's canna lilies (I know...doesn't look so good at the moment) with celosia- such a stiking flower and some portulaca (another one of my faves).
I harvested my first rhubarb from Ma's garden & made the most scrumptious cake- I'm inspired to continue with the homemade hand-picked goods throughout the summer & harvest seasons.
And this is my beautiful balcony. Right now my flower pots are lined up to soak up the most sun, I'm not sure how I'll arrange them for aesthetics. It is lovely to be out there sipping on my tea (so long as my neighbour is not out there warming up his stupid motorbike for ever)*nasty smile*
I've got two habanero peppers in the first pot, a tomato in the middle, and some lavender in the pot against the wall. (and creeping jenny & a pansy)
Mint, nasturtium, and cilantro (my mini herb garden)
Here I've surrounded one of Pop's canna lilies (I know...doesn't look so good at the moment) with celosia- such a stiking flower and some portulaca (another one of my faves).
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Nothing Like a Weekend in the Mountains
Here are some photos from my amazing Canmore weekend with my Mom.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A Beautiful Way to Start my Day
My short walk from home to the bus depot is so enjoyable these spring mornings that I had to share- I have tried to capture the cacophony of birdsong I hear each day (and how fun is it to say 'cacophony'). Let me know if all those birds bring a smile to your face too*smile*
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
House-cleaning Hits
This is my call out- I need some help. I know many of us like to blast choice tunes while cleaning the house...this has been my hot tune of late:
Nothin' like going a little old school*grin*. Please send me your fave cleaning-rock-out-tunes so I can really rip it up on my next go round*grin*.
Oh how I savour the small things.
Apart from that I've been avoiding the blog for many reasons. I've gotten caught up in:
- the beautiful weather (spending lots of time out & about & not on the computer)*smile*
- catching up with Emily- Alvin & I met up with an Ontario-born-gal we know from Zambia. These smart folks attend conferences all over the world & connect with friends in their home towns. It was great to see her after our last visit in Toronto two years ago (time flies)!
- I'm hooked on the NBA play-offs (I've even placed bets with colleagues for a free lunch- oooh, the world of betting)
- there were the Canadian National elections with all it's surprises. I'm glad I got out to vote even if I'm not thrilled with the results.
- There have been a couple of minor world events that I've been swept up in: A royal wedding. The murder of bin Laden. We shall see what changes spiral out of all of these events (including the new Canadian Conservative majority government)...I'm half holding my breath for bad news but I'm not the best 'worrier' so I'll leave the cataclysmic predictions to others while I hope for the best.
Nothin' like going a little old school*grin*. Please send me your fave cleaning-rock-out-tunes so I can really rip it up on my next go round*grin*.
Oh how I savour the small things.
Apart from that I've been avoiding the blog for many reasons. I've gotten caught up in:
- the beautiful weather (spending lots of time out & about & not on the computer)*smile*
- catching up with Emily- Alvin & I met up with an Ontario-born-gal we know from Zambia. These smart folks attend conferences all over the world & connect with friends in their home towns. It was great to see her after our last visit in Toronto two years ago (time flies)!
- I'm hooked on the NBA play-offs (I've even placed bets with colleagues for a free lunch- oooh, the world of betting)
- there were the Canadian National elections with all it's surprises. I'm glad I got out to vote even if I'm not thrilled with the results.
- There have been a couple of minor world events that I've been swept up in: A royal wedding. The murder of bin Laden. We shall see what changes spiral out of all of these events (including the new Canadian Conservative majority government)...I'm half holding my breath for bad news but I'm not the best 'worrier' so I'll leave the cataclysmic predictions to others while I hope for the best.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
In my Corner
For several weeks I've been humming and hawing over how to post about my dear friend Alaina. Today- her 30th birthday- I shall put off the procrastinating & settle on something.
Alaina is that friend. The one who loves me unconditionally and never hesitates to say so. I realized it the first time when she introduced me to her boyfriend. I was excited to meet Marc on one visit home from Zambia. "This is my perfect friend Sarah". I laughed it off- remarking on how perfectly average I am.
In the past year, now living on the same Continent we've seen a little more of each other than in the past several years, Alaina has complimented me in various ways. The overall feeling she gives me is that I'm perfect just the way I am. Sometimes I want to throw my head back and laugh. Over the years we've had so many 'non-perfect' moments; sharing swears to shame truckers, falling off horses, moaning of financial woes, hangovers, health concerns or heart breaks. Through all the growing pains and now those worrisome thoughts about hitting the big 3-0 I can honestly say that I'm a better person just knowing she's in my corner. It's a special feeling to have someone who is not family or husband support me so unconditionally (& fiercely). I felt the best birthday gift for such a dear friend would involve trying to express my gratitude- I'm not sure how I did but in any case- happy birthday Lain!
And just because I know this will make her cringe- check out my first ever completed knitting project -weeeeeeeee!
Alaina is that friend. The one who loves me unconditionally and never hesitates to say so. I realized it the first time when she introduced me to her boyfriend. I was excited to meet Marc on one visit home from Zambia. "This is my perfect friend Sarah". I laughed it off- remarking on how perfectly average I am.
In the past year, now living on the same Continent we've seen a little more of each other than in the past several years, Alaina has complimented me in various ways. The overall feeling she gives me is that I'm perfect just the way I am. Sometimes I want to throw my head back and laugh. Over the years we've had so many 'non-perfect' moments; sharing swears to shame truckers, falling off horses, moaning of financial woes, hangovers, health concerns or heart breaks. Through all the growing pains and now those worrisome thoughts about hitting the big 3-0 I can honestly say that I'm a better person just knowing she's in my corner. It's a special feeling to have someone who is not family or husband support me so unconditionally (& fiercely). I felt the best birthday gift for such a dear friend would involve trying to express my gratitude- I'm not sure how I did but in any case- happy birthday Lain!
And just because I know this will make her cringe- check out my first ever completed knitting project -weeeeeeeee!
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Canada Goose
I know the average Canadian hates these beasts...but as I've started my road runs I keep seeing a couple of them in the strangest places. The following geese were viewed in a ditch outside my condo, enjoying the shoots in the shallow puddle. I've also spotted them squawking out on the soccer pitches. Always two. And each time I see them (or hear them) I smile. I can't help it. Must be springtime in Alberta or something.
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