Halloween

Two years ago.....

Last year.......

This year.....

I LOVE Halloween!!

P.S. If anyone wants to know how to make these costumes, let me know. I am happy to share my ideas!! And these are all my originals.

One More Month to Go.....

Only one month left until my very first attempt at a craft market. The pressure is on! Sometimes, when the pressure is just too much, I need to get away and do something completely different for a while. So, there! I painted alien rocks with my kids. I'm almost done with Halloween costumes too. Renewed energy....here is to doubling my stock in a month!! *keeping my fingers crossed*

All You Need is Love

It is becoming increasingly clear. The more I think upon it, the simpler it gets. "All You Need is Love. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it's really that simple (and I might add I am a big Beatles fan).

Many years ago, when I was in College studying theology, I spent a few summers at a camp for people who live with mental and physical disabilities. We met our teammates, who also were young, energetic with passionate faith. Late into the night, we would discuss faith, theology, which inevitably turned into some arguments. One day, the camp director gathered us together and pretty much banned us from discussing any theology. He said, "Our faith must be simple. Love God and Love Others. Period. Stop arguing all the petty points in the Bible because that will only pull us apart. Work together for the common goal. Love." That was over a decade ago. And so often that very words echos in my heart. "Love God and Love others". "Build Bridges".

I had a phone call from Compassion Canada telling me that we have been sponsoring our 3 beautiful 'children' overseas for 15 years now. They just called us to say thanks. I asked about our first child, Edrungi, who went missing from the project when there were some political turmoils in his country. They said sympathetically that even if he was safe, he would be 29 years old now. He would have been long gone from the project. "Pray for him", she said. I wept. All you need is LOVE.

Friends shared some photographs from their trip to China. They visit abandoned and disabled children and raise money to better their lives. They hug and play games. Their children go with them to witness their mom and dad.....love in action. All you need is LOVE.

I spend a few hours a week with seniors with dementia. We drink weak coffee together. We talk. I listen. We hold hands. We laugh together. I love these amazing people. I was overwhelmed by how much love I felt for them. I can't wait for next week. All you need is LOVE.

Back at camp, we changed soiled beds. Cleaned up 'accidents' and held people after seizures. We sang songs and shared meals. What difference does it make if Adam was with Eve when she gave into the serpent's temptations? All you need is LOVE.

I spent a day in the city. Walked through streets where homeless people roam, holding out their hands for spare change. I rummage through my purse. I don't carry cash. 75 cents. I felt embarrassed. I just paid 4 dollars for a cupcake. There is a man with no legs. I saw a young girl chase after a homeless man with a 5 dollar bill. "Excuse me, this is for you". A smile of an angel. I hand out my 75 cents to a man. "I'm sorry I only have this". I held his hands for a few seconds longer praying that he would find his way back so he doesn't have to do this. It's not my place to judge if he spends it on food or drugs. All you need is LOVE.

I have experienced and witnessed too often how in the name of faith and theology, people tear each other apart instead of finding the common ground. It saddens me that the ones who treasure their faith so deeply are sometimes the ones who violate the very basic commands--"Love God and Love Others". It only takes a small gesture, simple words, and a smile. I hope I act upon it daily. If we hold our heads high and look around, opportunities are plenty, every time you turn a corner.

A Magic Trick

Do you have these Cheesy Souvenir Tea Towels hanging around in your house.....you don't know what to do with....??? I'll bet your grandma has a few........
Voila!! This is what I do! Fully-lined with a little pocket inside. Vintage button accent. Pretty neat, hey? They will be available around Christmas this year..... No one steal my idea!! :)

Autumn

*Locally grown, organic crabapple jelly goodness*. I just had to say that because it sounds so much more pretentious(!) than "I made these myself!" :) My kids and I have been busy picking our apples and making beautiful jelly. Don't they look lovely in the sun? Some of these jars of *goodness will be traveling far and wide to bring much joy to my dear family.

Life....

*Speak words that are Life-Giving.

*Don't hold grudges--forgive.

*Hug

*Smile at store clerks

*Say "Thank-You"

*Look up and watch the birds.

*Tell your family and friends how much they mean to you.

*Give everyone a second chance or third or even fourth.

*Make your home a place of peace.

*Take time to express gratitude.

*Allow mistakes and extend grace.

*Honor others' opinions and choices.

I'm working on these......do you have a list too? Something I should add?

A New Challenge or Two

I had to drop something off at my kids school at lunch time. As I walked by a classroom with about 20 children enjoying their lunch, I was surprised by the amount of plastic wraps and zipper bags overflowing out of a very large garbage can. I decided to take up a challenge. "Lunch with as little garbage as possible". I'm not going to beat myself up if they have wrappers her and there though. It's a mindset. A small thing I can do. It also saves money.

When I started to think about the lunch, I realized it will naturally lead me to making more homemade goodies, which will also be beneficial to our health as well. I've been meaning to share this idea. People who know me may think of me as a bit of a 'health nut' and perhaps I may get excited about organic food and such. In part, it is true. But I live in the middle of prairie where we have short summers and LONG winters. The nearest town is an hour away. I don't buy organic food. I would love to. Just not practical for me. But we try to eat 'real food'. In the last few years, we've been trying to stay away from most prepackaged foods or eating out. Instead, we have well-balanced home cooked meals. I love making homemade soups with lots of veggies. Make pizzas from scratch. Macaroni and cheese, you can make that with whole wheat noodles with homemade cheese sauce. Try to get food with ingredients that you can pronounce. And you know what? My family has been so healthy. We have had maybe a handful of sniffles, but nothing major. And I am pretty certain it's because we eat 'real food'. You might say, well, we have picky eaters....be patient and keep trying. They will come around. Involve them in the process of growing veggies and cooking them. Like I said before, I don't beat myself up over one fast food meal once in a while or a package of Ichiban noodles here and there. After all, although I have good eaters they have given me the "best mom award" for feeding them Ichiban noodles. We have to extend grace to ourselves and allow ourselves to enjoy junk food once in a while. If we have hotdogs, we would make an event out of it. Invite friends over for a hotdog roast in the backyard. If your child wants pop, allow her to have one when out for a meal or I might get healthier kind like "Spritzer" or "Blue Sky". You get the idea.

I wonder if anyone would like to take up the challenge of "no garbage lunch" or "eat real food" or even both?

Wise Words from a Wise Bear

• Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.
  
  
• Nobody can be un-cheered with a balloon.
  
  
• Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.
  
  
• If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.
  
  
• A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.
  
  
• Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.
  
  
• If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.
  
  
• If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together. There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.
  
  
• If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever
  
  
• It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"
  
  
• You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.
  
  

Looking back, Looking Ahead

Feels like it was yesterday, my kids brought home a backpack full of school work and crafts. Where did the time go? Marks on the wall measuring Mona has grown almost 2 inches since the spring. All three girls have amazing tan from being on the beach. A week from today, they will be back in school.

Our summer was not what we had planned, but I am filled with a sense of satisfaction. We had been looking forward to our trip to Oregon, which at the last minute, had to be canceled due to lack of work for Scott. But plan B was also wonderful. We spent 6 glorious days in BC camping with some friends, deepening friendships and sharing sun and laughter. We stayed at a campsite which sits on a small lake. Our children, young and old splashed countless hours in the water. Meeting other campers and their dogs. Spinning on a Merry Go-around until we felt dizzy. Kids standing up for each other in the playground. Sharing food and many hugs. The joy that the simplicity of this life can bring overwhelmed me. I am glad and I am blessed to know there are people in this world that we can share these moments with. Friends know, like and trust. They are lovers and ally. They empathize. They are loyal. And this summer, I realized that I am surrounded by such people in my life. Aside from our BC trip, I had the joy of taking a road trip with my dear friend Ashley to go see our mutual friend Jo. Having many friends and family stop in and spending few nights with us. Sharing food and wine. I want you to know that you are gifts. The most amazing gifts. For some, I have not picked up the phone or seen them in a long time, but we just dust it off and embrace. Thank you. The time has passed and we have grown. So have our children. But we remain, our love and loyalty to each other deepen. And those of you I missed this summer.....I think of you all the time wishing there were more of me to come see you!! Miss You so dearly!

On a more practical note, I am already looking ahead. School in a week. Phew! I just want to (for my sake), write down the things I hope to accomplish in the next while.

1. Finish the 3 books I started--"Three Cups of Tea", "Obasan" and "The Curious Incident of a Dog in the night Time"

2. Continue working on my art to fill a table at Christmas Market.

3. Continue Running with Lola until it gets way too cold

4. Make some zucchini loaves and veggie burgers to fill my freezer

5. Smile!

6. Watch what I eat and lose that last 15 pounds, or even 20 :D

7. Enter the winter with a positive attitude so I don't get too depressed!

8. Prepare my garden for next year.

9. Oh and I am going to be voluteering with seniors with dementia to do some art with them--wish me luck!

There you have it. Now, it's time for me to go and enjoy the last week of summer with my darling children!

I have the hardest time keeping secrets. Now, I don't want you to be worried, if you are one of those who have opened up your heart to me. I keep those secrets well. But I have the hardest time keeping things I am excited about, my latest creations or if I bought some one the nicest gift. I have to go deliver it even if meant that I was waking you up at 2 am just because I think you would love what I picked for you.

I've been working on some projects to fill a table at local Christmas market. I know it sounds crazy that I am already thinking that far in advance, but with the way life is going lately, I am beginning to think it's alright. But every time I make something, I have this urge to show some of my faithful *fans what I have created. But I am trying really really hard to keep it a secret, just so that when I do set up my table at the market, people will be excited to come see me.

I have made some good progress though. I had an opportunity to wander through Market Collective in a near by city, which is an art market with live music and some excited supporters. I was delighted to discover that I could possibly have a table there one day. I was also able to talk to some of the artists and one of them even offered to share a table with me next time. I think anyone can relate that when you meet someone who share the same passion, you get encouraged and reassured about what you are doing. I walked through a beautiful park to meet up with my family who were waiting for me at a splash park, picked up a falafel wrap at a deli, checked out "Shakespeare in the park". I felt alive and rested, inspired and energized. I do not regret or grudge what I do now as a mother. I love holding little chubby cheeks in my hands to tell them I love them. Endless cleaning and laundry. I would be lying if I said I never raise my voice--ever! It is a season and pretty soon, I will be begging the girls to spend more time with me. But perhaps because my life is so..... mundane and normal, I really cherish a day like last Saturday. I was just me, not 'Mona's mom' or "Scott's wife", just me. I met people who was thrilled to exchange ideas. It was fun!

I'm excited when I am able to sit and create something beautiful. However, as much as I am thrilled to sell something and be appreciated, when I do, I feel a bit sad, like giving up a puppy or even a child. I always give one last hug good-bye to my creations when they go 'home'. Kinda funny, isn't it? But maybe it's good. What I create is becoming so much a reflection of who I am. I put my heart into creating each item. It's more than 'making little money'. In fact, I really could care less about money.

I am looking forward to having a table full of my creations. Maybe it's good that I am looking forward to winter so much, since I usually dread the cold....

A Faithful Friend

He parks himself in front of the girls' bedroom door on the nights Scott is late coming home or away from home.

He is a beautiful creature. It's amazing how a silent friend can give you so much comfort and love. We have so much to learn from them. I am always uncomfortable with silence. Always wanting to fix the problems.

I like you. I like you lots. Thank you for making my life so beautiful. You are my favorite boy dog.

I buy my eggs from an elderly couple whose house is a walking distance from my house.  They live a simple but very joyful life.   I love going there to ask her some gardening questions.  Today, her husband came out to show my 4-yr-old his 40 year old asparagus patch and a little wren house.  I love to see what new flowers are in bloom in her English garden each time I stop there.  She makes my day.  I value taking time to talk and get to know my neighbors.  I value building relationships by bridging the generation gaps.  I don't ever want to be in such a hurry that I don't have time to stop for a chat.  I treasure having people in my children's life who would take time to listen to them and to hold their hands....I am blessed and I am rich.  

Happy Birthday, Tori

It's hard to imagine my life without her although I've only known her for 2 short years.  I feel as though she has been a part of my life since the beginning of time.  Today, we celebrate her.  This bright light.  This beauty.   A belly-full of giggles.    

I love it that I was CHOSEN to be her mommy.  I am her 'ma-ma'.  No one else.  Lucky Me.  
*We got this sweet Bamboletta Doll for her birthday.  "Polly" came from West Coast Canada, from Christina the creator and a team of people who work with her.  Everything is handcrafted with so much love and carefully chosen materials including cotton knit, wool for stuffing, wool yarn for hand knit sweaters and hair etc.....all the wonderful things.  I love being surrounded by things that make me feel the connection to the creator and knowing that it was made with so much love and thoughts.  And of course, no one was hurt in the process....that has become increasingly important to me as well.  It is truly inspirational.   We fell in love with her the moment we opened the box.  I have given Christina some ideas as to color preferences etc for the doll but didn't give her any details of who Tori is or anything.  But when I saw Polly, I started giggling, because Polly is Tori.  Two peas in a pod.  So cute.  She will be treasured for sure.  

As I sneak into my girls' bedroom and watch them sleep, I feel as though the time is slipping away like water running between my fingers.  The shoes and shorts from last summer are too small.   Time to pass them down.  Put the bike seats higher.  I desperately go and find those photographs from the years gone by.  Wanting for those tender feelings to return.  The smell of a newborn baby.  Play School.  A dandelion Bouquet.   Her first steps.  

After reading this post,  my soul is awakened as it defines what kind of a mother I want to be.  And yet, somedays (or most days), I am too tired and too lazy.  Not-so-nice-mommy-days, I want to do without.    I don't want to wake up wondering where the time went.  "Preparing the soil" in our children.  Sense of Wonder.  Curiosity.  Compassion.  Joy.  Oh this sweet beautiful world.  I want to discover with them.  I am hopeful.  School is out in 2 weeks.  Bird watching.  Shall we try some new recipes?  Watch our vegetables grow.  Lemonade stand.  Star gazing.  Learning new games.  I can't wait to immerse myself into the lazy long summer days with my children.  Lean together.  Make new friends.  Laugh more.  Breathe deeply.  Forgetting the dirty dishes and going to the park. Picnic.  Give lots of hugs.  Ice cream for breakfast.  

Our children have only one childhood.  

Giving Heart

All I can say is "I am so proud of this girl!"  She is going to give her hair to Cancer Society to be made into a wig for someone with cancer.  I am honored to be her mommy.