Tag Archives: Love

Awkward hilarity

There is a site that I sometimes visit when I need a little pick me up. It is full of love, family togetherness, and awkwardness caught on film. It is Awkward Family Photos. Sometimes I like to tell myself a little story as I flip through the pages. After all, they say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Jerry was a lonely man with a cat. He truly loved that cat, but he yearned for more.

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He earned a pittance as a freelance writer but, by cutting the cost of clothes out of his budget, he was able to scrimp and save until he could finally afford his dream vacation. A dream vacation where he landed Barbara, the perfect woman.

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It was a whirlwind engagement and everyone could see that Jerry was head over heals in love… Continue reading →

Parenting awards

Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Reuters

Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Reuters

Why aren’t there parenting achievement awards for extraordinary performances, just as there are in the entertainment business?

I’m not throwing this question out there because I think I should be getting a nomination. If I put aside my humility for a moment, I can admit that I’m a darn good mom, but I also have to admit that I’m not anything special. I know a legion of great parents.

I’m talking about an award for those amazing parents I sometimes stumble across during my travels in The Interweb. The people who are superhero parents in some seriously difficult situations.

Today, I need to share one of these parents with you. Continue reading →

The loves of their lives

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This is a Ty stuffed monkey named Dangles.

In our house, he is goes by the name of Bobo (named after the baby monkey from the book Hug.)

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Bobo was a 1st birthday present for CJ (from an awesome friend) and has been his near-constant companion for the past seven years. I say “near” only because Bobo doesn’t attend school or play outside. He does go on every trip, including this week’s camping, and is a well known figure at church and around the neighbourhood. Continue reading →

Two roads diverge…

Maitre D' from Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Maitre D’ from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

14 years ago, on August 13th, my sister, brother-in-law and I were very late for a wedding… Continue reading →

My ideal life

Today I had a question posed on my contact page (Thanks Pat!) about the pictures I have been using in my headers. I thought the answer should be shared with all of you.

When I was initially designing this blog, I wanted the esthetic to be simple and personal. The images I chose for the header rotations are small samples of beautiful paintings that signify how I hope to always live my life.

Relaxed, near the ocean, full of love, surrounded by my family, and always with a good book nearby.

Children at Play on the Beach by Edward Henry Potthastedward-henry-potthast-children-at-play-on-the-beach

In Bed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec781px-Lautrec_in_bed_1893

Boys in a Dory I by Winslow HomerBoys_in_a_Dory_I

The New Novel also by Winslow Homerwinslow-homer-the-new-novel

The Young Yachtsman by Joaquín SorollaThe-Young-Yachtsman-1909-xx-Joaquin-Sorolla-y-Bastida

 Bathtime also by Joaquín SorollaJoaquin-Sorolla-y-Bastida-Bath-time-Valencia

Lady In White Reading by Emilie Caroline Mundtlady-in-white-reading-emilie-caroline-mundt

Breakfast in Bed by Mary Cassat
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Late Night Reading by Pino Daeni97586100_4682843_pino_late_night_reading

Perhaps in the future these images will change… but for now, they are perfect.

I love to hug

Laws of Nature #17: There's no such thing as too many hugs...

Laws of Nature #17: There’s no such thing as too many hugs…

Soon after The Husband and I moved into our first flat, I gave him this card. At this point, he was still getting used to my penchant for hugs. Continue reading →

Do you know an addict?

I don’t smoke or do drugs. I don’t drink coffee or tea. I drink so little alcohol that my New Year’s resolution for the past two years has been to drink more. I’m doing a much better job of it this year!

I drink Diet Coke (I know it is bad for me) and I get a little cranky if I haven’t had a can by mid-afternoon. Does this make me an addict? Continue reading →

Do you like me?

friends
At work today, in an e-mail, I told someone I liked her. She is always perky and supportive, and is lovely to talk to, and… well… I like her. It felt strange as I typed it and I realized that I haven’t said “I like you” to anyone in a very long time. Probably not since junior high school and I was attempting to communicate with a shy boy.

Continue reading →

11 things that happened today (in the order in which they happened)

1) The sun shone – we’ve had too many grey days lately.

2) I had “Happy Birthday” sung to me 5 times before 8 am – one was a call from my parents, the other four were my six-year-old.

3) I reconnected with friends on Facebook and got some great birthday wishes – thanks everyone! Love you.

4) I had a fantastic day at work – everyone was in a great mood (I think it’s the sun!)

5) I didn’t make dinner – we ordered in Thai from the amazing restaurant around the corner.

6) My kids gave me a wonderful card – they had worked on it in their rooms to keep it a secret.

7) BDN (beautifully dressed neighbour) and family knocked on my door – hubby played guitar while they serenaded me on the porch. It was wonderful!

8) My family gave me an iPad mini and keyboard – they are fantastically supportive of my writing!

9) My sister called and played a hilarious recorded message from my brother-in-law – she married a great guy. We have a double-date on Friday!

10) My best friend called from Waterloo – she made me laugh until my belly hurt!

11) I snuck into the kids’ rooms and gave them extra kisses – they both had their animals snug in the crooks of their elbows. So cute when they’re asleep!

It was a good day.

I love to read

When I get into a book it can be hard to get me out of it. I will often be found reading while brushing my teeth, getting dressed or making dinner. I think that is why I have come to love my e-reader so much. It’s no-hands reading. I have even been known to upsize the font and prop it on a treadmill during a run.

I’ve now added audio books into the mix so that I can “read” while completing menial chores such as grocery shopping and washing dishes. It’s also a really great way to drown out the din of our house when my brain needs some space.

My favourite way to read, however, is to my kids. Continue reading →