This morning, when I looked outside, I was greeted by the suns early morning rays, it was warm and beckoned me to come outside for the day.
In my mind I ran down a list of yard work that could be completed, getting ahead of myself, I mentally checked off some of those items too. Yep, even added grilling to that list, since I’ll make any excuse to do that — rain or shine.
Walking Mr. Bentley, our Shih Tzu, It became apparent that those (seemingly) warm sun rays were deceptive; inside it looked warm, stepping outside was a completely different story. It was cold! Brr… Things aren’t always as the appear, are they?
Most of the outdoor activities are being saved for warmer days, however, we did plant the onions.
After coming back from the quilting group my daughter and I just hung out. We read, played, and are in the process of making paper crafts.
You know what? Sometimes, it’s perfectly ok to put things on hold, if it means spending time with those you care about. Besides, I can start looking for the book tomorrow, I don’t procrastinate often, but this time… it’s worth it. I enjoy spending time with my daughter.
My 200th post…
I mainly write my posts via MarsEdit, a blog editor for Mac computers. However, today I logged into WordPress, to update a few addons, and backup my posts. Judging by my stats, this is my 200th post.
Compared to my older personal site, VeganMomma, I’m seriously slipping since I had three times the amount of posts written by this time. Then again, back then I didn’t have as many websites, as I do now. The majority of my ‘free time’ is devoted to my business sites. Also, I let this site, Celebrate Life, sit dormant for about a year before I started posting again.
You can spend hours (sometimes days looking for the item) hopefully, your search ends because you’ve found the item — and not because you’ve given up out of frustration.
It’s a bit frustrating when this happens, especially since I’m no longer the guilty of misplaced library books, but I know who is… my daughter. The last few times library books miraculously surfaced in my daughters room. I’m certain she has it, after all she did ask to borrow it, it’s just been misplaced.
Last month, when I did all that house cleaning, I didn’t do too much with my daughters room… However we’ll be tackling her room today, right after my quilting group ends. She’s not too pleased about the room cleaning, she’s at that age when she likes having her things arranged in a certain way, and I try to respect that… but I also know at times she needs a gentle nudge from mom. This is one of those times.
I told my little princess, the room cleaning, is something that needs to be done, and the added bonus will be finding that misplaced library book. While cleaning, I’ll gently remind her of keeping items (especially those you don’t own) in one place. I’ve given her two cloth bags for to store her library books, still puzzles me why she doesn’t always use them.
Regarding today’s quilting group… I’m bringing my daughter along with me, the ladies have heard about her, and those that don’t attend church are looking forward to meet her. Additionally, one of the other ladies, is bringing her granddaughter, who’s nine years old, which is one year older than my daughter.
I’m not sure what made me check, but before heading out to church this morning, I discovered that my daughter’s guinea pig (Daizy) wasn’t moving. Her name wasn’t spelled incorrectly, check out the post about our guinea pigs, if you want to know why her name isn’t spelled like the flower.
Unfortunately, my daughters little fur princess died sometime this morning. My daughter was right behind me, so there was no way I could prevent her from seeing her little pal (and delaying the outburst of tears that came).
As expected, we didn’t make it to church today. Her choir was singing at our Lutheran church this morning, but they wouldn’t have heard my daughter — not with all that sobbing. Truth is, I’ll miss Daizy too, she’s the black guinea pig shown in the above photo. She was our most active of the two, and quite feisty.
I found a suitable burial cloth for Ms. Daizy, and buried her beside our most loveliest rose bush. Incidentally, my dog Lalita is buried there too.
I’m still working on my crocheted Yo-Yo afghan, the Yo-Yo’s are piling up at an alarming rate. I do believe I’ll take a picture of them soon.
Spring break starts on Monday, and so today was my daughters last day of school for a week. Their teacher had a mini-Easter egg hunt for their third grade class. How nice was that? The children were limited the amount of eggs they were allowed to gather, thereby insuring the everyone received something.
Crocheted Easter Eggs
Earlier today I found this crocheted Easter egg pattern, at the time, I had no idea that the teacher was having an Easter Egg hunt for the kids at school. As far as my daughter was concerned, it was an added bonus… she collects the plastic Easter eggs. When she saw the pattern, she became excited, since she thinks they easily trump the plastic version.
While we watch Milo and Otis, this evening (for the 60 billionth time) I’ll be whipping (or should I write — hooking) up a few of the crocheted Easter eggs for herself, and a few of her friends.
I’m curious if we’ll even watch that movie today? There’s a ‘R.L. Stine hour’ which starts at 7:00. My daughter has read most R.L. Stine’s books, so for her it’s a treat that the books come to life on TV. I find them fascinating too, and so while crocheting this evening, I’ll have one eye on the television and the other on my crochet project.
Our home is looking empty, after my decluttering a few weeks ago… Items we haven’t used in a long time, were either given to the Purple Heart or tossed in the trash.
This past week, I did collect a few odds and ends, that I must have overlooked. Since they were too battered, the only place for them was the trash. Our trash delivery, runs on Friday, and so I had one trash bag full of the ‘decluttered items’ I’d gathered. I ran into a slight problem… I forgot to set out the bag. Whoops! And so this afternoon I trotted the bag of trash to the local dumping zone. Since I’m local it didn’t cost me anything. Just my time and gas.
I haven’t done any cooking today, and I might keep it that way. We have leftovers. The day after I made the chicken fried rice, I made two types of burgers; chicken and black bean burgers. Perhaps I’ll get a chance to take pictures, and post them today, if not I’m sure I’ll be able to post them sometime this weekend.
But back to housecleaning…
Am I missing the items I parted with? Not really, those that were in good condition went to people that could really use the items. The rest were recycled, and tossed in the trash.
Question: Have you been staying on top of your housecleaning?
A few days ago, I wrote how I was finally reorganizing my bedroom.
My bedroom was crying out for a Declutter makeover, since I’ve had crafts set up in my bedroom for a while, but aside from neat stacks of my crafting bin. There really wasn’t a set pattern to what I was doing. I’m the type that loves to be organized, and so having craft projects mixed with my regular bedroom items…bothered me.
I admit to being a packrat… But, I’m a neat packrat! I inherited that trait from my father. The good thing is; I’ve always been a neat packrat. My father isn’t. I can still hear my mother fussing about his sloppy packrat tendencies.
Fast forward to now… I’m pleased to say that the room looks so much better. In the process of revamping my bedroom, I also filled four trash bags (neatly stacked of course) with clothing. Additionally, I threw away six trash bags of items too. When I was moving all those items out of my bedroom, I couldn’t help but wonder how I managed to keep everything neat!
My daughter loves the change, and so naturally when she’s creating a story, or working on a drawing. I’m finding her sprawled on my hardwood floor surrounded by her art supplies. Her clutter is temporary, and leaves when she’s finished.
Now that I think about it, her room could use some decluttering too. It looks as though I’ve found my next ‘declutter project’. Now, if I can only find the time to accomplish that!
Whoa… the time is flying by! It’s so busy in the real world that I’ve been scrambling to find time to do something as simple as sit down and compose a post to my website. Sadly my personal websites have been suffering, however I’m still maintaining my business sites.
This week was busy meeting up with colleague I hadn’t seen in a long time. His reply upon seeing me, Opal, you haven’t changed in twelve years! I guess he’s right… outside of the fact that I now wear dreadlocks, not too much about me is different.
What’s been keeping me busy? As a stay at home tech writer, my plate stays full. Additionally I have a few business websites that I maintain. This past Sunday, I did more volunteered at the homeless shelter, and I’ve been crocheting more amigurumi. Additionally, I’ve been introduced to a few more volunteer opportunities, and I’m trying to see how I can fit one local wheelchair non-profit organization into my schedule. I’m unsure when life will settle down, the winter is usually one of my busiest seasons.
A friend, took the above photo of my daughter this past August. I remember this photo, I was tired but wanted to see her that day. I met her a few years ago at the local gym where I work out. She’s 84 and works out daily. What an inspiration, right? My daughter and I stopped by and visited her today. Her husband died twenty years ago, but fortunately she still her daughter and family are close by, and she’s loved by many friends.
I’ve decided to include one of my favorite videos by Buju Banton (along with the lyrics). I love the rhythm, and the pictures shown in the video.Throughout my years volunteering, I’ve encountered many in similar situations that are mentioned in these lyrics. I
Buju Banton: Untold Stories
While I’m living Thanks I’ll be giving To the most high, you know
I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play
All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbing Thief never love to see a thief with a long bag No love for the people who are suffering real bad Another toll to the poll may God help we soul
What is to stop the youths from getting out of control Filled up with education yet don’t own a payroll The clothes on my back has countless eye holes Could go on and on and full has never been told
I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play
I say who can afford to run will run But what about those who can’t, they will have to stay Opportunity is a scarce commodity In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class Never you ever play
It’s a competitive world for low budget people Spending a dime while earning a nickel With no regards for who it may tickle My cup is full to the brim I could go on and on and full has never been told
Through this life keep getting me down Don’t give up now Got to survive some way some how I could go on and on and full has never been told
I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play
All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbing Thief never love to see a thief with a long bag No love for the people who are suffering real bad Another toll to the poll may God help we soul
What is to stop the youths from getting out of control Filled up with education yet don’t own a payroll The clothes on my back has countless eye holes Could go on and on and full has never been told
I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play
I say who can afford to run will run But what about those who can’t, they will have to stay Opportunity is a scarce commodity In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class Never you ever play
It’s a competitive world for low budget people Spending a dime while earning a nickel With no regards for who it may tickle My cup is full to the brim I could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told
Uh! Oh! Mommy’s running water and she’s not hopping in, that only means one thing….
Bath time! I moved too slow and mommy caught me. Darn it! I hate getting wet!
Help!!!
<whines> I’m all wet! You better dry me off!
Isn’t he adorable? Earlier this morning I gave Mr. Bentley, our Shih Tzu, a bath. He isn’t too fond of them, but these days he doesn’t put up a fight. He suffers in silence while I shampoo and then dry his fur with a hair dryer.
The photos were taken with my Nikon D80, no edits.
This morning, while I was hand washing dishes, I was greeted by the trumpeting of our neighbors rooster, Cock a doodle doo! — the rooster cried.
I’d like to think he was telling our little community, Merry Christmas! He repeated his cry, Cock a doodle doo! and I couldn’t help but think he sounded louder than normal, and so I looked out our kitchen window.
Well guess what? Five of my neighbor’s chickens were in our front yard, they were scratching and pecking away at the grass. Every few moments Mr. Rooster would stretch out his neck and cry… Cock a doodle doo!
I called my daughter to the kitchen, and we watched them for a bit. They were so beautiful. The rooster was the ‘diva’ of the bunch, and he strutted around proudly, while the hens went to work on the grass, foraging for juicy worms, insects, seeds, and whatever else they like to feast on in our yard. (It’s not the first time I’ve seen them over here).
Naturally by the time I came to my senses and thought about taking photos they had moved on. About ten minutes later, my daughter told me to come around the back of our house. It seemed we had a few stragglers…
The neighbor also has a rabbit. This rabbit seems to be content to live outside, and we see him often in the neighbors yard. He wanders into our yard to nibble at some tender grass shoots too. My daughter said Mr. Rabbit chased the chickens back to their own yard… well with the exception of the hen that I’ve included in this post.
Mr. Rabbit watched, from about five feet away from the chicken, while this persistent hen foraged for more food…. Perhaps he was the ‘guard bunny’?
This hen was a friendly bird, and was quite curious of me — She even posed for some close-up shots. Look at her, isn’t she sweet? Mr. Rabbit, on the other hand, was cautious and only let me get around ten feet away before he turned tail and hopped a few yards back. So much for him protecting the chicken!
How’s that for a Christmas post? I thought I’d be posting a standard Christmas message, and today my daughter, and I received some much welcomed visitors in our yard.
Here’s hoping you are all having a wonderful Christmas holiday!
Our Lutheran church had its Sunday service a day early (today). It was wonderful watching my daughter’s choir perform (along with the other groups). More important the pastor preached an excellent sermon. Then again he always does, but it was nice to see so many new faces hearing the message. Our Lutheran church had five services available throughout the day; 10:00, 1:00, 3:00, 8:00, and 10:00
Although not the official day of his birth, Christmas in our household is a time to recognize Christ’s birth. Along with his birth we talk about the story of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. It’s a great chance for us to reflect on what Christ has done for us which is indeed the true meaning of Christmas.
Creating crafted gifts for Christmas
In my household, it’s become a tradition to make hand-crafted items for one another. As I type this, I noticed that my daughter has added a few items under the tree bearing my name and I’m eager to see what she’s created. She’s quite the talented artist, and I’m hoping she’s created something that I can grace one of my bedroom walls — but I’ll be happy with anything she has created for me.
Our Christmas tradition of making items for one another began a few years ago. I created my three-year old daughter a “design studio” where her creative talent could soar. I set aside a space in her room, complete with easel, shelves, construction and printer paper. Additional Items such as colored pencils, crayons, markers, and watercolors were purchased from the store — but the majority of the items were made by myself.
This year, all the items that I placed under the Christmas tree, were handmade. I’m actually proud of that fact, since some years I had a mixture. A lot of thought, time and effort are put into the items I create. I want people to feel special. I make items I know they want. So no… I don’t make items because I’m too cheap to purchase anything. They’re definitely high quality items. I do spend money to purchase the materials I need to craft items, once you factor in the time it takes me to make some of the crafts it would have been easier to purchase something, but in my opinion, it wouldn’t be as special.
Christmas: A bit of Commercialism
A few days after Christmas, my daughter and I do visit a few stores. I give her an allowance of what she can spend. It’s not excessive, but she’s happy and is thrilled that she can pick out her own gifts.
You see the above picture, those ornaments were made from soda cans. I’d planned on writing a tutorial post before Christmas, but the past few days I haven’t been on the computer to much, and so that tutorial will have to wait a bit longer.
Typograph is a standards compliant theme with a JQuery powered tabbed sidebar box and an ad under the first post on the index page. This theme has no images and is purely based on CSS elements and typography. Ideal for future customization. Typograph was styled "from the ground up" on a highly customized version of the Sandbox theme.
Designed by Morten Rand-Hendriksen - designer, information philosopher and author based out of Burnaby, BC.
You can change the contents of the tabbed box by editing the tabbedBox.php file located in the Typograph theme directory.
, has gone missing.
A few days ago, I wrote how I was finally reorganizing my bedroom.
