When something makes you laugh out loud...

...at the expense of an others misfortune, you simply must grab the camera to capture it so you can laugh later...minutes, hours, days, even years later. To me this picture is one to revisit. I was at the dining table with Roland when I here a little whimper than a very dramatic "ohhh nooo mommy, mommy, I don't know what happened". I going running (not really, just moved slightly faster than I normally would walking to Sasha's room, because...well...Sasha cries a lot, so you never know when it is serious or not, they sound the same) As soon as I saw her I laughed out loud and not a "lol" (totally overused and annoying, and I just don't always believe the person actually "Laughed out Loud", some people even attach it to the end of every sentence as if it were a period, HOWEVER with that said there are many times when it is appropriate and the person really did laugh, I have even used it myself a time or two) kinda laugh, it was a giggle then a deeper in the throat laugh. Anyway...(my, my that was a bit long winded, sorry)
I told her to stand still, grabbed my camera cause she looked to darn cute. What was she taping you might ask? Her teacher gave her a book for Christmas and she thought it would look nice taped to her wall. I gotta hand it to her for creative displaying.
Have a lovely day
Mar

Shopping in my Parents Basement

Popped by my mom and dads after work/kids school day for a cuppa Joe and a chat. While dad and I were chatting I had mentioned I wanted to give Sasha one of my Cabbage Patch dolls for Christmas and would he mind digging "Nicholas Albert Adams" out of one of our many boxes of dolls and stuffies. No problem. Then I remembered seeing these funky green glasses ages ago on their "Garage Sale" (btw the "Garage Sale Table has been around for about 12 years...my parents are not garage sale people so looks like I will have my own personal Eco shop for a while)table that I thought I would like. So I ended up having a wee shop. I have been wanting some good solid mixing bowls as well and lo and behold there was a perfectly good set in hues of avocado green. Fun. I remember loathing this colour as a child, possibly because it was the colour of everything in the 70s/early 80's, tub, toilet, sink, home decor, glasses, clothing...but now...I LOVE it, it just feels so retro yet earthy and goes great with pink or red. Next we found the glasses I had spotted, and there ended up being 2 types of glasses in 2 shades of green. Wow wow wee wow! Now I think the stubby glasses would be great for 'egg de nog' with fresh grated nutmeg and the mini wine glass shaped ones would be great for sherry and for the kids drinks at Christmas dinner, lovely for 'cheerzing'. oh oh then I found a box marked "Barbies". I opened the box and saw all these wonderful dolls and a flood of childhood memories went through my head. I saw my Brook Shields doll, with her luscious brown locks cropped to her head, a couple of other Barbies with their hair cut too, a couple with brown marker coloured on their crotch and underarm area...nice. (that one was compliments of my cousin Karen) All these beautiful gowns that I remember so vividly, the funky green and pink furniture, oh and the Cindy doll with the huge head, she was always the "bad" one. The ken dolls were wearing knitted outfits my Grandma from B.C. would make and send us. We closed up the box before I ended up tearing the whole box.
Me - "I can't believe you still have these."
Dad - "We have everything, the box is clearly marked "Barbies"
Me - "I know you have everything I just assumed these got lost"
Dad - "You and your sister need to come and take a day and go through all this stuff, I keep telling you guys"
Me - "I know"

My parents are not pack rats per say. They are the neatest, cleanest most organized people EVER. But I know why they keep everything...memories. You would never know they had a treasure trove of knickknacks, home decor, lamps, clothing, all of our toys and a mountain of high school and college stuff. And with a bunch of this stuff my sister and I have reused, re purposed for our homes and our kids. Watching Roland, Sasha, Lucy and Molly playing with our Strawberry Short Cakes, and Fischer Price Record players, ovens and little people is so much fun. Getting to relive our Childhoods through our kids...absolutely priceless. So this I say "Thank you" to my mom and dad. Just know it is truly appreciated that you have kept these treasures and one day soon Amy and I will help go through it all, and as you mentioned today "You're going to have to do it one day or another" I think it will be great fun, I can already hear the laughter and tears.

Coming to an end...& Shop Local Please

Well it is official. I announced my Boutique is closing. I had already told my family and friends but it still did not feel like the end, until yesterday. Have to say I can feel the weight starting to lift off my shoulders, so much so I even took the time to apply red lipstick today. I'm feeling flouncy and excited for the future. The kids are looking forward to me being more present. And I know as my stress from the Boutique starts to fade, my happiness will transfer to my family. I started this venture of opening the Boutique as a need and a want to serve the community of Kincardine.

Here are two things I have discovered, my loyal customers were loyal and really and truly lovely, a pleasure to serve. (I simply needed 10 more people for every one on them to last) The second thing I learned is this is a tough town to break into, sometimes you are not even given a first chance and a lot of times there is no second chance.

Now for the rant section:
I am always amazed when I hear a comment from a local when they say "I never even knew about this great shop" (this is in reference Harbour Rose when they were on Harbour St). In my head this is what I am thinking "Seriously in FOUR years you have not walked or driven down Harbour St., you have not watched the KCTV ads, you do not listen to our radio station or read our papers...REALLY, it never occurred to you to go downtown to get your friends/mother any ones gifts...REALLY." Harbour Rose is now on Queen St. It is a true jem in our downtown core, in fact, I have purchased many lovely things for my home and kitchen, wedding and shower gifts and I was just in there yesterday purchasing gifts for 5 people on my list, it was easy, to pick out things. Gabby, is so helpful and has such a love and passion for her shop, it makes me want to support her so we never lose her. (don't worry she's not going anywhere, just bare with my little rant). Here is my other PEEVE...when I here "Westshore is expensive"...grrrr...really, have you every been to any comparable shops in Toronto, London or Kitchener??? They are on par with them and sometimes cheaper than the city and very often have a great sale going on. Not only do you get great products you get honest suggestions you get a personal stylist when you go in to buy something. When you go to the states for a shopping weekend and get all those great bargain they come at a cost too, hotels, food, gas. So really not a huge savings, if its a girls weekend you are after go to a resort or spa or the city. Stop helping the American Economy and help jump start ours. People like Gabby and Tonya are the heart and sole of our downtown, it is not an easy job, perhaps a "Thank You" would be nice the next time you are shopping downtown. With all that said, I know we are all watching our pennies a little more closely but my message here I guess is, if you have a job be it Bruce Power, Municipality, Banks, Restaurant, School Board whatever, start spending your hard earned money in town and if a shop happens to not have exactly what you want perhaps you really don't need it. Just a thought.

Warmest regards from an almost free woman
Marcia

1940's Cookie Press

Many moons ago I bought this cute cookie press for $12 at a flea market with the intentions of using it All the time. I really liked the graphics on the box and that every piece was still intact and in perfect condition. Well after X amount of years I finally used it tonight. Me and Sassy Cat baked Vanilla Cookies from the little recipe book that came with the press.
The Cookie press is sooooo easy to use and cookies are a perfect size for little hands. And the recipe said it makes 4 dozen and guess what?...It made 4 dozen. That has never happened to me before. Long live the 1940's and their tiny portions.

"New" Fireplace

After 2 years of living in our 17 year old house I finally painted our UGLY brick fireplace. I have nothing against brick fireplaces "per-say" just mine and its horrid pinkish/taupe/cinnamon colour brick (yes the same colour as my whole entire house outside) that you cannot match with anything (and why would you want to). So, day one removed everything then scrubbed the brick down with soap and water. Day 2 taped it and painted 3 coats. Done. I LOVE the new look. It changed everything. Then I needed a new mirror, blinds, an assortment of pillows and a lovely throw blanket to drape ever so non-shalantly over my leather club chair. My complete vision for my pocket sized living room is not finished yet. I will post when new things, arrangements take place.
Getting one thing done at a time and at a snails pace.
Lovely living room,

Marcia

Oh my Goodness!!! LOVE!

I am absolutely in LOVE with this company. www.loveheadmistress.com This one is going on my Christmas wish list. (note to self, introduce Dalton to my blog) How fun is this headpiece? I look forward to wearing one gallivanting around at the Lions Park or Tiny Tot, what a statement.

Headmistress is my lovely contribution for the day.

Over and Out
Mar
xo

Beginning of December...please snow soon.

December has started off with a bang. Got to see Lady Gaga on her second night of her concert tour. I LOVED it. She may not be for everyone but I sure do love me some dramatic, creative, funny, talented, women. I was actually surprised at how engaging she was with the audience and how funny she was (think Miss Piggy funny). And a little side note for any Gaga haters...her voice is lovely and she is not a cookie cutter pop star, she is 23 and doing her own thing and she wants to provoke and entertain, I'd like to see you play the piano with an art instillation circling your body! She is fantastic! Okay I'm done going gaga for the Lady.

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When Roland was a wee baby I took him to Walmart to get some photos, the photographer sucked and had a crap personality, next we tried Sears, they were a little better, just really boring. Then I discovered...wait for it...wait for it...professional photographers. My love of them started when I got pregnancy/family photos when I was preggers with Sasha. Julie from Dream Catcher Photography www.dcpcanada.com in London was friendly and energetic and great with Rolie, . Next I tried the Great Canadian Superstore for photos, while my sister has great luck with these guys...sadly I do not...at all. Then came Lisa Stead www.photosbylisa.ca, fabulous, she was able to do a wonderful shoot with the kids at 1 1/2 and 3 years old at their bedtime (bewitching hour)and I absolutely treasure the pictures she took. Next came Shandra at Exquisite Exposure in Kincardine, www.exquisiteexposure.ca, we did family photos at the beach then later a photo shoot with just Sasha. Shandra has a great eye for detail, the photos are fun and fresh, plus she is excellent with the little ones. My most resent success was with Kathleen from Wink Photography, www.winkphotos.ca. I love these photos, to me they are clean, crisp, funky with a side of "album cover creativity".

(If you are trying to check out the websites you man have to copy them on to a new page, not sure how to do the hyperlink properly.)

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Lovely Things so far in December
Pink Christmas Trees
Butter Pecan Cupcakes
Watching my little lady sneak tastes of the cupcake batter
Listening to Roland read...in french! (so clever)
Extra large Christmas tree in our tiny living room
White Christmas Trees on top of my mantel (Harbour Rose Boutique)
Dancing in the Boutique with Sasha
All the awesome sales downtown Kincardine (plus all the shops gift wrap...for FREE)
Santa gifts already to go
New job in the works
Kitchen ready for all the baking

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Have a lovely day...I know I am
Marcia

Really...Hail...Really

I am sitting in my boutique pondering my future when all of a sudden I here mass tinkling. Look out my storefront and low and behold...HAIL. Now some might get angry, scoff even. I on the other hand, think of my cozy little living room, with it's freshly painted fire place, putting some dried wood and pine needles on the fire, a hot cup of tea, a crisp new to me book and a lush blanket for my legs. Delightful.

Before all this can happen spotaniously Mama needs to sell the biz. I am so grateful to have been giving the chance to live my dream of owning my own business' and also just as grateful for coming to the realization this particular buisness is just not for me. I am someone who grabs life by the "balls" or is that "horns", hmmm. I have always wanted to live life with no regrets and so far so good. When I get an idea I usually go for it, this means the good the bad and the ugly sometimes. Anyhoo.

Mar

My Boy

My boy Roland. He wakes me with a kiss and a request to put the "cream coloured arms of the Indian Jones lego guy onto the lego guy wearing the black suit because I want it to look like they are wearing vests". One thing is for sure my Rolie knows what he likes and what he wants, especially when it comes to his clothes. I am learning to go with the flow of his many wardrobe changes in a day, because his choice goes with the particular imaginary game he is in or the sport he is doing or an event that is taking place. Each piece of clothing is chosen with a great deal of thought and care (even though it may not always look that way(....breath...and letting go.) I do LOVE his amazing imagination. He talks from sun up to sun down, whether anyone is there or not. If he is in the backyard playing I will sometimes hide out in his room with the window open and just listen to the wonderful adventure he is on. He still plays with his 3 imaginary friends he has had since he was 2, "Gader". "Cookie Eyes" and "Phil". I do write down some of his story ideas and they are most interesting and usually very funny. Perhaps I have a budding author on my hands, or perhaps a stage actor or it is more likely "The World Famous BMX Trick Bike racer" he prefers to be called. But my most favorite thing to call him is MY SON.

Lovely Little Hands

Lovely Little Girl

I woke up today in one of my most favorite ways. 
As I lay on my side in full dreamland mode,
 I felt a smoothness tickle my forehead,
 then smoothed all the way around my face. 
I remember thinking "Am I dreaming",
 then I felt my eyelashes being smoothed 
then a soft warm little hand rested on my cheek.
 I'm not sure how long it was there for,
 but when I opened my eyes the most beautiful smiling little face
 was staring at me about 2 inches from my face. 
I actually felt my heart 'heat up' just as it did the first time I ever saw her. 
We stared and smiled at each other for a few seconds,
 until I scooped her up and we spooned until we absolutely had to get out of bed. 
I am so thankful for this lovely little creature, 
she is a true little kindred I will cherish forever. 
Sasha Yvonne you are one lovely little girl.

Love

Marcia

Sadness

On Friday morning I logged into my facebook account. As I was reading my "news feed" I noticed an old classmate/friends (from Ottawa) status he had posted about 10 minutes earlier. It appeared to be a suicide note. I quickly sent him an email. I was hopeful. I kept checking his page...his friends and family were pleading for him to call them, words of love and friendship, the feelings were intense, but panic was in there words. Those that lived close would have been searching for him, so afraid of what they may find...I got word the next morning...they found him. Dead. He has 3 little kids, he posted "Butterfly Kisses" for his daughter and "Father and Son" (Cat Stevens) for his 2 sons, and "Tears in Heaven" as well. I have been over come with sadness for him, his children, his wife and his family and close friends. I have had a lump in my throat all weekend and have shed many tears. I have not seen him since college age, but it still feels a little raw. Being an adult is tougher than we think it is going to be as teenagers. We were all in such a hurry to be adults. The pressure and responsibilities can be a little overwhelming at times. Challenges that come up during a marriage really test the ol' wedding vows. Some make it and some don't but we can all learn from absolutely every event that happens to us. And we can all learn from other peoples lessons too. I wish he would have paused at his computer for a few more minutes, and he would have seen he is not alone. His friends and family were there to prop him up and give him the support and love he needed during his darkest times. This man seamed to have it all, smart, beautiful children, family and friends galore, just days before he even posted pictures of all his family at the cottage. I believe he and his wife were separating at this time. Here is the life lesson for us all...we are all fragile at times, when a friend or family member is going through major life changing events, such as divorce, death of a child, spouse, friend, family, illness, be extra aware of comments, body language, odd behaviour. Love them, talk to them, check in with them. Get them help if needed. The dark hole of depression is deep, you may have to reach. But, it may be the "First day of the rest of their life".

Signing off with a heavy heart tonight,
Marcia

It's True, You really do learn something new everyday...

...about yourself.

For instance, I have recently discovered that I want to be a "Homemaker" for a while. I feel like at this time in my life my children and Dalton need me home to take care of them and the home. AND, I want to do this. I for sure will be dabbling in other "projects" along the way but it is important for me to get back to basics. Wish me luck.

It's not all gurgles and coos the first couple of months with a baby.

First of all let me just say having babies has been THE Loveliest event that has ever happened to me. Amongst all the wonderfulness that goes along with having your new baby their is a few 'bits and bobs' that are not always mentioned. Here are just a few of the unpleasantries that may happen to you.
Just a few tidbits I did not know or "get" before I had them...here it goes...(this may not happen to you but it is worth knowing) * At some point you will become so exhausted you will feel like a crazy lady. I call it "Crazy Exhausted" clever eh? I was so exhausted when I came up with that one. * You will get hormone 'surges' for a while. Similar to PMS only you can't go sulk in your room for hours, you have a baby to take care. Enter the wee "pity party" for yourself, know one will join you on this one. * Your relationship with your hubby literally changes forever. Not always in a bad way, it will just be different from your "couple time" * Men are NOT mind readers, tell them what you want and need from them (especially the first couple of months, because they do feel a bit like a fish out of water), tell them, make a list etc. * When friends and family offer to help, say "YES PLEASE" and tell them exactly what you want. ie. dinner would be nice, help fold laundry, watch the baby so you can have an extra long shower, paint your toes, bring you a Starbucks (you get the picture) * If you are nursing, your nipples may bleed and the baby may drink it, they will not die. (I called 911 on this one) * If the baby sleeps a little longer than you expect between feedings...again... they will not die, they are just tired from all the massive growing and learning they are doing. If you need to wake them up, undress him and latch him on. * You may get "baby blues" I never fully got post partum depression but when Rolie was around 6 weeks old, I cried a bit. You are so happy to finally have this little baby and everything is trucking along just fine, sure you're a wee bit tired, and you smell like spit up, then some says to you "how are you doing?" and you just lose it. Cry factory. It's okay, it does pass. (unless it is post-partum Depression and it does last please see your naturalpathic Dr.) Anyway, I could go on. So if you have any questions (strange or otherwise, feel free to drop me a line) And with all that said, having my kids is still the best thing (other than marrying the love of my life) that has ever happened to me and I would not trade it for all the cake in the world. And if none of this applies to you...awesome, you go girl!

This lovely lady melts my heart

I know a girlShe puts the color inside of my worldShe's just like a mazeWhere all of the walls all continually changeAnd I've done all I canTo stand on her steps with my heart in my handsNow I'm starting to seeMaybe it's got nothing to do with meFathers be good to your daughtersDaughters will love like you doGirls become lovers who turn into mothersSo mothers be good to your daughters tooOh, you see that skin?It's the same she's been standing inSince the day she saw him walking awayNow she's leftCleaning up the mess he madeFathers be good to your daughtersDaughters will love like you doGirls become lovers who turn into mothersSo mothers be good to your daughters tooBoys, you can breakYou'll find out how much they can takeBoys will be strongAnd boys soldier onBut boys would be gone without warmth from A woman's good, good heartOn behalf of every manLooking out for every girlYou are the god and the weight of her worldSo fathers be good to your daughtersDaughters will love like you doGirls become lovers who turn into mothersSo mothers be good to your daughters, tooSo mothers be good to your daughters, tooSo mothers be good to your daughters, too By John Mayor

Baby Boys...so lovely

In the wee hours of the morning a baby boy was born. Welcome to the world Oliver Pitre. You will be surrounded by love and friendship for the rest of your life. Nothing is sweeter than a fresh new baby. Congratulations to Sam and Dan, Gabriel and Desmond. Lots of love, The Spencers xoxo

Lovely, Lovely Chevre

Okay, I'm not supposed to eat dairy. I LOVE CHEESE and this no dairy thing is sometimes a bigger challenge than I'd like. I do feel better when dairy is completely eliminated. A nice alternative is Chevre (Goat Cheese) Can you just tell me how much better life is now that a friend of mine actually makes the best Chevre I have tried. Ashley Duncan has some sweet little Nanny Goats in her backyard and this very lovely lady has taught herself how to make goat cheese...how clever of her. Her Goat Cheese companies name is "Rennet Rebels Artisan Cheese". It is so smooth, creamy and mild. The cheese in the picture is the Chevre with Organic Chocolate. The Cherries and The Early Garlic, Cheese and Jam can all be found at the Saturday morning market at Caunaught Park in Kincardine.

This is the loveliest lakes I know, Lake Huron, the lake that me, Dalton and the kids have named "Our Lake". This is Roland and Sasha trying to surf the waves as the sun goes down. We moved here almost 2 years ago and having the lake so close (10 minute walk from our house) was one of the biggest 'pros' to moving here. Before I had kids and would come to Kincardine to visit I always made a point of going to the lake on my own and just sit, and be and think...meditate. Then when I was on "Mat" leave with Rolie I would walk down to the lake everyday of my visit and meditate. Since actually moving here I have done this a small handful of times. Crazyness. Wouldn't it be clever of me to make some time and start this again? Nothing makes me feel more at peace than meditating at the lake. My lovely, lovely, lake. As the saying goes "If you are lucky enough to live by the lake, you are lucky enough." ommmmm.

Ladies Night In Kincardine

One of my first things I need to do is create more "Me" time, time to nurture just myself, what better way than a night out with some very lovely ladies; Amy, Kayli, Mom, Auntie Wendy, Jen Mac.

Down town Kincardine it is Ladies Night at the Bluewater Theatre. For a mere $30 a ticket you get to see "Sexy Laundry", have dessert, get a gift bag and your name entred in for a prize. How freakin' lovely is that!