You are currently browsing the monthly archive for August 2012.
“Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.” Unknown
A little back-story: my Niece, who lives on Vancouver Island, was married to the love of her life back in June, in a very small, private ceremony performed by a local Marriage Commissioner. I was one of the honored few to be in attendance at that time. The reason they were married in this manner is because he is dying of a very rare and aggressive cancer. It’s a very heart wrenching story, but also at the same time, very heartwarming. I am incredibly proud of how they are both walking this journey hand in hand, working thru every moment together – the good and the bad. They write in their own private journals to each other every day. They are taking each moment for what it is . . . and cherishing what they have in the here and now.
Today we traveled to the Island to celebrate their union, with the family and friends who were not able to be a part of the ceremony in June. It was a lovely catered event, in a lovely back yard garden hosted by some very close friends. He is doing surprisingly well, as they both mingled and enjoyed the evening. We have no idea how long before this invader takes him from us . . . but I am grateful for the moments I’ve been blessed with in the short time I’ve known him.
Unfortunately, we had to travel back to the mainland on the last ferry of the night. I took this shot on the top deck, hoping to catch some of the Perseid Meteor Showers . . . to no avail. There was just too much light pollution from the ferry itself. I did capture the Vancouver skyline however . . . that is my “ghostly” shadow on the right of the photo.
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“I’m a typical middle child. I’m the mediator. The one that makes everything OK, puts their own needs aside to make sure everybody’s happy. It’s hard to change your nature, even with years and years of therapy.” Jennifer Jason Leigh
Oh My Gosh! I read the above quote and thought to myself . . . that is me! Totally me! I am the middle child of seven – two older brothers, one older sister, and three younger sisters. As a child, I mainly just stayed invisible because that was the safest place to be. As I grew older, I found myself being a mediator of sorts . . . the person who always tried to make things ok for everyone. As a result, I grew up a lot of insecurities and no sense of self what so ever. I have worked very hard over the last decade or so to become more confident in who I am, and discovering what it is that makes me tick. I never knew, so how could anyone around me know??
At 60 years of age, I am very much a work in progress but now I know that I have choice, that I have power, that I have value. I hope I can pass this on to my Grandkids through my actions and the way I live my life with accountability and truth. If even a little bit rubs off . . . I have lived my life with purpose.
In today’s photo, I am playing mediator yet again . . . between the New Jersey Honey Bears and my half empty bottle of Agave Nectar. Agave Nectar is not too pleased with the Honey Bear invasion!
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Old Fashioned Raspberry Jam Recipe: Food Network (click for recipe)
There just really is nothing like fresh-picked raspberries thrown in to the pot and cooked up in to yummy raspberry jam! These are pretty much the last of the berries to be picked this year – there may be a few stragglers for a little nibble here and there. But they are pretty much done for the season. I made up a nice double batch of jam to put away for the winter, and to share with a few family and friends. I have frozen some, for smoothies over the course of the next year till we are able to start the cycle all over again.
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“Pooh, promise you won’t forget about me, ever. Not even when I’m a hundred.” Pooh though for a little. “How old shall I be then?” “Ninety-nine.” Pooh nodded. “I promise,” he said. – Christopher Robin & Pooh Bear
I have to say that Honey Bear is really enjoying his new home here north of the border! Today, he and Canada Moose have become fast friends . . . they’re having some quiet time together on the front porch. Who knew a little honey bear from New Jersey could become so right at home here in beautiful British Columbia? We’re so pleased to add him to our family . . .
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“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” Winnie the Pooh
Honey Bear is making new friends here north of the border . . . found this little 100% Canadian Honey Bear on the shelves at Save-On-Foods today. I really couldn’t leave them alone for long though, and finally had to separate them as things were just getting a little too sticky . . .
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“Honey, I am the chief of my train. If critics want to hop on board, fantastic. There’s plenty of room. The KP train is fun.” Katy Perry
I’m not a huge fan of Katy Perry, but I do like this quote of hers. I think it’s a great attitude, one that we all could adopt. I was just talking this week with my sister about one of my biggest challenges in my quest to become a bonafide “photographer”. That challenge is the voice of critics . . . what they say and don’t say about my work. I’m on a mission here, and I’ve come a long way in a short time. I picked up my first camera when I was 16 years old in high school, and was smitten from that point. Life got in the way though, so now I am pursuing my passion. Photography. Two years ago I did not understand the relationship of aperture, ISO, and shutterspeed. I knew light was important, but I didn’t understand the how and why. I still have so much to learn . . . and I am so enjoying the journey. So there ya go . . . I’m going to adopt Katy Perry’s attitude and accept all critics with an open heart. It’s all just part of the process after all.
Today’s shot is Honey Bear’s first breakfast in Canada. Poached eggs and toast with honey. Very yummy honey! Not sure exactly what type of honey it is . . . but it’s very light and flavorful!
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“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” John D. Rockefeller
One of my fellow 365’ers very generously mailed each one of us some of the honey he makes on his farm. I had him mail it to my Son’s address just south of Portland, Oregon. I had to document the momentous occasion of Honey Bear entering Canada. It was a sweet experience for all of us!
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“I see the mind of a five year old as a volcano with two vents: destructiveness and creativeness.” Sylvia Warner
We’re in Oregon today . . . just south of Portland. My goodness it is hot! 100+ degrees! Today is also my Granddaughter’s 5th birthday. They are waiting to finalize a deal on a new home, so did not plan a party for her. They had hoped to be moving in this weekend, but with Short Sales there are so many delays and crazy requirements . . . so they can’t move in just yet. Because it was such a hot day though, we decided to spend the day in the air conditioned Clackamus TownCenter Mall in Portland. We thought maybe we could cool off while watching the new Ice Age movie. Cute movie though a bit long for a 5 year old to sit patiently through. (The shadow on the right of the top picture is my knee).
Later in the evening, we had the opportunity to do a walk thru in the new house. It turns out that the current owners have moved just down the street from where my son is living now – and they are so happy to have my son buying their house. They are really nice people . . . so we got to get a good look at the place. My son and his family will be very happy there for a long time . . . The second picture here is of my Granddaughter – she was getting quite impatient with us standing around talking, and so laid down on the tile patio complaining how hot it was. I had to snap the picture! Poor little munchkin! We then went home and had birthday cake that she had picked out earlier in the day. Yum! Happy Birthday my little Princess!
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“Our deeds still travel with us from afar, and what we have been makes us what we are.” George Eliot
I’ve spent a fair bit of time in my car driving over the last few weeks(Canada to Oregon to California, with lots of sightseeing in between). Today I was able to sit back and relax while my husband did the driving, as he had flown down to California to spend a bit of time with the grandkids, and drive home with me. I caught this reflection in the car’s mirror as we were driving along. I was feeling quite satisfied with the past 6 weeks of activities since my Grandson had flown out from Maryland to spend time with me. I am so incredibly blessed in my life, and am so happy to be able to create value in the lives of those around me. Today though, I was really enjoying having someone else take the wheel!
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Nurture Self 365 