Grandma's Chair

A couple of years ago, I shared a post about this chair that I got from my great-grandmother's house. When I was looking for my condo and getting ready to move, I knew that my new place would have to be able to accommodate this chair. Lucky, the chair would have been a great fit for the living room of my condo, as well as my bedroom- which is where it currently is.

I love the chair- the shape, pattern, and the memories associated with it. 

My great grandfather passed away in 1998, when I was in grade 8, so I have a lot of memories of him- so much of my childhood was spent at his house. My great grandmother- who is turning 90 later this month- moved out of their house about two years ago. 

I received a number of items from their house before it was sold, but this chair is by far my favourite. My sister also got a chair from my great grandmother...it's a furry, pink chair, with little ball/tassels. So 1960/1970's, but so amazing!

 

 

My great grandmother is a woman of beauty- her physical appearance, her inner soul, and her (former) home. Grandma will do anything for her family, making us all feel so loved. She is an Italian woman, so there was always food- pasta, salami, stuffed peppers, vegetables from the garden, chicken, bread, homemade cakes and cookies... Whatever you wanted, grandma had and would give to you. 

This chair brings me back to her home, my childhood, teenage years, and 20's. Family meals, sleepovers, sick days from school, chats over coffee, brunch after mass on Sundays, running in the garden (where we were not allowed to play), trips to the playground, afternoons on the sun porch, making wine in the garage and salami in the basement. 

I had a very happy childhood, and I know that I am incredibly blessed that my great grandparents were part of it.

Inspire Me: Summer Story

Sigh...Labour Day. I like Labour Day because it creates a long weekend, but I dislike Labour Day because it creates the last long weekend of the summer and unofficially marks the end of my favourite season. 

 

 

This has been a busy summer. I had the opportunity to do a lot of fun and favourite things- it was a great summer overall. There were some negative aspects...plot twists, if you will. There were also some positive plot twists too. 

 

Parades, outdoor concerts, family gatherings and celebrations, days at the beach, nights on the patio, dragon boats, bonfires, barbecues, weekends away with friends, time at the farm, conservation area, fireworks, coming together as a community and country, food trucks, reconnecting with old friends, book club, time spent with Pod Pals, outings with Pals of the Pod, Moose Jaw Shirt Day...so many great memories.

I have to admit, summer just isn't the same- or as juicy of a story- without Daniel. My summer friend, my co-star. He truly did make summers magical, memorable, and the best ever. I miss him like crazy and I miss the summers we had. 

It's a new story, new novel. A revised setting and new characters, familiar plots with fresh elements.

This edition has ended...time to move on to the Fall story.

Farewell 2015

Dear 2015,

Despite our rocky start- lingers of 2014- we had a great year, we were good to each other. We both know that the first 2.5 months was horrible, unbearable, abusive, toxic. I really got beat up. But you stuck with me. We had a little bit of downtime in March, but you showed me that there were opportunities and that you had better things in store for me. 

 

2015, you showed me how much I was cared for. I was constantly surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. Even when things were else than ideal, you had my surrounded by love. The downside to this year was having to put distance between me and my sorority sisters. I would never ask them to pick sides, so I took a step back. I miss them... but at the same time, it helped me strengthen my relationship with others. 

 

You brought me new friends; Cassandra, the Pod Pals, Pals of the Pod. You also brought old friends back into my life. It was a full social life this year, lots of laughs...with plans to continue into the next year.

 

One of the biggest gifts you gave me 2015, was the organization I work for. You led me to this opportunity, one that I was hesitant about, but you carefully nudged me towards it. Not only do I have a job, a career, that i love and that challenges, enables me to learn and grown, but I have a supervisor that's invested in me and my success. I work for an organization that is my biggest cheerleader and is constantly setting me up to succeed. Not only are they standing behind me when I succeed, but they are there to celebrate with me too. I am never alone. I belong. From this, so many other great things have come.

 

2015, you saw me pull off the biggest event of my career- which will likely never be topped. 1600 people across 10 sites in Ontario, one site in Saskatchewan and one site in Guatemala. I had a fantastic team around me and it went off without a hitch. I'm still riding a high from that.

You were a fun year 2015. The Charity Gala aka Prom 2.0- with my original prom date!! Pan Am Games- including the Opening Ceremony where I met Jason Priestly!! Parades, events, VIP...all the perks of being a political daughter. Being invited to the swearing in of our federal government. Cards Against Humanity nights, Haunted houses, dinner and drinks with friends. Lots of memories and lots of once in a lifetime opportunities. 

There were a lot of dates this year; some good. Some not so good. Besides my change in employment, the greatest thing that happened to me this year was N. He made me happy. Dinners on the patio, salsa dancing, being wrapped in his arms as we talked. Everything with him was perfect. I was so comfortable with him. He was what was missing in my life. He showed me I could be happy...my happiest memories are with him. 

For a moment in time, I had it all.

At the beginning of our relationship 2015, I declared that Happy would be our word. For 2.5 months, we weren't happy. But that quickly changed, half way through the year, I was beyond happy. And on the eve of our relationship ending, I still am happy. You brought me so much happiness, 2015. 

2015, the other part of our relationship, my resolution, was to connect with friends. I was really good at documenting this aspect of our relationship until August, and than stopped. I am happy to report, with the exception of November, I was able to fulfill this resolution. I connected with so many people and really built on my friendships. it was time consuming and a lot of effort, but very much worth it.

 

I know in my heart of hearts, no matter how much I love and value you 2015, you are only a matter of hours from leaving me. As much as I don't want to see you go, or let you go, I know that I have too. You are slowly slipping away from me. I will never forget you, all that you did for me, all that you gave to me. 

We both know, that once you leave me, I am going to get into a new relationship, with 2016. 2016 will not replace you 2015, nor will 2016 make me forget you or make you less important to me. It's just that if you are going to move on, I should too. 

Thank you for everything 2015. You truly blessed me, enriched my life, made me a better person, and gave me so much happiness. 

You have my heart, 2015, forever.

Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book.
Write a good one. - Brad Paisley

Toronto 2015: Pan Am Games- Day 1

I have already shared details of the Chairman's Reception and the Opening Ceremonies for the Pan Am Games. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be talking about the sporting events I attended. I was lucky enough to have a VIP pass- and I found out the second day of the Games, that my pass got me into all Pan Am venues. I had originally planned to attend the flatwater sports, which is what I did.

The first day of the Games, was a beautiful, warm and sunny day!! You really couldn't have asked for a better day, especially for canoe/kayak!! 

 

As a VIP, we had special parking, close to the venue, and we also had our own security line- which was basically not waiting in line to go through security. There was a VIP seating area, which was in the grand stand, closest to the finish line. VIPs also had access to the viewing platform, which is where I watched 95% of the races. The platform offered the best view of the course and podium.

 

The viewing platform was right beside the clock tower, the media tower, the announcer tower...each level of the tower was 'home' to a specific function of the games.

Looking at the tower from the platform

Pachi, the official mascot also made an appearance on the first day.

Watching Pachi from the viewing platform. Podium is in the background

There were four races that day- a medal race, two heats, and a semifinal. Flatwater racing is kind of like the horse races; you watch the race for two minutes and than you wait forever until the next race. The first day's race schedule was 9:05am, 11:00am, 11:10am and 12:15pm. So, lots of waiting around.

 

The very first race, was the Women K4 500m, which was also a medal race. It was so much fun to watch Team Canada compete and cheer them on to a gold medal!

Watching the Women K4 500m

Since the very first medal of the games was won at the flatwater centre- and by Team Canada- I got to witness it, which was so awesome...and just watching them win, but seeing them have their medals awarded and the playing of our national anthem...really tough to describe. But I promise, it was really cool and something I won't forget. 

Women K4 medalists walking to the podium

Medalist on the podium

Team Canada with their medals!

I just have to share this video...Team Canada getting their medals!

Toronto 2015: Pan Am Games- Opening Ceremonies

Last week, I shared details about the Pan Am Games Chairman's Reception. This week, I thought I would share the Opening Ceremonies!! The Pan Am Opening Ceremonies are VERY similar to the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. 

From the Chairman's Reception, we were escorted down to a box in the 200s section of the Rogers Centre.

Crowd at the Rogers Centre

I THINK we had good seats, but we actually decided to stay at a table in the box as we had a clear view of the stage. We felt if we went to our seats, we might have people blocking our view. Plus, if we stayed at the table, we had servers that would come to our table to our drink order/deliver our drinks. They also had food available for us in the box.

View from our table

 Cirque du Soleil opened with a fantastic show that represented all of the countries of the world.It was a great start!!

Performers entering the stage

Performers on stage

During the performance, they showed a video that showcased the Pan Am flames journey to get to Toronto. The video showed someone skydiving off of the CN Tower, aiming towards Rogers Centre. Donovan Bailey that entered the Rogers Centre with the flame.

Flame entering Rogers Centre

After the flame was brought in, there was a bit of a torch rally on the stage, with the lighting of the cauldron. After the cauldron was lit, Cirque continued with their performance. What I liked about the opening piece was that there was a focus on Native culture- which is so important to Canada and our Canadian history- and bringing the different cultures of the world together.

Performers again...can you spot the Native Hoop Dancer?

After the opening performance, the Canadian flag was brought in Rogers Centre by the RCMP and was raised. This was accompanied by the singing of the Canadian National Anthem.

RCMP and the Canadian flag

Next up was the Parade of Nations.  Since the Pan Am Games were started in Argentina, they enter first (just as Greece always enters first for the Olympics). After Argentina, the countries enter alphabetically by their Spanish name.

Team USA entering Rogers Centre

More of Team USA

Just like the Olypmics, the host country enters last. I can't even explain to you, what a thrill it was to be cheering on Team Canada as they made their entrance into the stadium. It was a great moment of personal pride, to be united with country, cheering and celebrating our athletes.

 

Team Canada!!!! Mark Oldershaw was our flag bearer...and I had the chance to meet him later on during the games.

 

That's a lot of red & white

Last picture of Team Canada

After all of the nations were in the Rogers Centre and seated, Cirque du Soleil came in as if the were part of the Parade of Nations, as the walked past the volunteers, the volunteers joined the parade and were eventually lead out of the stadium. This was a great transition to the next part of Cirque's performance. There were a ton of different scenes and 'stories' that was part of the performance. While I have tons of picture, and I want to avoid a 'photo dump; I am only going to share a few that highlight the performance. Here they are:

Suspended from the ceiling. There was also, later in the show, aeriel acts

They were tumbling over the fire...it was pretty cool.

Bike stunts

After the Cirque performance, the Olympic and Pan Am flags were brought in and raised. There were speeches, the athlete and official oaths were taken, more speeches, and finally fireworks from the CN tower! Unfortunately, I don't have any firework pictures, but they were spectacular.

While the Opening Ceremonies was LONG- it took forever for all the athletes to come, but was so worth it to see the Canadian athletes and cheer for them- and some parts were boring- I'm looking at you, speeches- it was over all a FANTASTIC event!!! I am so thankful that I had the chance to be there and experience it in person. Once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.

Next week, I'll be sharing some of the events I attended!

Toronto 2015: Pan Am Games- Chairman's Reception

I've mentioned a time or two or ten that I had the opportunity to experience the 2015 Pan Am Games, which were hosted by Toronto. Pan Am is affiliated with the Olympics- and follow a lot of the traditions and celebrations of the Olympics- and is held the summer before the Summer Olympics. 

I was very, very, very lucky to be invited not only to the Opening Ceremony's, but to the Chairman's Reception as well. It was a once in a lifetime experience and something I'll never forget. I owe a HUGE thank you to my dad who brought me as his guest and my mom who decided not to attend, so that I could go in her place.

 

Pre-Reception Reception

All invited guests were invited to a hotel in Toronto to gather prior to heading over to Chairman's Reception or Opening Reception, both held prior to the Opening Ceremonies. The hotel reception was basically a cocktail hour, lots of mingling and people serving drinks. Not much else happened. 

The crowd at the Rogers Centre when we pulled up

From the hotel reception, we were escorted down to a nice coach bus and made our way- with a police escort- to the Rogers Centre, where the Chairman's Reception (for distinguished guests and "the movers and shakers that made it all happen"), Opening Reception (for family and friends of distinguished guests/movers and shakers, VIPs, officials from visiting countries, etc) and the Opening Ceremonies took place. 

Rogers Centre before they let everyone in

We were up pretty high at the Rogers Centre, in the Presidents Suite (I think). We could see the entire venue...it was so weird to be in the Rogers Centre with virtually no one in the stands. 

Pachi, the official mascot of Toronto 2015 (who has 41 quills to represent the 41 countries that competed at the Games), volunteers and the host during the pre-show

During the Reception, I noticed that there was some stuff happening on the stage, which I original thought was a sound check, and than thought it was a final run through, but was actually a pre-show for the Opening Ceremonies. I didn't pay too much attention to this, as their was a lot going on in the room we were in. 

Poutine!!

I have had VIP treatment before, but NOTHING can compare to the treatment I had throughout the entire Pan Am experience. At the reception, no matter what your request was, they were able to get it for you. The food was amazing! They really played up on Canada; Alberta and Ontario beef, BC Salmon, PEI Potatoes... Everything looked so good!! I only tried the poutine and the sliders, which were both delicious. Food is such an important part of an event, and they nailed it with their food selection. 

Pan Am Medals (ParaPan Am Medals are in the back row)

Being a VIP, you get to do things that most people don't get to do. Pachi, the mascot, came into the suite for a meet and greet. I had previously met him when the Pan Am flame first came to Canada and started the torch relay. We also got a first look at the Pan Am Medals!! It was cool to see them up close and in person- even if we weren't allowed to touch them.

ParaPan Am Medal

They also has the ParaPan Am Medals on display. I was surprised to learn that Toronto 2015 was the first time that Braille was used on the ParaPan Am Medals. 

Another important event component are your guests. They really can make or break your party. I had the opportunity to speak to a number of people there, including; Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Toronto Mayor John Tory and his wife Barbara (who has the same hometown as me...we bonded over that), Ontario Cabinet Ministers Michael Chan and Charles Sousa, Chairman David Peterson, and Pan Am Games CEO Saad Rafi. After the fact, I learned that Kim Cattrall (aka Samantha Jones, Sex and the City) was there and I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get to meet her; at least I can say that I attended a party she was at, so that's still kinda cool, right?

Some of the crowd at the Chairman's Reception

Who else was there? Who else did I met? In the picture above, the guy in the light blue jacket? Oh right...JASON PRIESTLEY!!! That's right, I met Brandon Walsh from 90210. My teenage self died. My adult self tried very hard to keep it together. Details of that meeting-which was by far the coolest and greatest thing I have ever done- will come in the next week or so. 

Overall, I had a fantastic time at the Reception. It a truly great and memorable experience! 

Details and photos of the Opening Ceremonies and the events I attended will follow in the coming weeks.

Grandma's House

I've mentioned a couple of times that my great-grandmother's house has been sold and how sad this is for me. The sale for the house actually closes today. It's no longer my grandparents house, I can no longer go visit. 

While I understand this is a fact of life...people move, sell and buy houses all the time...it is still hard for me. I have 30 years of memories in that house. I've been blessed to have had my great-grandparents be part of my life. My grandfather died when I was 13 and my grandmother is still alive.With the selling of this house, I feel like I'm loosing this piece of me, of my life. I know I will have my memories...but is that enough?

I watched my grandfather make wine in the garage. I can't even count how many times I walked up the steps, rang the bell,watched my grandmother look out the window to see who it was and see her face light up when she realized it was me (or any family member for that matter). My brother, cousins and I used to sit on the ledge of the porch...if no adults were around, because we weren't really allowed to do it.

This was taken the last time I was inside the house, the same day as the garage sale.

This is a part of the basement...I love that carpet. So vintage and my favourite colour. I love the half wall. To the right, is the record player/radio...it still worked! We spent so much time in this basement. This is where we would play. That kitchen is where my grandmother showed me how to make sauce. This is where my great grandparents, parents and grandmother would make salami and capicola...I would "help". 

Most importantly, this is where a lot of our family meals would happen. There was a big table that would be set up and we could all fit around it. It was always special because it meant my out of town cousins were visiting. There was lunch when my cousin came from Australia, there was a meal that I met my cousin's fiancee and saw her ring, there were birthday parties.There was my great grandfather's wake. 

My most memorable meal in this basement was the Easter after my great-grandfather died. It was the first time my entire family- my great grandmother, three daughters, two son-in-laws, 9 grandchildren and their spouses and 18 great grandchildren- had been together since he died. Everyone made a point to be there. After our meal, we all went upstairs to the living room where the great-grandchildren had a group picture with grandma. It was so chaotic to...18 of us ranging is age from 14 to a couple of months. 

I have a copy of that picture. My grandmother had a copy too...it was displayed in her living room. 

Just ignore my finger...I couldn't keep it out of the picture

A week or so ago, I went to my grandparents house for the very last time. I didn't have a key, so I couldn't go in but I spent time in the backyard. I spent a lot of time in the backyard. To the left is a sunroom. I remember watching it be built; This is another place that we spent a lot of time, playing or having meals. We spent countless hours playing in the backyard. I would jump rope and ride my tricycle. 

To the right is a shed...it was like a little house to me. The concrete in front is actually quite steep, and we would run up and down it, roll balls.marbles, etc up the ramp. We were fascinated with this...no other house that we knew of had a ramp. We would run around the shed, there was a path between it and the fence and behind the shed my grandfather had laid patio stones. 

We were not allowed in the garden...but every once and awhile, we would still run through it, between the plants, all the vegetables my grandparents grew. You can't really tell, but at the back fence are grapevines...we would sneak back there and pick grapes to eat. 

I had an amazing childhood, filled with time spent with my grandparents, at this house. 

As sad as I am with the selling of this house...I was in tears the last time I was there, but was reminded of a lot of happy times. 

I'm terrified of my memories fading. With my grandfather gone and my grandmother aging...I'm trying to hold on, even though I know you sometimes have to let things go. 

What will never fade, what will never change, is the love I have for my grandparents. That exists regardless of where they call home.

Ninja Turtles, Art Supplies & Totally Gross

Every year my dad and his colleagues participate in the local Toys for Tots program. When we were younger, my dad would take my brother and me with him to pick out the toys; one each. After my sister was old enough, she would come too. Of course, we all got older and my brother and I moved out of town, so this tradition came to end.

This year, I was home the weekend my dad was going shopping for the toys he was going to donate. I asked if I could join him and help pick out the toys; he said yes!

 

I convinced my dad that instead of buying two toys, he should buy three; one to represent each of his kids- years ago, he made a comment to the media saying something to that affect.

Totally Gross is a game and when my sister was little she had had a similar game...I don't remember what it was called, but it involved snot...she REALLY wanted the game for Christmas and ended up getting it. She was so happy. 

Growing up, I was really artistic and was frequently given art supplies for Christmas. One year I even got a pottery wheel. One of my favourite gifts came from my grandparents. It was a bag full of paint, markers, crayons, different kinds of papers...it was great and very similar to the 5 in 1 Creative Art Tub.

As a kid, my brother loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Ninja Turtles was actually the first movie my parents took us to see in the theatre, because my brother loved them so much. He even had a (plastic) table and chair set, with the chairs shaped like the ninja turtles. And, of course, he had all the action figures.

I'm happy my dad let me go with him this year. I had a lot of fun picking out the perfect gift to represent brother, sister and me.

Camp/Muskoka Memories

There are very few shows that I follow on a weekly basis and consider "must watch"- in fact, I can count them on one hand. But, a TV show that was a "must watch" for me this summer was Camp (Wikipedia page here and IMDb page here). When I originally heard about this show, I knew it was something I wanted to watch and I thought it would be set at a traditional summer camp. But it was actually set at a family summer camp, Little Otter.

As I watched the show, I realized that "camp" as portrayed on this series was very similar to my "Muskoka resort" experiences. 

Every summer, my dad would take our family to a resort in the Muskokas for a week (would have been amazing to go for the entire summer but with commitments, it wasn't possible). We stayed in a cabin, on a lake, interacted with resort/camp counsellors and participated in summer camp activities- camp fires, talent shows, boating, tye dying, etc. I loved every minute of it.

I met a lot of amazing people- other guests who became 'best friends' and counsellors who became mentors, even if it was just for one week. These were people who shared in some of my happiest summer memories and who gave me valuable life advice. These were people, who looking back, played small but important roles in my life. 

It would take too long to go into details of specific memories...and hard to pick a couple 'favourite' memories. Even if I could pick a 'favourite' explaining it wouldn't have to do it justice- you had to be there. 

I still have gimp bracelets made by girls who were my 'best friend' and counsellors who took me under their wing. I still have pictures taped to the back of my childhood bedroom door from one of my last Muskoka summers, which I look at every time I'm home. I still laugh at our 'Invisible Bench' sketch ("What are you doing?" "We're sitting on the invisible bench." "But the invisible bench is over there [pointing across the room]." "Oh no [everyone falls to the floor]!" See...not funny when you type it out, but funny when you see/remember it). I still can't look at The Rugrats (the cartoon) the same way I did before a night spent in the main lodge with horrible television reception. And, I bet, I still have the very first t-shirt I ever tye dyed.

Watching Camp brought me back to all of those summers. I would watch something on the show, such as the overnight camping trip, and be reminded of my own  experience, like the overnight camping trip the resort staff took the teens on. I frequently think back to those resort summers but it was kind of fun to watch similar experiences on tv and to relive them in a pseudo way.

The time spent in the Muskokas were always a blast, but leaving and saying goodbye were always hard. Especially knowing that I might never see these people again-and with the exception of one guy who ended up living in my residence at Brock (totally weird and a story for another time) and one girl I found on Facebook, I never did see or have contact with any of them again. My Muskoka summers were long before Facebook, Twitter, Skype, texting, even MySpace and Hi5. This was in the early days of email, MSN and AOL...so while I had all three, not everyone else did.

I have fond memories of  my time spent at Muskoka Resorts and I honestly believe that the Muskokas are one the most beautiful parts of Canada. I know if I were to go to the Muskokas now, my experience as an adult would be very different than my experience as a kid or even a teen. 

Would I go back as an adult? Without a second thought. Would I go back in time to my kid and/or teen years? In a heartbeat. Will I settle for "reliving" my experience via Camp the TV show? Absolutely. 

I can't express how much I love the TV show Camp or how much happiness it brought me, bringing me back to my Muskoka Resort days. Like this show, my Muskoka Resort days, friends and experiences will always have a special place in my heart and forever bring me back to my carefree start of summer days.

Sunday Social- Childhood & Teen Years

We had a snowstorm on Friday, TONS of snow! It was our first real snow fall of 2012-2013 winter and it was a mixed blessing. Friday was a snow day, not only did we get a 'surprise' day off (and got paid) but we also got an extra day added to our weekend. The snow also meant that my weekend plans had to change and I was 'storm stayed' in town and unable to go away for the weekend.

This was the first weekend I've spent here since moving in August where I didn't work. I didn't do much- a little bit of work, a little bit of cleaning and I had lunch with a friend. Being relatively new to the area, every time she and I go out, we go somewhere different. Yesterday it was a place known for it's ribs and wings and themed like a ski lodge/cabin. Very Canadian, the food was great and the company was awesome!

1. What was your first car?
1985 Mustang Convertible...which I still have, but haven't driven in years. 

2. Who was your favorite childhood teacher?
It's a tie between my grade 2 teacher and my grade 3 teacher. I really liked grade 2 and my teacher was nice, we learned a lot and the projects we did were fun. She was really creative. Her teaching style is what made her a favourite.

My grade three teacher was amazing. She had so much energy, was always laughing and had fun. She loved Elvis. She also had a creative and fun teaching style. She was really a big kid at heart.

3. Were you involved in any sports/extracurricular activities? Share pictures if you can!
Dance. I danced and danced and danced. Dance was the main one. But I also did Brownies, swimming, tennis, figure skating, soccer (indoor and outdoor), baseball, piano...

4. What was your favorite birthday party?

My 8th birthday. I celebrated it in Australia and my cousin threw me a surprise birthday party. It was the first time I got to go to the beach for my birthday and my first surprise party.

5. Who was your teen celebrity crush?

Devon Sawa and Nick Carter. And Shane West...who I am may still have a crush on.

6. What show/movie did your parents not allow you to watch?My parents were actually pretty cool. We could basically watch anything that was on before our bedtime.

Favourite Thing- These Memories Aren't Gone

This weeks favourite thing, is a friend and memories...without going into any detail. How's that for vague and not helpful/insightful?

It was 10 years ago yesterday...I can't believe that it's been 10 years. I still think of you all the time...I know now that conversation meant something to you, just as it meant something to me. 

I'm so lucky to have known someone who is so hard to say goodbye to.

"The Time Has Come For You To Live...For You To Be Free..."
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever Cherished. 

Best Intentions~Flatlined

I'm the face you see,
you see in the mirror,
now you wish that I,
Had somehow seen much clearer,
theses memories aren't gone,
but I can not return,
watching all along,
as all our pictures,
burn…

Chorus
And you see me standing there,
Standing next to the picture,
Of what I used to be,
All I want to be is free…

you hear my story told,
through this eulogy,
now that I am gone,
there's nothing I can be,
now its too late,
to listen and to change,
or find another way,
this fate has been arranged,
best intentions gone,
you’ll never be the same,
and now I can feel, the shame,

Chorus

now that I’m gone,
everything went wrong,
I’m sorry about the pain I've cause and times that I've dragged along,
of all the things I've seen,
and all the things I've done,
watching all along with you as all the pictures,
burn…

This was a hard post for me to write...even after 10 years, it's still too painful. Nothing I will say here will ever explain...will ever bee good enough. Just know you are missed.

RIP

i & i

i(nspiration)

&

i(dea)

Blow bubbles!

As a child, blowing bubbles was a huge part of my summer. My parents would buy us the little containers of bubble mix from the store and my grandma would make bubble mix for us using dish soap and water (I think). My grandma would also always buy bubble related accessories for us- this would include different shapes and sizes of bubble wands.

Blowing bubbles brings together a couple of my favourite things- summer memories and spending time outside.

Something fun: I saw Pinterest, that if you break glow sticks and pour the liquid into the bubble mix, you will have glow in the dark bubbles. No idea if this actually works, but it would be kinda cool if it does and fun to try!

Favourie Thing- Muskoka

For many years, my family always officially started our summer in Muskoka.  Located in Central Ontario and is part of "cottage country", roughly 2 hours north of Ontario and located on Georgian Bay, Muskoka has over 1,000 lakes and is crazy beautiful. Steven Spielberg, Tom Hnaks, Cindy Crawford and Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell are just some of the noteable people who have homes in the area.

I feel like I should be sitting on that deck right no.w..

Essentially, the day after school let out (late June, in Ontario) my dad would take us all to a resort. We stayed at a number of different resorts over the years, but they were all basically the same set...we'd stay in our own 'cabin'-sometimes attached to one or two other cabins, sometimes a stand alone- and the days were spent doing 'summer camp like' activities. This would include arts and crafts (tye-dying was popular, as was gimp bracelet making), sports (tennis, croquet, beach volleyball), nightly movies in the main lodge and bonfires. Usually, mornings were spent on land and afternoons on the water (boating, fishing, waterskiing, windsailing, etc).

So pretty!

I have many fond memories of my handful of summer days spent in Muskoka. It was all fun and laughter.

I remember...

• The variety night we (the kids) would put on
• Being taken out on the boat, off the main channel, and swimming in the middle of the lake
• Learning how to wind sail
• Making my first gimp bracelet (It was at night, the kids were doing something and one of the staff-can't remember her name for the life of me- seeing that I was a little shy and uncomfortable, took me upstairs to the craft room where I picked out some gimp, we sat on the covered balcony and made bracelets...she was really nice to me and I appreciated it)
• The fun of summer camp set in the luxury of an all inclusive resort
• All the friends I made...so many wonderful, entertaining and unique people. I learned something from them all
• My first kiss (he ended up living 4 doors down from me in residence in University...that was weird)
• Bonfires- making s'mores, telling ghost stories, laughing
• Horseback riding
• Late nights with friends, spent in the main lodge
• Scavenger hunt with Natalie and Ellie
• Staff telling me about their high school and University experiences, giving me great advice 

Severn Lodge...one of the resort we stayed at. Would love to go back!

So many great memories. I would love to say that I made life long friends...and if I had met them in the time of texting, Facebook, etc...I might still be in touch with a lot of them.  Instead, I have pictures (taken with a camera that holds film that needed to be developed), that I look at fondly and that transport me back to those, fun, carefree, beautiful summer days in one of the prettiest parts of Ontario.