April 30, 2013

Jamie

When life is crazy, it's so nice to be doing regular things. For me this week that meant going to Art Picnic and hanging out with some friends over coffee, good conversation and our journals. This has really become a touchstone in my week.

Shannon
Somehow I missed watching the last 3 (ever) episodes of Merlin, after watching though all 5 seasons! I was glad I waiting and watched them when I could *really* watch them. It's been a wonderful series, from the silly eps to the serious ones and the interesting take that's both a unique interpretation as well as an honouring the tradition of the Arthurian legends. Ah, completion. I love it.

April 29, 2013

Jamie

High Tea!! What fun we had! Tea, treats and outfits - as Grandma would say, "What could be bad?" It was so fun shopping with Suzie in the morning for surprise outfits - and seeing Shannon get changed on the streetcar! It was a treat to actually use our china cups and to indulge in such sweet delights. A great day, for sure!

Shannon
High Tea at Mom's! What a joy this was, lots of giggle, tons of goodies and a gaggle of ladies in out beautiful hats and gowns. I had such a great time.

Rewind: April 28, 2013

Jamie

I am completely loving the treasures that we are discovering as we go through the slides with mom. This is one of my absolute favs.

April 27, 2013

Jamie

Our night at the Mandarin! I think I'm probably still full from that meal! It was great to get together with everyone and connect over a great meal.

Shannon
I think I may have gotten my days mixed up but I loved that we got Mom's body art up for her at her place :)

April 26, 2013

Jamie

This workshop poured through me into the world. It really wanted to be born! I had such a powerful experience creating it and it was an absolute joy to lead. I am so glad that you both could be a part of it. My heart is absolutely full hearing the feedback from participants. There's some magic in Thrive1

Shannon
It was such a joy to participate in Jamie's workshop Thrive. To get to move and experience in my own space, at my own pace was amazing and powerful.

April 25, 2013

Jamie

With all that's been going on, I thought maybe this would be a time that I didn't get to create a dreamboard but I did. The woman in the centre so perfectly captures how I'm feeling right now. And I feel like her open hand is pointing to those bowls of goodies like an offering. There's so much on this dreamboard that I love. I'm so glad that I took the time to make it.

Shannon
It was nice to take some time and do a dreamboard for the Full Pink Moon. I usually use a board, but the last few months I've being putting them in my journal. Oddly, I don't think it takes less time but it's what's been working for me, and I love having the multiple different pages and fold overs to look at. Normally that would drive me bananas, but not right now. Funny how things like that can change.

April 24, 2013

Jamie

What an incredibly special time it was creating this healing body map for Mom. I will always treasure the time we spent together doing this. I loved this process and found it so positive and healing to be creating this together. I love knowing that Mom has it up on her wall!

Shannon
Body Art for Mom Day at Jamie's. This was exactly the right thing to do at exactly the right time.

April 23, 2013

Jamie

I actually got out for a run, which was awesome. I generally don't love running with my iPhone because I'm always worried I'm going to drop it. On the other hand, it's great to be able to take a picture when I'm doing my warm-up or cool-down walks!

Shannon
Time to take in the cable box, cord and converter to finish out my end-of-cable experience. I wish I could say it was a smooth process, but it was frustrating and long day that could have been so much simpler if they gave me the location of a store that actually would *accept* the return of a cable box. In the end, I got it all done and even picked up a clock on the way back because I kept looking at where the box was for the time! Who knew that would be such a staple.

April 22, 2013

Jamie

Despite the cold, it's tradition to get down to the Beaches. And, you know, in this family you don't mess with tradition! The water was deep blue. The sky clear. People were flying kites and the over-present dogs of the Beach were out in full force. And we were freezing! Luckily we tucked into a cozy restaurant for a hot meal after treading the boardwalk with our cameras.

Shannon
The cat is getting some love from he's Auntie Suzie! It was a lot of fun to hang out together and catch up on Supernatural together :)

April 21, 2013

Jamie 

I'm feeling a little sad about there being no tea under the Willow Tree for a while, so I thought I would stop in and catch up, add what I can where I can and get back to celebrating each day in this way. Today I'm smiling so wide about the work we've been doing on cleaning the slides at Mom's, all the treasures we've found and the moments we've shared. What a joy.

Shannon
Slide day at Mom's! This might have actually been a different day, but it felt like this day! It's been a treat to relive and share memories though looking at all the slides.

April 20, 2013

Jamie

Awesome hang-out time at Shannon's yesterday! Totally awesome to cozy up with good company, a great movie and dinner that feels like home. Lol, who knew kielbasa and pickles would evoke that kind of response! Yay farmer's plate!



Shannon
After much longing for reading and sadly not being able to get out to the library, I hummed and hawed alternatives, and after looking at many different options I decided to go into e-reader land and get a Kobo. It was on wicked sale online and when I was very close to making a decision there was only 1 left, so I went for it. And I love it :)

April 19, 2013

Jamie

I was so delighted to look out my window and see these blooms! Of course, I immediately grabbed my camera and ran outside to take a picture. I love spring!

Shannon
Woke up today and saw something weird....no clock by the TV or rather that the time was replaced by ----. And that means, it's official: My cable is GONE! No more on demand, no more 300+ channels, no more timeshifting, no more taping. BUT...great savings and now with my antenna I get a lot of the shows I watch in HD. For Free. So that's not a bad trade off, but I'm curious to see if I'll continue to feel that way over time. And I have to put getting a clock on my to-do list!

Suzie

Had my first Macchiato with a special someone yesterday! It was awesome, just like the company.

April 18, 2013

Jamie

It was great to get to Tanya's to co-work this week - and what a treat to see signs of spring and beautiful gardens along the way. Blessings to the gardeners who create beauty for all of us to enjoy!

April 17, 2013

Jamie

I can't believe what a difference it makes when I get out for a run. This time I brought my iPhone instead of my iPod and that meant I could take pictures of what I noticed (when I was walking in) including this awesome happy bicycle bell! I am filled with gratitude for these precious little moments.

Shannon
So excited to have a camera where I can actually take PICTURES in my APARTMENT at NIGHT! I look a little rough, but I don't care! It was night, and a picture came out, and I am happy. A big TY to Suzie for this :)

Suzie

Although it was a bit of a tough day yesterday, after leaving the hospital the sun came out and it was so beautiful outside. Nice day for a little walk.

April 16, 2013

Jamie

Shannon really got th epic of the night but I thought this moment was lovely. I'm still pinching myself to be sure that this wasn't a dream - seeing Stevie Nicks just rows in front of us, talking about her life and creativity, after the documentary In Your Dreams. What a truly magical evening. I know we'll remember it always. She really was speaking directly to us.

Shannon
Seeing Stevie Nicks in person was so amazing. I don't think I've completely absorbed that that actually happened yet. I loved the documentary In Your Dreams and it was so amazing to see her, and I especially love how she is both strong-willed and open-hearted, a beautiful and powerful combination.

Suzie

At least I know my zoom works! What an event, what an opportunity and beautiful night. Will stay with me forever. 

April 15, 2013

Jamie

Epic is right! What a beautiful experience to go for a family lunch at this wonderful restaurant at the Royal York Hotel! Fancy-pants or what! The desserts in particular were divine!

Shannon
Spending time at Epic with Epic Family Goodness was so awesome! I think I'm still full....

April 13, 2013

Jamie

Having an art day at my place on a Sunday is total "dream come true" territory. This is how I'd love to spend a month of Sundays - creating, sharing, being in great company. Yum!

Shannon
Art Day at Jamie's! So much fun, I had such a great time creating and seeing creations come to life all around we. What a treat. :)

April 12, 2013

Jamie

Miserable weather and a long to-do list kept me cozy indoors for most of the day. I am excited to say that I finally managed to record another episode of Creative Living Bookshelf. This is definitely a show that I want to do on a more regular basis! There are always so many good books to share.

 

Shannon
Yep. Ice Pellets and Snow in April. Every year, people get alllllllllllllllll excited about Spring in March, but April is one weird, unpredictable month. We can get winter snowy weather, and I've also gotten horrible sunburns. It's probably the best month to always check the weather before you go out. Always.

April 11, 2013

Jamie

It was so cool to have my National Geographic Traveler mag arrive in the mail and see that it featured Toronto. Even better was looking at the pictures they chose, including a big, beautiful mural by Mom's, and recognizing, yes, that's my city! I can't wait to dive in and read more about where we locals go! (I know they say Queen West, Kensington, Leslieville, Chinatown and Gerrard Bazaar. They seemed to have gotten the idea of "neighboourhood" right!)

Shannon
Coffee shop seat success! Wow. I was this close to giving up my weekly journalling date with myself after 3 pass by's over 2 days at my local coffee shop. But, fourth time lucky and I was so happy to get a seat I didn't care that it was a bit of an odd one (facing out right to the door and the line), but it was MINE! YAY! I always feel better when I journal an I really needed the time to do it. So, success!!

April 10, 2013

 Jamie

Not a tremendously good picture of what is a tremendously delicious curry lentil soup. This has been one of our favourites for years. There's one last step before serving - add havarti! Yum!

Shannon
Watching The Ultimate Fighter has become quite a tradition for me and the semifinals were just on and I was surprized to say this year all four guys that made it to the semifinals I would be happy if they won. Usually I have someone I'm rooting for very early in the season, and this year there is a ridiculously obvious stand out, but I will be happy to see any of those four guys win. Besides the fighting itself this season, I've been completely impressed by coach Chael Sonnen, who I was surprized to find out usually plays the 'bad guy' card. As if! He's encouraging, truthful and positive not only of his players but also of the guys on the other team. It's really reminded me how much I value truthful and positive articulation, and he does that all the time. I'm a little sad the coaches fight won't be on the night of the finals this time around, but at least I'll see the finale before my cable goes out!

April 9, 2013

Jamie

Tea time was a definite highlight of the day yesterday, especially since we had the opportunity to try some decaf apricot tea. It took us right back to the days of our treasured Fitzhenry's tea. What a joy!

April 8, 2013

Jamie

This may officially be the longest that Christmas has ever lasted! We went up to Dad's this weekend to celebrate the holiday. We renewed the Ridler family tradition of hours and hours and hours of conversation at the kitchen table. It's what we do.

Shannon
It's taken longer than the actual crab seasons, but I've not completed my quest to watch all seasons of The Deadliest Catch before new episode start airing soon; I really thought it would be next week but now I've confirmed (twice) that it will be in 2 weeks on April 23, 2013. Even so, it feels just in the nick of time! This is the only documentary series I've watched, and it's been way more emotional of a ride than I was ever expected. It was pretty weird to start with Season 8 and then work from Season 1 to Season 7, but I'm still very glad I did it. It will be weird to have to wait for new episodes week to week!

April 6, 2013

Jamie

Not the best picture but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed catching up on Big Brother Canada on Friday. It's been fascinating to see how different it feels watching the Canadian version and to think about why that is. I think we Canadians don't get enough of ourselves reflected back to ourselves - though I do think that's happening more and more.

April 5, 2013

Jamie

A trip to Value Village netted me this awesome photo. I turned the corner and there was this moment! I also left with an large dark wood pepper mill! You never know what will happen when you walk through those doors!

April 4, 2013

Jamie

How I love family dinners - good food (yay for sausage and fennal gnocci!), good company and always at the Ridler house, good conversation!

April 3, 2013

Jamie

Once again it was so nice for me to spend a bit of time with my art project in the midst of everything out. I just left everything out on the table and when I had a moment, sat for 5 or 10 and did a little of this a little of that. It soothed my heart and calmed my mind. Though to have that impact, it was really important for me to let go of caring in any way how the piece turned out. I just had to let myself enjoy the experience of it, first, foremost and full stop.

Shannon
I prepped these peppers on Sunday but only yesterday got a chance to make the veg-head chili Suzie recommended. It's awesome. But ... it says 'Serves 4', and I wonder if it means 'Serves 4, for a week' because it makes a TON! I will be eating it for a long time, even with freezer-ing. Good thing chili gets better with time! Yay! Home made meal goodness :)

April 2, 2013

Jamie

With so much going on it feels impossible to take break; so I took a break. Somehow I always think those are the moments we need it the most. It was just perfect to sit with my little dollar store stamps and coffee filters and work on a project for Life Book. I think I'm still on week 3 of this year, but what the heck! That just means there's more to look forward to :)

Suzie

Against all odds, I alone survived the zombie apocalypse over the weekend. Through sheer force of will and a bucket-load of luck, I made it to the helipad surrounded by zombies and ascended into the air alone. Which I did not feel bad about considering everyone (including Reg) threw zombies in my way at every turn. I took off triumphant!