This 'Selfie' turned out not to bad, if I do say so myself, and the composition is growing on me. I kinda like it. Not at all what I was going for, but it works.
#goodday #selfiesunday #selfie #Sundayfunday #Snowday #westcoastliving #Westcoastgirl #Canadiangirl #PNW #onelifeliveit
Day #42/365 ,,,February 11th, 2019
I thought this would make a funny pic for Instagram. I even painted my toes so my nails would >POP<
but...
OMG this was not fun or funny!
Don't try this at home!
#snow #snowday #Cnadiangirl #donttrythisathome #MondayMonday
#thestruggleisreal
Day #43/365 ...February 12th, 2019
Congratulations to @Jillian.Harris and #teamJilly on the launch of their amazing Presets. Can not wait to get my hands on these and start having some #editing fun.
If you would like to learn more check out ...
https://www.jillianharris.com/jillys-essential-preset-collection-is-here/
and to order ...
https://www.jillianharris.com/presets
Hurry this week >ONLY< the Presets will be $50
Next week they go up to $65. So het them whole they are HOT!
Day #44/365 ...February 13th, 2019
Snow Night Ride...so much fun!
This was my first ride with my Kona Jake the Snake CX bike...I have only ridden it a handful of times since getting it 4 years ago...
First Snow Night Ride and solo
The PTSD was in check my shoulders didn't tighten up to much. I had one slip out hard fall
My bum will feel it in the a.m.
This was a LOT for me...really! HUGE!
I seldom feel like riding to be honest and I have actually wanted to get in the saddle since it started snowing 3 days ago, very unusual. So happy this went so well.
Starting to feel like my 'Old Self' I think...I mean I really don't remember who or how I was pre-accident...so I hope this is the happy I use to have..even if it isn't I am just happy to be HAPPY!
Day #45/365 ...February 14th, 2019
Ya ya it's Valentines Day Big deal!
And I am SO OVER all the "Love Yourself" crap that has been trending since New Years...today is like your National Holiday. Give it a rest please we get it. FUCK!
and Yes I did take this phot and I am pretty damn proud of myself!
Day #46/365 ...February 15th, 2019
SO...
Here is the picture perfect photo I posted on Social media today with this write up
(you'll want to read what follow's the write up...TRUST ME! )
<Original Post on Istagram and Facebook>
"Day #46....February 15th, 2019
I made an executive decision to make today a PJ day 😊 you can thank me later....
#tgif #friyay #friday #heartsandrainbows #hearts #cuppa #tea #pjs #fashion#books #chocolate #yummy #coconut #vegan #fraichenutrition #bookclub#loveyourself #love
#365project
*I attempted to make Tori's super yummy coconut clouds of heaven I like to call thrm...they did not turn out picture perfect but let me tell you folks they taste AMAZING. You have to try them. Check out Fraîche Nutrition for the recipe. Enjoy! And thank you Tori 💗☺🙌💐
Also a special thank to Jillian Harris for featuring these on her story when she went over to Tori's and kept snacking on them..truth be told the only reason i linked up to and checked out Fraîche Nutrition in the first place. So thank you Jill. Good looking out 😊"
.
.
.
But here is what is ACTUALLY going on today....
I am SEVERELY HUNGOVER!
I was doing SO great leading up to Valentine's, I really was.
Like I am for real so comfortable and happy being single I really do love it, but something inside me triggered last night after my son cancelled dinner plans and I went to that dark place ...
I was missing Chuck again, and crying
then I started with one glass of my fine Whiskey
(with two rocks... so I eased in)
then that went to one rock
then two shots with no rocks
and well you get the picture...
I just kept falling further and further down the 'Rabbit hole'
Apparently I tried to dip my coconut candy in melted chocolate on the stove...
ya do NOT dip things in melted chocolate when you are drinking...
not a good idea.!
(This from sober me now.)
I also went on-line and posted this on <facebook>...at 1 a.m.
<no one should be able to access social media once they have had more than a couple drinks....not sure how many whiskey's I am invested in at the moment>
At least I had the forethought at the time to mark my privacy setting on that post last night to
'Only Me'
So my kids nor myself were fully embarrassed by my post...
of course until today, but this Blog is all about being transparent so there you go.
AND
If that was not enough I also went on 'Plenty of Fish' last night
and started to talk to some guy who now can not wait to KISS me...great!
Look here is the thing.
I made a decision years ago
(and at the time it wasn't an easy decision... I have questioned it many times only because I feel like I am being pressured by society to couple up)
to be SINGLE
and since making that decision I have truly loved being Single!
It has been very liberating and I absolutely love the calm that comes with that status...
no more dealing with any BS, drama, or a roller-coaster of emotions.
<Remember... my last boyfriend fell off his apartment building in Paris two years ago and died
and the Boyfriend before him cheated on me for two years after we had a miscarriage
and the Love of my Life died of a Brain Tumor after we beat the colon Cancer...
So ya I would say I was done with relationships.>
But at least today I know one thing for sure....
The Idiot that said "I couldn't get a hangover because I had brain damage"
was full of SHIT!
I proved them wrong....Yay me....AUGH!
.
.
.
whisper please
Day #47/365...February 16th, 2019
Sometimes you are just to damn hungry to take a 'Before' photo
That, and I was so happy to not have a queezy stomach today I just wanted to eat something solid.
....this WAS my classic Avocado Toast with a quick runny fried egg and Kalamata Tapenade from BobAli Hummus, Pesto and Tapenades
...it was yummy; trust me.😏
#yummy #avocadotoast
Day #48/365 ...February 17th, 2019
It took some doing today but after days of being stuck in the house for days (ptsd stuff)
I managed to finally get out to "go to church" as Stephanie Hirch puts it
(basically it means going for a walk/hike in God's country)
I was motivated by her today after watching her 'live' very raw IG story today. This Woman is INSPIRATIONAL you should check her out.
<Mom's Wear Capes>
Thank you Lady!
#godscountry #momlife #rainbows #momswearcapes
- @ Semiahmoo Trail
Day #49/365 ...February 18th, 2019
It's 'Family Day' today and I am feeling just meh.
This is basically what empty-nesting looks like in a nut-shell.
Don't get me wrong I am not mopping around. Far from it. But I do miss my babies everyday.
I get that they are doing their thing, hustling, figuring life out, and preoccupied with being fiercely independent and I respect all of that, it just doesn't rationalize at all the empty feeling you get as a loving Mom who's best-friends are busy being in their 20's.
Anyway when it comes to a long weekend like it is with this made up Stat Holiday
(a few years old now)
it doesn't really register with me personally when one I am an empty-nester, single & retired.
It is basically just another longgg day <period>
So I took it easy today. Puttered about at home for most the day.
Started a project (still in the beginner stages more on this later)
<Himt- It is a legacy project for my kids>
figured it was a good way to celebrate family day to start a project for my family
to treasure when I am gone...I often think about things like this since my accident...
all my objects have already been labeled with intendies as well ( did that right after my accident)
#Familyday #Canadiangirl #emptynester #momlife
Day #50/365 ...February 19th, 2019
This was a great evening...much more than was expected...but with all of that and one of my migraines on the horizon I need an overnight on this to post.
BrB...thank you
*sigh
.
.
Okay I am ready to speak on this now...
I know some of you might be thinking "what is the big deal she went to a speaking event and came home " ...and I get that
But...
Let me speak a moment to the purpose of this project I started years ago.
Most of us, myself included, race through our lives with little regard to how fast it passes and how very vital each and every moment is regardless of how mundane or important we feel it is
So...
When I first saw the adverts to this Speaking Engagement Vikram Vij @ Natures Fare Market
I of course thought to myself "hmm cool. I like him maybe I will go"
Fast forward to the day and the lower-mainland was for the 3rd time in the past week under seige of Mother Nature and another snow fall had just hit us hours before this was to start.
Was I going to go still or not?
Well we know the answer and I am so glad I did.
Originally I had thought this would be your standard...Fav Chef comes he says a few words, he talks a little, he cooks a little and then he signs his books for fans. All good stuff right.
WELL
Yes it was all of that but what I loved the most was it was WAY more than I expected...
Chef Vikram Vij is a 'Story Teller' and a good one at that...and the things that he shared and the principles of how he lives his life and his advice for all of us really resonated with me in a way that I needed to let it all sink in.
I truly enjoyed last night of course and it was very nice to meet this man. I thanked him , gave him a huge hug and kissed his cheek after saying a couple words to him. (which I will keep private)
But after we spoke he most graciously then thanked me in the most humble way and their were tears in his eyes. I was unbelievably moved by it all.
This Man came to share and teach all of us, our Community, but what he really did was give us the biggest gift ever. He shared himself.
I felt so connected last night..not to the moment or the event or people around me but simply connected. Here was a person that shared basic principals that I value in my life....and that meant the world.
I am not sure if I am getting what I am feeling across here so I will wind this up but last night was a special night. Very Special thank you to Hayley from Nature's Fare Markets that worked so hard to make this all happen. and of course to Vikram Vij and as he said to all the women in his restaurant that roasted the spices...the whole place smelled unbelievably amazing last night as he cooked.
That curry was made with love people.
I will come back to this and add some more and share the recipe as well.
Namaste
Day #51/365 ...February 20th, 2019
This was my view most of the day. This is the reality of my day. Nothing shiny and totally 100.
( it's been 6 yrs since my accident )
It is a gorgeous sunny day outside...so inviting...and I wish I could go out and play.
BUT
despite my will I am stuck in bed with my heating pad on full blast and I have one of my classic migraines. *sad face
I was so excited for the day too. No big plans or any plans just was excited for another day.
Now just dissapointed
I did feel this coming on late last night so it wasn't a surprise but I was truly hoping it would be better this morning. One thing I have learned about me and my body after dealing with recovery is to know when I can push through and when I need to really rest and this is one of those "I need to rest" moments. But I will say I was so excited last night to actually fall asleep before dawn but that did not change me still waking up at 3:00 p.m. still for the 4rd time this week...
I hate this my insomnia is off the charts the worst it has ever been .
NOTHING WORKS! (trust me!)
So I am trying to ride it out and hope that my bodies own natural rhythm restores itself.
And here I am having 'Breakfast' at 5:20 p.m.
<Question: Is Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner based on order or time of day?>
Moral of the Day: Life is to short to waste a day being poorly
(sadly sometimes it simply can not be helped)
#carpediem #Migrainesaretheworst #ptsd #Insomniasucks #sunnyday
Day #52/365 ...February 21st, 2019
Watching the sun rise this morning at 6:52 a.m. and I still had not slept.
On the upside though being a morning person ..I mean I love mornings...
and with this insomnia wave I am on recently I have been missing all morning sunlight which for me is the worst! So I was pretty happy (sleep deprived and all) to watch the sun come up and then I knocked out so hard and slept till 3:12 exactly again..not sure if that time is significant or what but I have been hitting it for 3 days in a row now...Yay me.
#insomniasucks #brightside #morningperson #sunrise
Day #53/365 ...February 22, 2019
My best friend.
#bff #pepperminthalo
Saje Wellness
Day #54/365 ...February 23rd, 2019
The snow is melting finally so after a few days of playing 'shut in' I had to at least step outside and take a closer look at these beauties that I spotted from my closed French Door.
So glad I did. Spring and the resilience of nature and Spring flowers blooming especially after just being covered by a week of snow never ceases to amaze me time and time again.
Day #55/365 ...February 24th, 2019
Today was our Monthly Family Dinner Night and seeing as my son was the only one able to make it I decided to head in to Vancouver to meet him when he finished his shift
BUT....
before that I had a few minutes to squeeze in a quick skate at Robson Square.
Something I have been trying to do all Season and just have not made the effort but today was the last day before they closed for the Season so I packed up my old Figure Skates
(same pair I used to use when I figure skated when I was 12 years old back in the '70's)
Headed in on the Sunset ride Bus to Vancouver just in time to get there right when they were cleaning the ice. PERFECT timing....through my skates on...and off I went for a whole
10 minutes <haha>
Oh well. The point wasn't how long it was that I did.
See Skating at Robson Square has been a tradition for me ever since it opened back in 1983.
I skated there all the time and would take my youngest sister there as well to practice her skating.
It closed in 2000 and I was really scared the tradition was lost forever but Vancouver fixed it up for the Olympics and it reopened in 2009 and I have gone every year since.
It's Tradition. ..."and you don'e mess with Tradition"
#Figureskating #figureskater4life #Vancouver
Day #56/365 ...February 25th, 2019
Feeling really blah today...
and falling asleep at 8:30 a.m walking up at 15:30 isn't helping matters.
I am for sure over this sleep pattern. I tried to ride it out hoping it would change but it is stuck in and it is messing up my rhythm more than I think if I were to try to force it to get back on track...
so the next few days are going to be brutal because I am now setting my alarm/s and it won't be pretty!
Anyway the plan I had originally for today...
Get up walk uptown and treat myself to a gluten free donut and coffee at Nature's Fare has dun gone out the window now with this late rising so Plan B it is...
I am just not sure what that is yet haha
But when I peeled back my covers I took a look at my legs and was happy with what I saw...
I mean I wasn't hating on my legs appearance. Of course that may also be because I can not remember the last time I didn't wear long pj's to bed...this Winter has been tough. But last night I had my heater on in the bed so long-john's were out.
What I am trying to say is today seeing my peg's when I got out of bed made me smile...and really that is all that matters.
*Note: this photo is 'Raw; no filter/preset was used
#tellmewhyidontlikemondays
Day #57/365...February 26th, 2019
I decided to take advantage of my sleepless nights and after taking my time, much work on this project, and some procrastinating I finally finished organizing my closet.
I am pretty pleased with how it turned out.
When I moved two years ago and downsized I found myself with decades of 'Stuff' a lot of it...
heck most of it is Things belonging to the kids.
After 30 30 years of raising kids you tend to accumulate a far bit. I tried my best to get rid of the majority but I am a sentimental Fool so I still have a far amount. My closet although amazing and my first 'Walk in Closet' <I call it my spare bedroom lol>
although fairly large doesn't just store my cloths. In the move I lost storage space so it is my linen cupboard, my sewing room, my book shelves and shed..
Because my bike stays in there as well. Gotta keep my Baby close you know.
I am pretty thrilled with all my hard work and looking forward to how much easier my comings and goings when I get busy in the Summer and Fall will be because I made the time to do this now when things are slow.
#sparkingjoy #mariekindowho #mariekondoshmondo
Day #58/365 ...February 27th, 2019
Woooooo Hoooooo
It's finally here!!!!
Oh how I have missed you Rumble
Oh and the 'gluten' free donut from Nature's Fare Markets was delish.
#Pinkshirtday #antibullying
Day #59/365 ...February 28th, 2019
Today would have been my 30th wedding anniversary...had we stayed married that is.
Don't get me wrong my X-Husband is a wonderful man...kind, funny and a great dad.
We just weren't well suited and it took us 12 years of trying Marriage every which way including sideways to try and get it right and we still couldn't.
Regardless of our divorce OMG I just realized it's been 20 years eek WOW time flies...
Well as I was saying aside from our divorce I still remember this day every year and look back on it with fondness..
NOW
Our Wedding day and the days leading up to it ..Now that is a STORY!!!!
Readers Digest Version:
We Met in August
Dated for a Month then I got pregnant
We were together one more month
Then I left to go back to Canada
Where I stayed for 4 months (then 5 months prego's)
When I called Eric on Valentine's Day February 14th, 1989
and
.
.
Asked him to MARRY ME...
He said ...
No he didn't say yes he said "Well I guess"
a week later I returned back to Los Angeles
Still with no idea where we were getting married,
or who would marry us (because that was a real BIG issue)
and I was sewing my dress
All I knew was we were getting married February 28th, 1989
Only my Mom and my Auntie Leslie could attend I had no other friends or family there because it was such short Notice but since we ended up having the Wedding at Eric's Parent's place many of his Family members and one of his friends was able to come.
His Mother took care of all the arrangements she really came through
Oh and Carol her bff made all the food ...she was AMAZING!
So there we were about to get married when all of a sudden we heard Sirens (which isn't unusual for LA) but these sirens stopped right in front of the house...
See Eric's brother had been chased from the freeway to his house ...he was speeding trying to get to the house on time for the wedding...he of course caused some attention doing so ...they flagged his liscence and well let's just say they gave him a pass to stay for the wedding but then he had another escort leaving.
We finally said our "I do's"
and called it a day.
Remember I was 5 months pregnant I was tired.
and that is what happened for me on this day 30 years ago.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
March ...
Day #60/365 ...March 1st, 2019
Wooo Hooo @michelleobama
Chose my QUESTION!!!!
Omg Omg Omg
Early this morning around 5 a.m. is ( I still had not gone to sleep for the night so ) I was scrolling my Intagram, as you do, and I came across Michelle Obama's story
She was answering some of the question's her followers had submitted to her the day before and her brother had joined her to answer some of the questions they chose for today's IG story.
They are going through the questions and they were mostly reflective of Black History Month
(which just ended)
But then they came to one question that was a bit off topic...
"What was your favourite meal that your Mom made for you?"
what?! OMG THAT"S MY QUESTION!!!!
I could not believe she had chosen my question ...
My hearing became deaf as I kept scrolling back to watch it repeatedly.
Then I tuned back in and She and her brother answered it with a resounding agreement.
Answer > "That's easy it was our Mom's Fried Chicken" - Michelle Obama
To be honest I really didn't even care what the answer was I was just so thrilled she noticed and answered my question....
It was kind of relevant to me though. This past month I have been compiling Recipe's of things I use to make the kids, their favourite, some that I grew up with and couple of Gret Grammy's, their Grandpa's German Chocolate Cake Recipe and a few from their Gaga as a legacy to leave them when I am gone. I plan ahead for stuff like this since my accident...it isn't morbid it is just how my brain works now.
I also feel that the foods we grew up with and some that become tradition in our families and our lives are so important to pass on. They connect us to our roots, memories and emotions and our Family.
Thank you Michelle Obama for choosing my question and just hitting home my thoughts on food and Family today. So excited to see you in a few weeks in Vancouver
#sparkingjoy
#Iambecoming
#michelleObama
*note: I still have not figured out how to do a 'Screen Shot' so I keep taking my camera and taking a photo of my phone then take a photo with my phone of my camera's photo of my photo on my phone....augh it is annoying but I got it done! Lol
> also...yes I am aware my Camera says March 2, 2019...I assure you this pic was taken this mornings since one I can not Time Travel and two I do not live in Australia where it is tmr already....and yes I have only had 4 hrs sleep.☺
Day #61/365...March 2nd, 2019
Great to sit with this lot. Talk shop and enjoy a pint of Beer on The B.C. Bike Shows tab as a
Thank you. Pretty Classy BCBS. Cheers!
@Elephant & Castle on Burrard, Vancouver
#Pint #Bikes #Goodfriends #CyclingCommunity
#RideHappy
Day #62/365 ...March 3rd, 2019
So...I bought this bike today.
Ya it's a long story lol
Day #63/365 ...March 4th, 2019
1st ride on my new Baby...she needs a new name now.
Day #64/365 ...March 5th, 2019
This little beauty came out to play today.
*no preset
#springflowers
Day #65/365 ...March 6th, 2019
It was snowing AGAIN today augh...
SO I made an executive decisions
and
made it a PJ day!
#notspringyet
Day #66/365 ...March 7th, 2019
Oh the exciting things I get up to when I don't feel like getting dressed or going out.
But on the up side my sleep pattern ( I think) is starting to come around to normal nights.
It is a work in progress but it is improving so that makes me very happy, but with that the down side is I get in funks where I just do not feel motivated. I really really need to figure out something more for myself because this whole Retired Disability Gig is getting really Old Quick!
Anyway I decided to plant some seeds today and get my herbs started inside since it is way WAY to early to plant outside. I mean we did just have snow yesterday Yo...
Here is hoping these little babies take.
I hate the waiting but I get so dame excited when they start to pop their little heads out of the dirt.
It is like waiting for Christmas I swear!
#herbs
Day #67/ ...March 8th, 2019
Happy International Women's Day!
I stopped by my dear friend Lydia Duncansen's Flower Shop today to get a quick long overdue visit in,
So amazing to see her always,
When I think of women that inspire me she is tops on the list.
Thank you Lydia for the beautiful Tulips.
For all the Women that continue to strive, try, and get out in the World I salute you today and always!
#InternationalWomensDay
Day #68/365 ...March 9th, 2019
Another fun activity today.
#lavender
Day #69/365 ...March 10th, 2019
It may not be Spring yet ...
(regardless of daylight saving time kicking in today and loosing an hour of sleep...so annoying
...which let's talk about that for a minute. Why do we push our clocks ahead SO dang early this year when it isn't even Spring yet. Why? )
Spring or Winter these little ladies didn't let a calendar stop them from strutting their stuff today!
#daffodils #dailightsavingstime #isitspringyet
Day #70/365 ...March 11th, 2019
Ashley (daughter #3 ) showed up very unexpectedly at my door today
and as I opened the door for her she stood there in absolute tears and basically fell in to my arms.
"What happened?" and my Mom intuition went off in my head but I did not want to say it out loud and gave her an opportunity to tell me.
Well I was right. She got fired for the first time today and never saw it coming...
So I put the kettle on and let her tell me all about it while we had a cuppa.
#BPSUCKS #GettingfiredSUCKS
Day #71/365 ...March 12, 2019
It is always a happy day when you can have breakfast outside
p.s. there was literally #cloudsinmycoffee
Day #72/365 ...March 13th, 2019
So happy to FINALLY have my apt. at Physio with Monica.
Can not wait to get back on track and feeling better again so I can be active daily.
#happyplace
Day #73/365 ...March 14th. 2019
Daughter #3 is over for dinner tonight so I through some of her favs on a board to start.
#charcuterie
Day #74/365 ...March 15th, 2019
I have been monetoring my crocus' and today this one popped up as a total surprise. Last year there was only one white crocus this year I have 4. So happy...so because I am so obsessed I tried to get down to ground 0 to get up close and personal and channel my inner Georgia O'Keeffe.
Sadly though the camera on my phone was just not co-operating and going along with my flow so this was all I got. Disappointed but still thrilled to see this beauty today.
#GeorgiaOkeeffe
Day #75/365 ...March 16th, 2019
Bunheads Dance's Ballet Blast with Georgia
Wooosh this was an intense booty and leg work out and I was so proud of myself because I could actually do most of it.
Ya me!
#Balletblast
Day #76/365 ...March 17th, 2019
I loved putting this all together. From making the soup last week and planning the whole menu.
My favourite part was the #potofgold
#IRISH
Day #77/365 ...March 18th, 2019
Hello Sunshine my old friend.
I really need a pedi!
#sunnymonday
Day #78/365 ...March 19th, 2019
Third time this week having the doors and windows open and I am loving it. Listening here this morning listening to the birds. They are so happy. Winter seemed so long this year even though it was a mild winter and only 89 days still felt like forever.
Today is the last day of winter and I could not be more pleased about that.
#Itsnotspringyet
Day #79/365 ...March 20th, 2019
First day of Spring FINALLY and I have my Taxes all done for 2018...check
#1stdayofspring
'Flotus Girls Night'
Day #80/265 ...March 21st, 2019
Took two of my beautiful daughters,
Daughter #1
&
Daughter #3
to see the
#1 1st Lady
🚺
WOW what a Night!
I am Blessed.
#MichelleObama
'Am I "Becoming"?'
Day #81/365 ...March 22, 2019
I loved waking uo in my new T from last night.
My beautiful daughters surprised me with it as an early 'Mother's Day' present.
I LOVE IT!
Still reveling in thoughts from last night and taking it all in still today.
What an evening.
