So, I've been out of the blogosphere for a while, but I haven't forgotten what I've started here. One of these days I'll get around to filling in the blanks between now and my last post, but for now I just had to post a link to this video - my favourite piece of Classical Music, sung to new lyrics.... . I think this is a brilliant adn timely publicity piece for the City of Calgary and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus, especially given the COLD SNAP that descended on southern Alberta yesterday and today.
Oh well, enjoy the video and KEEP WARM!!!
(MMMMMMM Baileys)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Getting ready for fall chaos
This fall I'm getting ready to a) go back to work, b) send the kids back to school and c) trying to figure out how to have be an efficient household engineer (i.e. chef, housekeeper, nurse, landscaper, taxi driver, counsellor, mother, wife, friend, neighbour, community member etc etc)
To that end, I'm on the search for fabulous slow-cooker and make ahead recipes that I can put in my freezer (a la "Big Cook") so that, come September I'm not beholden to the frozen pizza aisle of the grocery store.
Today I'm going to marry my love of curries with the harvest starting to come in, and try out this slow-cooker Aloo Gobi recipe, using a MONSTER head of cauliflower I found at the farmers market last weekend.
The leftovers will go in my freezer to make a couple of foreseeable future dinners a little more colourful...fingers crossed it tastes good!!!
Food & wine | Recipe: Spiced Cauliflower and Potatoes | Seattle Times Newspaper
To that end, I'm on the search for fabulous slow-cooker and make ahead recipes that I can put in my freezer (a la "Big Cook") so that, come September I'm not beholden to the frozen pizza aisle of the grocery store.
Today I'm going to marry my love of curries with the harvest starting to come in, and try out this slow-cooker Aloo Gobi recipe, using a MONSTER head of cauliflower I found at the farmers market last weekend. The leftovers will go in my freezer to make a couple of foreseeable future dinners a little more colourful...fingers crossed it tastes good!!!
Food & wine | Recipe: Spiced Cauliflower and Potatoes | Seattle Times Newspaper
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Remembering Downtown Magnetawan
Last Weekend, July 30, 2011, the heart of the village where I spent most of my childhood burned down.
I remember when we were young, my sisters, brother and I would walk or boat from our family's cottage resort into Downtown Magnetawan, with a gaggle of friends, to spend all of our allowances at their candy counters.
Black Bart licorice bubble gum was an especially favourite (if not disgusting) treat, if only because we'd stick the pitch black gum across our front teeth and pretend to be pirates.
My first real summer job was as a waitress at the Magnetawan Inn (aka June's Restaurant), way back in 1986.
Another summer, a few years later, I worked at the Downtown General Store.
Alas, I grew up, left home for school, got a job, got married, had kids and now live on the other side of the country - so far far away from this special place.
Thankfully my parents still live in Magnetawan, and I make a point of trying to get home at least once a year.
This summer, I was so privileged to have been able to spend almost the whole month of July back there - we flew home 3 days before the devastating fire.
The last thing I did, just before leaving, was go into the Downtown General Store, and buy myself, Ken, Doug and Evy a new set of "Downtown Magnetawan" shirts.....it's been a tradition for us, and now I will cherish these shirts.
I was shocked to hear the news of the fire - and moved to set up a page on Facebook to commemorate the historic streetscape of this special community. If you're interested, you can see it here: "Remembering Downtown Magnetawan"
I also just found this very moving video on YouTube, that does a magical job of recognizing the firefighter's efforts to save the downtown, and capturing the spirit and sadness of the community, while remembering the beauty and essence of what makes Magnetawan such a special place.
I remember when we were young, my sisters, brother and I would walk or boat from our family's cottage resort into Downtown Magnetawan, with a gaggle of friends, to spend all of our allowances at their candy counters.
Black Bart licorice bubble gum was an especially favourite (if not disgusting) treat, if only because we'd stick the pitch black gum across our front teeth and pretend to be pirates.
My first real summer job was as a waitress at the Magnetawan Inn (aka June's Restaurant), way back in 1986.
Another summer, a few years later, I worked at the Downtown General Store.
Alas, I grew up, left home for school, got a job, got married, had kids and now live on the other side of the country - so far far away from this special place.Thankfully my parents still live in Magnetawan, and I make a point of trying to get home at least once a year.
This summer, I was so privileged to have been able to spend almost the whole month of July back there - we flew home 3 days before the devastating fire.
The last thing I did, just before leaving, was go into the Downtown General Store, and buy myself, Ken, Doug and Evy a new set of "Downtown Magnetawan" shirts.....it's been a tradition for us, and now I will cherish these shirts.
I was shocked to hear the news of the fire - and moved to set up a page on Facebook to commemorate the historic streetscape of this special community. If you're interested, you can see it here: "Remembering Downtown Magnetawan"
I also just found this very moving video on YouTube, that does a magical job of recognizing the firefighter's efforts to save the downtown, and capturing the spirit and sadness of the community, while remembering the beauty and essence of what makes Magnetawan such a special place.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wearing Nothing New
Wow!! after watching this, I am so totally in the mood to go thrift shopping.... not that I'm brave enough to pull off some of these ensembles. Still, there is nothing I like better than treasure hunting at "Chez VV", Goodwill and "Sally Ann". Lucky it's garage sale season!!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Best Banana Bread Recipe I've ever found
I have a confession to make - I don't like bananas. Well that's not entirely true, I like bananas, but only if they are barely ripe, without a single blemish or bruise on their skin or pulp, UNLESS - they are baked into banana bread. I LOVE Banana Bread!
Unfortunately, I have never been able to find a good enough banana bread recipe to meet my unattainably high standards, until now.
To me, a perfect banana bread has to be: moist and absolutely not crumbly; a little bit crunchy; and, bananay-sweet but not sugary sweet (given my strong feelings against plain mushy, bruised bananas, there's an irony there somewhere I know).
I gave up trying to make banana bread several years ago, because I was tired of being disappointed after trying out new recipes and then being stuck with a loaf of sub par banana bread. Then, the other day I noticed another recipe for banana bread on the side of a granola bag... feeling ambitious, brave and a little reckless even, I decided to delve once more into the world of baking and give it a try and I'M SO GLAD I DID!!!!
I started to feel optimistic when the warm banana-y smell started wafting through my kitchen.
Even more so when the tinger on my timer tanged and I pulled a wonderfully tall, golden loaf out of my oven... and absolutely over the moon when I cut into it.
The banana bread loaf came out perfect!!!! Moist and fruity with a crunchy top crust like I've never tried before. This first loaf was devoured by my family in no time, and I've since made it 2 more times (slipping in some healthy wheatgerm and wheatbran into the mix - evil mother that I am - mwahahahaha). It slices very well, and makes for a healthy breakfast, lunch and after school snack.
Being as I can't imagine I'm the only person in the world who has struggled to find the perfect banana bread recipe, I've decided to share my find:
(taken from the side of a bag of Rogers Hazelnut and Honey 5 Grain Granola)
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp bkg powder
1 tsp bkg soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
1 c mashed banana
1 1/4 cup granola
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt in one bowl, set aside.
Beat together oil, sugar and eggs, in another bowl and stir in mashed bananas, mix well.
Add dry ingredients and stir until just mixed
Gently stir in 1 c granola
Turn batter into a greased 8.5x"4.5" (1.5L) loaf pan
Top with remaining granola and press it in gently
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes
Cool 10 minutes in pan then remove to rack to cool completely.
Makes 1 loaf.
I doubled this recipe the second time I made it with no problems.
I also added about a half cup of both wheatgerm and wheat bran to the flour mixture with no problem.
YUM YUM YUM!!!!
Unfortunately, I have never been able to find a good enough banana bread recipe to meet my unattainably high standards, until now.
To me, a perfect banana bread has to be: moist and absolutely not crumbly; a little bit crunchy; and, bananay-sweet but not sugary sweet (given my strong feelings against plain mushy, bruised bananas, there's an irony there somewhere I know).
I gave up trying to make banana bread several years ago, because I was tired of being disappointed after trying out new recipes and then being stuck with a loaf of sub par banana bread. Then, the other day I noticed another recipe for banana bread on the side of a granola bag... feeling ambitious, brave and a little reckless even, I decided to delve once more into the world of baking and give it a try and I'M SO GLAD I DID!!!!
I started to feel optimistic when the warm banana-y smell started wafting through my kitchen.
Even more so when the tinger on my timer tanged and I pulled a wonderfully tall, golden loaf out of my oven... and absolutely over the moon when I cut into it.
The banana bread loaf came out perfect!!!! Moist and fruity with a crunchy top crust like I've never tried before. This first loaf was devoured by my family in no time, and I've since made it 2 more times (slipping in some healthy wheatgerm and wheatbran into the mix - evil mother that I am - mwahahahaha). It slices very well, and makes for a healthy breakfast, lunch and after school snack.
Being as I can't imagine I'm the only person in the world who has struggled to find the perfect banana bread recipe, I've decided to share my find:
(taken from the side of a bag of Rogers Hazelnut and Honey 5 Grain Granola)
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp bkg powder
1 tsp bkg soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
1 c mashed banana
1 1/4 cup granola
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt in one bowl, set aside.
Beat together oil, sugar and eggs, in another bowl and stir in mashed bananas, mix well.
Add dry ingredients and stir until just mixed
Gently stir in 1 c granola
Turn batter into a greased 8.5x"4.5" (1.5L) loaf pan
Top with remaining granola and press it in gently
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes
Cool 10 minutes in pan then remove to rack to cool completely.
Makes 1 loaf.
I doubled this recipe the second time I made it with no problems.
I also added about a half cup of both wheatgerm and wheat bran to the flour mixture with no problem.
YUM YUM YUM!!!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
More from Paulo Coehlo
I look forward to discovering a part of myself in another one of Paulo Coehlo's Books.
What a hypnotising video this is:
Other magnificent and thought provoking books I have read by this inspirational author:
And on my bookshelf, waiting to be read:
What a hypnotising video this is:
Other magnificent and thought provoking books I have read by this inspirational author:
And on my bookshelf, waiting to be read:
Declaration of Principles by Paulo Coehlo
1] All human beings are different. And should do everything possible to continue to be so.
2] Each human being has been granted two courses of action: that of deed and that of contemplation. Both lead to the same place.
3] Each human being has been granted two qualities: power and gift. Power drives a person to meet his/her destiny, his gift obliges that person to share with others which is good in him/her. A human being must know when to use power, and when to use compassion.
4] Each human being has been granted a virtue: the capacity to choose. For he/she who does not use this virtue, it becomes a curse – and others will always choose for him/her.
5] Each human being has the right to two blessings, which are: the blessing to do right, and the blessing to err. In the latter case, there is always a path of learning leading to the right way.
6] Each human being has his own sexual profile, and should exercise it without guilt – provided he does not oblige others to exercise it with him/her.
7] Each human being has his own Personal Legend to be fulfilled, and this is the reason he is in the world. The Personal Legend is manifest in his enthusiasm for what she/he does.
Single paragraph – the Personal Legend may be abandoned for a certain time, provided one does not forget it and returns as soon as possible.
8] Each man has a feminine side, and each woman has a masculine side. It is necessary to use discipline with intuition, and to use intuition objectively.
9] Each human being must know two languages: the language of society and the language of the omens. The first serves for communication with others. The second serves to interpret messages from God.
10] Each human being has the right to seek out joy, joy being understood as something which makes one content – not necessarily that which makes others content.
11] Each human being must keep alight within him the sacred flame of madness. And must behave like a normal person.
12] The only faults considered grave are the following: not respecting the rights of one’s neighbor, letting oneself be paralyzed by fear, feeling guilty, thinking one does not deserve the good and bad which occurs in life, and being a coward.
Paragraph 1 – we shall love our adversaries, but not make alliances with them. They are placed in our way to test our sword, and deserve the respect of our fight.
Paragraph 2 – we shall choose our adversaries, not the other way around.
12A] We hereby declare the end to the wall dividing the sacred from the profane: from now on, all is sacred.
14] Everything which is done in the present, affects the future by consequence, and the past by redemption.
15] The impossible is possible
Paulo Coelho
2] Each human being has been granted two courses of action: that of deed and that of contemplation. Both lead to the same place.
3] Each human being has been granted two qualities: power and gift. Power drives a person to meet his/her destiny, his gift obliges that person to share with others which is good in him/her. A human being must know when to use power, and when to use compassion.
4] Each human being has been granted a virtue: the capacity to choose. For he/she who does not use this virtue, it becomes a curse – and others will always choose for him/her.
5] Each human being has the right to two blessings, which are: the blessing to do right, and the blessing to err. In the latter case, there is always a path of learning leading to the right way.
6] Each human being has his own sexual profile, and should exercise it without guilt – provided he does not oblige others to exercise it with him/her.
7] Each human being has his own Personal Legend to be fulfilled, and this is the reason he is in the world. The Personal Legend is manifest in his enthusiasm for what she/he does.
Single paragraph – the Personal Legend may be abandoned for a certain time, provided one does not forget it and returns as soon as possible.
8] Each man has a feminine side, and each woman has a masculine side. It is necessary to use discipline with intuition, and to use intuition objectively.
9] Each human being must know two languages: the language of society and the language of the omens. The first serves for communication with others. The second serves to interpret messages from God.
10] Each human being has the right to seek out joy, joy being understood as something which makes one content – not necessarily that which makes others content.
11] Each human being must keep alight within him the sacred flame of madness. And must behave like a normal person.
12] The only faults considered grave are the following: not respecting the rights of one’s neighbor, letting oneself be paralyzed by fear, feeling guilty, thinking one does not deserve the good and bad which occurs in life, and being a coward.
Paragraph 1 – we shall love our adversaries, but not make alliances with them. They are placed in our way to test our sword, and deserve the respect of our fight.
Paragraph 2 – we shall choose our adversaries, not the other way around.
12A] We hereby declare the end to the wall dividing the sacred from the profane: from now on, all is sacred.
14] Everything which is done in the present, affects the future by consequence, and the past by redemption.
15] The impossible is possible
Paulo Coelho
Monday, April 18, 2011
Another Muse - Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen has got to be one of the sexiest men of all time.
His voice is like dark velvet and I can listen to his recordings, with the lights turned low, for hours and hours and hours
... there's no foresaking what you love
no existential leap
as witnessed here in time & blood
a thousand kisses deep....
His voice is like dark velvet and I can listen to his recordings, with the lights turned low, for hours and hours and hours
... there's no foresaking what you love
no existential leap
as witnessed here in time & blood
a thousand kisses deep....
Best Easter Eggs Ever!!
OK - With Easter right around the corner, I find myself reminiscing once again about another childhood memory.... Laura Secord Easter Cream Eggs. Cadburys Easter Cream Eggs are a pail comparison to Laura's treats!!! When I was little the Easter Bunny would always hide the little yellow box in each of our baskets. The funny thing was that as soon as our morning egg-hunt was over, those little yellow boxes would be initialled (so that my sisters and brother and I wouldn't fight over them), and whisked away into the refrigerator, only to be served to us under my dad's strictest of portion controls - every night thereafter, for as long as they lasted, my dad would take out our Laura Secord eggs and a very sharp knife, and slice a wafer thin section off the end for us to eat. I'm serious when I guess that those little eggs lasted us for weeks because my siblings and I still joke about dad's portion control.
He applied it most notably to our Laura Secord Easter Eggs, and the boxes of Morden's Russian Mints that my uncle would always send us from Wininpeg, for Christmas.
The really funny thing is that it took us kids many years before we figured out that there wasn't really anything stopping us from going into the fridge any time we wanted to cut our own slices of chocolate cream delight. Alas, as soon as we figured that out, they didn't seem to last as long, and inevitably my sister Jenny, who had supernatural self-control would end up having the last egg, and really enjoyed drawing out her pleasure while the rest of us looked on longingly.
Sadly, there are no Laura Secord's west of Winnipeg, so I haven't been able to indulge in this chocolate memory for a long time now - BUT Ken (aka my personal easter bunny) is in Ontario on business this week, so I've put in a special request for him to find a Laura Secord store and grab me one... or two. If that doesn't work out, I just found out they sell these decadent treats at Shoppers Drug Mart in Alberta, so maybe there's hope for me this year.
I guess if I were feeling ambitious I could try to find a recipe to make them myself - but why mess with perfection when Laura Secord could be as close to me as my nearest Shoppers.... or Ken's suitcase.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Dedicated to you Ken......
Because I love you, and given the chance would marry you again, and again, and again....
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I Will Possess Your Heart (Album Version video)
I recently discovered this band, Death Cab for Cutie, thanks to a Facebook friend's status update....
I went to check them out on YouTube, and haven't been able to stop listening!
A new band for my dream studio/summer 2011 soundtrack (if it ever comes... can you believe we have MORE snow in the forecast????)
... ok - so the lyrics are a bit depressing, but I love the music, and sometimes wish I could be the girl in the video, backpacking around the world.
I went to check them out on YouTube, and haven't been able to stop listening!
A new band for my dream studio/summer 2011 soundtrack (if it ever comes... can you believe we have MORE snow in the forecast????)
... ok - so the lyrics are a bit depressing, but I love the music, and sometimes wish I could be the girl in the video, backpacking around the world.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
One of my Muses.... Kate Bush
I Love Kate Bush - I have been a fan of hers, ever since the first time I listened to "The Ninth Wave" (side 2 of her Hounds of Love Album), back in the mid 1980s.
I find her music to be timeless. It is everything from inspirational to disturbing, humourous to haunting. The Stories she tells through her music are almost always breathtakingly creative.
Kate Bush's voice and the imagery in her lyrics embody an ethereal beauty and magic that always stays with me long after I turn off my stereo.
Her music makes up a big chunk of my all-time most played playlist, and will definitely be playing in the soundtrack of my dream studio.
The following videos show just a sample of her genius.
The Haunting Beauty:
The Fun Cover Songs:
The Wondrous ...
... and the Frighteningly Moralistic Storytelling:
Blissful Pleasure:
and Sheer Horror:
If you have never done so, take some time to really experience Kate Bush's music. Allow yourself to drift away to surprising and mysterious places.
and above all else, enjoy the moments...
As Always,
Dayna
I find her music to be timeless. It is everything from inspirational to disturbing, humourous to haunting. The Stories she tells through her music are almost always breathtakingly creative.
Kate Bush's voice and the imagery in her lyrics embody an ethereal beauty and magic that always stays with me long after I turn off my stereo.
Her music makes up a big chunk of my all-time most played playlist, and will definitely be playing in the soundtrack of my dream studio.
The following videos show just a sample of her genius.
The Haunting Beauty:
The Fun Cover Songs:
The Wondrous ...
... and the Frighteningly Moralistic Storytelling:
Blissful Pleasure:
and Sheer Horror:
If you have never done so, take some time to really experience Kate Bush's music. Allow yourself to drift away to surprising and mysterious places.
and above all else, enjoy the moments...
As Always,
Dayna
Monday, April 4, 2011
Another Indulgence.... Red Velvet Wine
And even better - found an awesome website that shows where it (and just about every other type of wine and spirit) is sold in Alberta!!!
Here is a description of the Cupcake Vineyard's Red Velvet wine from their website:
Red Velvet is a smooth creamy blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's reminiscent of a blackberry chocolate cupcake with a mocha coulis. Shows an incredible nose of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, red fruits and a creamy mocha finish that is unmistakable in its intensity and length.
She picked us up a bottle, and because my husband is out of town tonight, we had an impromptu girls night... actually it was more of a girls late afternoon/early evening, because we had our kids with us, and needed to be responsible.
ANYWAYS...
The label says the wine pairs well with dark chocolate fondue, bacon cheeseburgers or sweet and spicy hoisin steaks... (talk about a mixed pallette)...So, because the sun was still shining at dinner time, and DESPITE the piles of snow that still blanket my back yard, I decided to fire up my bbq and comprimise on the label's recommendations by making some homemade Hoisin Hamburgers on wholewheat buns to accompany the vino....
We were a little wary of the wine at first, afraid that it might not live up to our expectations (much like my first impression of the Red Velvet Cupcake from a few posts back), but I'm so happy to report that I think I've found a new favourite red wine, perfect for summer (if it ever gets here). The wine is light, but has a beautiful rich red colour. It went wonderfully with our dinner, but I think I could easily nurse it on it's own too.... always a good sign :).
Thanks for searching it out Jen!!!! Here's to keeping a stash of this new indulgence on hand - and continuing to discover new ones of course :)
That's all I've got to say about that for now.... maybe tomorrow I'll post my recipe for the Hoisin Hamburgers... they were delish too, if I may say so myself.
As Always, Dayna
Singing my afternoon away....
Well - with this past weekend's April Snowstorm, I can't decide if Mother Nature is just late finding her way back to Southern Alberta, OR if she just has a really bad sense of humour... APRIL FOOLS DAY was FRIDAY!!!!! Enough with winter already!!
 |
| April 2, 2011 - view from my front window - wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong!!!!! |
On a bright note - at least the sun came out on Sunday, and the snow was perfect for sledding and snowman building..... admire the masterpiece of snowsculpture that Ken and Evy created in our front yard....
 |
| Evy's PJ Day in the Springtime Snow, April 3, 2011 |
The snow is still on the ground today, and while it's wonderful to report that the warm sun is shining again, and the robins are singing their little red breasted hearts out, unfortunately our snowman has fallen over, there's not much snow left on our sledding hill and it's too mucky pull the bikes out this afternoon..... SO, instead, I have all of the windows in my house open to the spring air, and we are having an inside playday complete with princess colouring pages, barbie dolls and lots of singing, In fact, Evy has decided to sing instead of talk today, and refuses to answer me, unless I sing back to her - so we are having our own mini off-key opera going on at our house this afternoon.... hmmm maybe I should close those windows afterall.
As always, Dayna
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time to stop Coccooning
Spring is slow to come this year.
Today is the first day of sunshine and above freezing temperatures that we've had since the technical first day of spring on March 21. I should be thrilled to bits that I can open my windows and doors to the fresh air for a change....
Unfortunately, I don't entirely trust Mother Nature's moodswings this year - she can be such a tease. There is still so much snow on the ground that I feel more inclined to continue cocooning than I do to go outside and watch my garden re-emerge from under its slushy wet blanket, as the snow melts in the much-missed warm warm sunshine.
huh - whose feeling melancholy today???
OK then, I officially resolve that today will be my last day of seasonal coccooning, and S.A.D. moodiness this winter (oops, I mean spring). To mark the occasion, first I'm going to post some pretty girls in spring paintaings by French artist, Cecile Veilhan, then I'm going to get out of my pjs, make myself a big pot of tea and a leafy green salad for lunch, then I'm going to wrap myself up in a cozy warm sweater (and maybe a blanket), tune into the Kate Bush playlist on my ipod and force myself to go outside to sit in the sunshine, while it lasts...
....wow I'm getting whiny in my old age!!!!
 | |
| View from my driveway, March 25, 2011 |
 |
| Cocooning by Cecile Veilhan |
huh - whose feeling melancholy today???
OK then, I officially resolve that today will be my last day of seasonal coccooning, and S.A.D. moodiness this winter (oops, I mean spring). To mark the occasion, first I'm going to post some pretty girls in spring paintaings by French artist, Cecile Veilhan, then I'm going to get out of my pjs, make myself a big pot of tea and a leafy green salad for lunch, then I'm going to wrap myself up in a cozy warm sweater (and maybe a blanket), tune into the Kate Bush playlist on my ipod and force myself to go outside to sit in the sunshine, while it lasts...
....wow I'm getting whiny in my old age!!!!
 |
| Un Printemps Turqoise by Cecile Veilhan |
 | |
| Un Printemps Rose by Cecile Veilhan |
 |
| Un Printemps Abricot by Cecile Veilhan |
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Candle on the Water
Easter 1981, when I was 10 years old, my family moved from Ottawa to a tiny village in Northern Ontario (population 300), to take over my grandparents cottage resort. Needless to say, it was a pretty sad and scary time for me, having had to say goodbye to all of my friends and finish grade 4 in a temporary new school, in a new town, and in a new language (Although English is my mother tongue, until then, I had been enrolled in an early french immersion program, and this was the first time I would study in English full time - but that's beside the point to my story)
One of the only things I think I remember from that spring is my music class. In particular, I remember learning the song "Candle on the Water" from the Disney movie Pete's Dragon. At the time, the lyrics carried a special significance to me, as I struggled to overcome my homesickness and fit into my new life.... over the years as I grew up, the song has remained with me with changing significance. Sometimes I wished it were being sung to me, and other times, I have wished it out to loved ones - both friends and family.
Currently, there are some people who are very dear to me, struggling through challenging times in their lives. Without naming them, I wish them to know how much I love and care for them, and wish them continued strength on their life's journeys.
If there is one thing I have learned in my life so far, it's that everything changes and nothing stays the same - both the good stuff and the bad stuff. So dear loved ones, please try to trust that this too shall pass. I believe in you.
I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn
I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light
A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air
Lighted by a prayer
I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go
One of the only things I think I remember from that spring is my music class. In particular, I remember learning the song "Candle on the Water" from the Disney movie Pete's Dragon. At the time, the lyrics carried a special significance to me, as I struggled to overcome my homesickness and fit into my new life.... over the years as I grew up, the song has remained with me with changing significance. Sometimes I wished it were being sung to me, and other times, I have wished it out to loved ones - both friends and family.
Currently, there are some people who are very dear to me, struggling through challenging times in their lives. Without naming them, I wish them to know how much I love and care for them, and wish them continued strength on their life's journeys.
If there is one thing I have learned in my life so far, it's that everything changes and nothing stays the same - both the good stuff and the bad stuff. So dear loved ones, please try to trust that this too shall pass. I believe in you.
I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn
I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light
A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air
Lighted by a prayer
I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go
Friday, March 25, 2011
My kind of taxidermy
My husband Ken is an Outdoorsman with a capital O. Years ago, when we first moved in together, I made a deal with him that I would not "feminize" our home with lots of flowers and pink stuff, in exchange for him not putting up hunting trophies in our living room. Now, being as I've never been a particularly girly girl when it comes to interior design preferences, I probably got the better end of that arrangement - today our home decor has a cozy rustic feel inspired by log-cabiny antiques and found objects from nature.
So far, I have successfully avoided having to display any real animal heads in my living room; however after coming across the wonderful and whimsical work of artist Rachel Denny, (thanks to a recent posting that showed up in my Facebook newsfeed) I think I could be swayed to a compromise.....
So far, I have successfully avoided having to display any real animal heads in my living room; however after coming across the wonderful and whimsical work of artist Rachel Denny, (thanks to a recent posting that showed up in my Facebook newsfeed) I think I could be swayed to a compromise.....
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| what a fun way to upcycle old sweaters!! |
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Appealing to my inner-geek....
Am I old enough to blame my eccentricities on age yet??
I can't really explain why this appeals to me, other than it makes me smile.... OK, I totally can explain because I love Star Wars... not to mention all the other sci-fi references in the song.
Talk about creativity!
I can't really explain why this appeals to me, other than it makes me smile.... OK, I totally can explain because I love Star Wars... not to mention all the other sci-fi references in the song.
Talk about creativity!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A message to my children
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
- Lee Ann Womack
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
- Lee Ann Womack
14 day Countdown to 40 - Self-indulgence #14 (part 3)
This final treat was a perfect end to a wonderful couple of weeks. The wild hibiscus flowers are actually wild sorrel blossoms, preserved in a sweet syrup. They can be used in a bunch of different ways, but I think the most beautiful way - by far is in champagne. The blossoms taste a bit like apple, and add a lovely pink hue to the champagne.
sigh....... I guess this technically brings us to the end of the 14 days of self-indulgence, counting down to my 40th Birthday....it's been a fun exercise!!!
You know what - I'm going to keep at it. I think it's ok to be a little self-indulgent every now and then ....This exercise in little self-indulgences has been all about looking after my inner-self and, calories-aside, my outer-self thanks me. I find myself feeling more energized, envigorated and motivated than I have in a long time.
Life has gotten surprisingly busy, from shuttling kids back and forth to school and extra curriculars; to running errands and managing playdates; to doing laundry and keeping house; trying to prepare healthy snacks and meals; nursing owies and illnesses; paying the bills and trying to start a business...
The day-to-day craziness of life, nevermind caring for a family, can make it difficult to forget that if we want to be whole and balanced individuals, we need to take care of ourselves too - both our bodies and our minds.
I am at peace with getting older. I find I know myself better than I did when I was younger, and I like who I have become. I continue to learn and grow everyday, and I'm excited for my future.... what better place to be at at the dawn of ones 40s?
Thank you for coming on this journey with me :) I look forward to continuing to keep track of little bits of everything and nothing in particular right here in my blog about everything Dayna-ish... I'm having more fun blogging than I thought I would!! Feel free to follow if you wish... and even better, feel free to share your favourite things with me too :)
TTFN
As Always, Dayna
14 day Countdown to 40 - Self-Indulgence #14 (part 2)
Rrrrrred Velvet!
......Following our trip into the cheese shop, mom and I headed over to Crave Cupcakes, and I finally tasted my first ever Red Velvet Cupcake.
In my mind, I had pictured Red Velvet to be a lot more sophisticated dessert than that!!
Later I did a bit of research and learned that traditional Red Velvet is really nothing more chocolate cake with a TON of red food colouring added, and topped with a cream cheese icing... apart from the icing, I thought - what a let down....
Nevertheless - I began a quest to find the perfect (in my mind) red velvet recipe.... alas, my family doesn't eat a lot of dessert, so I never actually tried to make anything red velvety, until this past Valentine's Day. My in-laws were visiting from Ontario and we invited some friends over for Valentines Dinner to visit with them... because we had so many people dining with us, and because it was a special occasion, I decided to finally attempt my first ever red velvet ... and my first ever cheesecake.
 | ||||
| Dessert was supposed to look like this | . | ... it didn't |
Still, I remained enamoured by the name "Red Velvet" and held out hope that one day I would experience true red velvet, and that it would live up to the name and the culinary fantasy I had built around it..... SO when I learned that Crave Cupcakes makes a mean "Red Velvet Elvis" cupcake and realized that there was a Crave Cupcakes across the parking lot from Springbank Cheese Co, what could I do but INDULGE!!! (It was my actual birthday afterall)
My Mom and I walked into the store and together we oohed and aahed all of the wonderful flavours of cupcakes, but really that was just for show on my part - I already knew what I was going to have.
So we bought our cupcakes, went outside to sit in the sun and sink our teeth into the decadence, and after all these years, waiting to finally tasted a piece of real, honest to goodness red velvet cake my verdict was..................................................................................
.......................................................................................m'eh.
It's true - Red Velvet really is just plain old chocolate cake with a ton of red food colouring and a rich cream cheese icing - that's it.
huh - I guess that's one more thing crossed off my bucket list.
Anyways - that rather anti-climactic cupcake has NOT stopped my quest for a perfect dessert deserving of the "Red Velvet" Moniker, only now, I guess I'll have to invent my ideal red velvet recipe(s) myself!!!
I wonder - do I dare post my experiments?? Stay tuned to find out.
Meanwhile, I'm going to wrap up this post and carry it on to part 3 of my self-indulgent birthday update....
14 day Countdown to 40 - Self-Indulgence #14 (part 1)
Stinky Cheese
...so, after my Mom and I finished treasure hunting, we headed over to the Springbank Cheese Company at Willow Park Village in Calgary. I had seen their sign many times, but never taken the time to go in until now.
Given my love of exotic foods - what better self-indulgence than a trip to a genuine fromagerie??
The Springbank Cheese Company carries over 300 kinds of cheese, as well as a very wide selection of complimentary specialty foods - crackers, pates, salsas, chutneys, oils and vinegars.
It was a culinary-heaven....
To start (I say this, because now I have to go back again and try something different), we chose a 9 year old cheddar, a triangle of greenish stilton, a bit of very creamy and very sharp gorgonzola, and a half wheel of brie to mellow everything out.
We also picked up some seasoned rice crackers and a bottle of wild hibiscus flowers in syrup (I'll detail that experience in another post), and some seasoned rice crackers.
Later that afternoon, we went home and sampled the cheeses with a bit of Branston Pickle, that my husband Ken had brought home from England (I'm so lucky he knows me so well), apple slices, crackers and crusty bread ... the only thing missing was a bottle of Strongbow Cider, and it would have been a perfect Ploughman's Lunch!
It was wonderful!!!!
.... click on to part 2....
 | |
| 9 yr old ch-ch-ch-cheddar |
Given my love of exotic foods - what better self-indulgence than a trip to a genuine fromagerie??
 |
| Mmmmm stilton |
It was a culinary-heaven....
 |
| sigh... brie |
We also picked up some seasoned rice crackers and a bottle of wild hibiscus flowers in syrup (I'll detail that experience in another post), and some seasoned rice crackers.
Later that afternoon, we went home and sampled the cheeses with a bit of Branston Pickle, that my husband Ken had brought home from England (I'm so lucky he knows me so well), apple slices, crackers and crusty bread ... the only thing missing was a bottle of Strongbow Cider, and it would have been a perfect Ploughman's Lunch!
It was wonderful!!!!
.... click on to part 2....
14 day Countdown to 40 - Self-Indulgence #13
Well - because I got a little off track mid-way through my 14 day countdown, I ended up having to cram double treats into the last 2 days of my 39th year.....ahhhhhhhh the bliss:Self-Indulgence #13 - Treasure Hunting
One of my most favourite things to do is treasure hunt at garage sales and thrift shops.
Again - this choice of self-indulgence takes me back to my youth....When I was in high school, my best friend Anouk and I would got down to Toronto for a weekend in late August to do our school shopping. I never had a whole lot of money to spend, so rather than hit the malls, we hit the streets ..... spending hours and hours exploring the head shops and thrift shops and boutiques and cafes along what became our "circuit" - Younge Street, Queen Street, Spadina and College.
Those trips left me with some of my best memories of being a teenager in the 80s. They also gave me a lasting appreciation for the environmentally friendly dollar-stretching ability of second-hand stores and thrift shop chic. There is no other kind of shopping-style I love better than "The Hunt", but to do it properly, you need time and patience - with no kids in tow,
AND with a good friend who can tell you when you're going off your rocker over some crazy find.... to remind you that:
just because it fits doesn't mean it looks good on you!!!
ANYWAYS... Because it had been ages since my last "hunt", I decided to include a day of treasure hunting in my list of self-indulgences. So, first thing Friday Morning (my birthday day), after getting the kids off to school, my Mom and I headed up to Calgary for a trip to "Chez VV" aka "Le Village" aka "Value Village". OK, I know that sounds like a kind of wierd way to shoose to spend one's 40th birthday - but it was such a treat for me to spend a no-boys-no-babies day with my Mom, searching for unexpected treasures, through the aisles of the Thrift Shop...
I picked up a couple of good books that I've been waiting to read (The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill and Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen),a really cute spring jacket that still had the labels on it and 2 pairs of almost new darkwash jeans that fit me perfectly!! If I'd gotten there a couple of minutes earlier, I could have also nabbed a Barbie Camper Van for Evy - but being as the day was all about me, I didn't head to the kids section first, like I usually do, so I missed it.... oh well, there will be other treasures other days.
As it was, mom and I had a wonderful time hanging out together that day - something we don't get to do nearly enough, being as we live so far apart. The fact that we fit in some time VVing together on my birthday, was just like icing on the cake of what ended up an almost perfect 40th birthday day...
Self-indulgence #14 followed VV.... read on in my next post
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