Rosestock or Rosethorn in the Rain

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Mama Cormier

….aka Rosethorn in the Park

Almost every year since I started working at my school we’ve put on some kind of year-end show. For most of the 15 years that I’ve been at Rosethorn we’ve rented a portable stage and parked it outside on the school grounds by the hill. For a few years we booked the local high school auditorium when the cost of the stage became too prohibitive.

There was always something very special about putting on the show outside on a warm summer evening. In all the years that we performed outside it never once rained during the show. Well the year we decided to bring back the show mobile we had rain. We were very optimistic and decided to go ahead with the show despite the forecast of potential showers. The sky was overcast for most of the day but the rain held off.

When we started the show there was no rain but after four classes had performed the rain began. When it looked like it wasn’t going to let up our principal gave the audience some options. Well actually she didn’t get past the first one which was to continue with the show. Everyone wanted to stay. The umbrellas came out and the children were pretty much dry under the roof of the stage anyway. Luckily the sound equipment and the operator were protected by a tent but our conductor/music teacher and the staff working with the children were exposed to the elements.

It rained for about an hour and stopped for the last few acts. Despite the soggy conditions the show was a hit and no one complained about getting wet. The teachers were glad that we didn’t have to come back the next night to continue the show and I think a lot of the families were glad as well.

30 000 Plus

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..just a quick note of thanks

One of my blogging goals was to reach 30 000 views on my second anniversary with WordPress. I didn’t quite make it but yesterday, almost two months later I finally reached that magic number. Thank you to all my followers. Without you it wouldn’t happen.

I’ve been incredibly busy this month and I haven’t been able to keep up with all my emails. No matter how hard I try to keep up I can’t get my emails below 100. Those of you who write longer posts are sitting in a back log. I’ve saved them because I really do want to read them. I haven’t forgotten about you and when I do get to them you’ll probably notice a spike in views from Canada. Love you all.

Share Your World – 2014 Week 24

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Mama Cormier

……this week’s answers are all about family, friends, comfort, big city experiences and language

What makes you feel the most secure?

I am most secure in the company of my family and good friends. I don’t have a special blanket or chair. It’s not even about being in my home. Where ever my family and friends are that’s where I feel most secure.

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If you were a shoe, what kind would you be and why?

I have to admit that I’m all about comfort and a little bit of style. This time of year I’d be a sport sandal. Lots of support, comfortable and cool to wear on hot days. I love Ecco and Naturalizer shoes. They cost a bit more but their worth it. They also come in lots of bright colours and interesting styles. Who says you have to give up comfort for style?

Getting our feet ready for sandal season.

How many languages do you you speak?

Sadly I only speak one language well and that’s English. I understand German very well and can get by when push comes to shove. I know only a little bit of French. This is probably my biggest regret in life. Living in a bilingual country and having taught in French Immersion schools for over 25 years I really have no good excuse for not learning the language. My only excuse is that I’m a very visual learner and when it comes to learning another language which is mostly auditory I struggle to remain focused. Some people, like my children, have a gift and can pick up languages easily.

What was the largest city you have been to? What is the one thing you remember most?

The largest city I’ve been to is right here in Toronto (4th largest city in North America). If I had to choose outside of my hometown I’d have to say Montreal in Canada and San Francisco in the U.S.. In both cities I love the diversity of the cultures and the mix of old architecture with modern structures. When I think of San Francisco I think of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Wharf and Alcatraz. Montreal brings to mind Old Montreal, Expo, and great bistros.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I’m grateful for time with my Dad on Father’s Day. I feel blessed that I still have him at 87 years young. I’m also grateful for time spent with my children and husband on Saturday and for the phone call from my son in the Netherlands.

I’m looking forward to our annual show at school this week and to printing the final report cards on Thursday.

For more Share Your World posts check out Cee’s blog over at http://ceenphotography.com/2014/06/16/share-your-world-2014-week-24/

Father’s Day – Part 2

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..honouring my husband with a little fun at a local pub

After spending lunch with my father yesterday, my husband and I drove back to Toronto and got ready to go out a second time. We made reservations to have dinner at a local pub and watch the Italy vs England game with our daughters.

We knew that the real action would be down in Little Italy but it would be next to impossible to get a table reserved unless we were willing to arrive four hours before the game. My husband is not keen about driving downtown or waiting for anything so we picked a pub closer to home. We knew that when we went there that we would probably be in the minority cheering on Italy in this part of Toronto.

We arrived 30 minutes before the game and the place was pretty empty but it started to fill up quickly. Luckily the table next to us was also filled with fans of the Azzuri but the rest of the place was clearly filled with English fans. Before the game started my husband opened up his Father’s Day gifts from me and his daughters. Unfortunately we couldn’t convince him to wear his Italian jersey. He said it was too small but when he tried it on this morning I thought it was fine. During the game J wore the shirt so that there was no doubt which team our table was cheering for.

The game itself was fantastic. So well played. No dives, dirty tricks or unfair calls. Yeah Italy! This afternoon I’ll be cheering for Argentina and tomorrow I’ll be wearing my Germany shirt and supporting my birth place.

Today has been a glorious day weather-wise. We’ve done a little gardening and our grass was cut and trimmed by D and his dad who will be coming all summer to keep our yard neat and tidy. Our son called from the Netherlands to wish his Dad a Happy Father’s Day and he spent some time speaking with me as well. Thanks B!

Happy Father’s Day to my Dear Old Dad

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..87 years old and going strong

Today my husband and I packed a lunch for four and got into the car and drove over an hour to visit with my Dad and his wife, G. Knowing that he would be cheering for Germany during the World Cup I bought him FIFA World Cup shirt.

When we arrived I was surprised to see my Dad sporting a Germany soccer jersey that he had bought for himself earlier in the week. I was glad that I chose a white shirt and one with a slightly different design. We set up the table in the dining room for lunch and enjoyed some cold cuts and salads and for dessert G had baked a lovely apple cake. We ate the later part of the meal outside on the patio. It was nice and warm and we were sheltered from the wind and the sun.

We spent a few hours with my Dad before we had to depart. In a few more hours my sister from Chatham will be knocking on his door and I know that she has plans to take him out for dinner.

My father is in pretty good health for his age. Despite carrying a bit too much weight and not hearing as well as he used to he is remarkably fit. Having a dog has helped as it gets him out of the house two or three times a day for walks. Toby, unfortunately, is also aging and is starting to resist going on walks but despite Toby’s reluctance to walk more than 10 feet, Dad has started leaving the him at home and goes for walks on his own. He also golfs and does about nine holes at least once a week. He still sings in a choir and he gets out and plays cards with his friends at the German Club. His other hobby is gardening and he loves to tend to his flowering shrubs and plants. He keeps his mind sharp by playing a lot of word games on his iPad and filling in the crossword puzzles in his German magazines.

The last couple of times that I’ve spent time with my Dad he’s talked about moving into a senior’s residence. I’m glad that he’s thinking about his options for the future but after today’s discussion I’m not so sure that he’s quite ready for that for at least another year.

Apparently there’s a nice place not too far from where they live and they go there for some social events now. They both highly praise the place but I’m not sure that’s where they’ll end up.

I’m happy that they are managing quite well in their little split level house but sometimes the stairs get to be a little difficult. At the same time the stairs have probably also helped keep them in shape.

In an hour from now K and I will be heading for a pub where we’ll meet up with our daughters to watch the Italy vs England game and celebrate Father’s Day some more. We’ll treat my husband to a some brews and dinner and shhhh…don’t tell him but I’ve also bought him a soccer jersey. Today I’ll be cheering for Italy and on other days……the Netherlands, Germany, Iran and Argentina. I can’t just pick one team. Go World!!!!!!!

High Tea With Mrs. Cormier

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Mama Cormier

….an item that was auctioned off at the Fun Fair

Today I hosted a high tea for one young lady and three of her friends. Her mother had bought the item, “High Tea With Mrs. Cormier”, for her at the auction. She was allowed to bring up to three friends. She chose one girl and one boy from her class and her older brother.

Two days ago I ordered special tea sandwiches that I picked up today during my lunch hour and I purchased cookies and squares. I set the table with my mother-in-law’s tea set from Ireland which I inherited over 30 years ago and I placed fresh cut flowers in the centre of the table. A couple of my teacher friends and my principal came into the room and surprised the kids by serving us our sandwiches and sweets and pouring our first tea.

Earlier in the week I told the kids that they had to dress appropriately and bring their best manners to the table. The girls changed into dresses at the end of the day and the boys put on button down shirts and slacks. They were all so charming and well behaved. One of the girls started the conversation by asking most respectfully how I felt about the outcome of the election that had been held the night before. Everyone participated in a very pleasant conversation for about an hour at the end of the school day. They were extremely polite and went through 2 large pots of tea, a litre of milk, three dozen sandwich triangles and about two dozen squares and cookies. When the second pot of tea was emptied and only a few squares remained the parents started to arrive and everyone said thank you and good bye.

Just before the tea ended the conversation changed direction and the children were discussing how they were going to do this again next year when they are in grade 5. Of course they assumed that I would offer it again and they assumed that there would be another silent auction. They planned out a strategy so that they would be sure to win the tea again. This year they had the only bid but after the success of the event they figured that more children would get their parents to bid on it next time. One strategy was to tell everyone that the tea was awful so that no one would want to bid on it but after I pretended that such an action would hurt my feelings and make me not want to offer it again they decided they might need to come up with another strategy.

Not only did the children have a good time but so did I. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Fun, Fun, Fun

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Mama Cormier

….last week’s Fun Fair was a huge success and of course a lot of fun

Last Saturday our school council hosted the school’s 15th annual Fun Fair. Over 500 wrist bands were sold which allowed the children unlimited access to the rides and carnival games. Hundreds of cakes were donated for the popular Cake Walk and this year the silent auction was brought back. Each class made an art object that was auctioned off and numerous businesses in the community donated products and services for the auction as well. It was a huge success.

The day was perfect. The weather cooperated. Parents and high school students volunteered their time to run events. Injuries were minor, a few scrapes that were quickly treated with bandaids. Music was provided by our OA and her husband. The police and fire department let the kids sit in the police car and the fire truck. At least this year the truck wasn’t called away in the middle of the fair. Dads manned the barbecues and the food was delicious.

The fair was easily attended by at least 1000 people. For every child at least one parent or significant adult accompanied them. Teachers came to show support and every year former students return. It’s always nice when they greet you and are sincerely happy to see you again. It was truly a day of fun, fun, fun……..

Share Your World – 2014 Week 22

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..I may not be able to answer one of these questions

Regarding animals would you prefer not having them around or having domestics pets, farm animals, or seeing them in nature or the zoo?

I love animals and love having them around. I’m very much a dog person but we have owned a cat, gerbils, hamsters and budgie birds. I also enjoy seeing wild animals on my walks or seeing them in my backyard. I know that a lot of people don’t like zoos but I’ve always had a soft spot for zoos. Over the years they’ve become better and for some the only way they would ever see some of the exotic animals that only a zoo can house.

Are you a collector of anything?

I used to collect teddy bears but the collection became too large so I stopped asking for them. In the last few years I’ve been giving away some of my least favourite bears.

If you could know the answer to any question, besides “What is the meaning of life?”, what would it be?

Hmmm, I really have to think about this. I’ll come back to this one. Later…..How do you answer this question?

If you were to treat yourself to the “finer things” what would you treat yourself to?

I would treat myself to extra fine sheets made from the best Egyptian cotton, the loftiest down comforter, and the best bed money can buy. I must be tired because I’m thinking only of sleep.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Last week I was grateful for my oldest daughter helping me put some finishing touches on the grade 5 project so that it would be ready for the silent auction. I’m also happy that my girls’ soccer team won the West Conference Finals and are now moving on to the City Finals. Lastly I’m grateful for the support from the kids and their parents for our annual Jump Rope for Heart fund raiser. So far they’ve raised over $6000. this year.

This week I’m looking forward to working on my report cards …..NOT. Actually I am looking forward to finishing them for the last time this school year.

For more Share Your World posts check out http://ceenphotography.com/2014/06/02/share-your-world-2014-week-22/

Soccer Finals, Future Aces Assembly and Jump Rope for Heart

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..all on the same day

To say it was a busy day is an understatement. Our soccer games for the West End Conference Finals were moved up to today because of a scheduling conflict within the organization. At school we had already booked our assembly and Jump Rope activity for the same day.

At first I was a bit upset because I’m also the coordinator for the Jump Rope for Heart activity and one of the soccer coaches. Luckily my principal is very generous and understanding and she suggested that I go with the girls in the morning for soccer and return in the afternoon for Jump Rope. If the girls moved on after their first game my colleague and the second coach would stay with the girls.

As it turned out the girls did win their first game. They begged me to stay for the next game so I agreed to stay for the first half but then I really did have to leave. When I walked toward the car during the second half the girls were ahead by one point but as I drove away I saw that the other team scored. I knew that if they lost this game they would be back at school within the hour.

When I got back to school I watched part of the assembly and at the end of it I took the photo of all of the Future Aces winners. Then I set up the tent for the music equipment and the prizes that I had for the skippers. As soon as the children came out for recess we started skipping and continued for a good hour. Teachers chose students who were working extra hard and sent them to me for a prize. Some of the older students performed their favourite songs with the microphone and near the end of the hour we had a jump off where specially selected students jumped for a short period of time while teachers and student helpers counted how many times they turned their ropes. We had 3 different age categories to make it more fair. All in all it was a great event.

…..and guess what? The soccer team didn’t return within the hour. In fact when they did return they ran over to me and declared that they had won all their games and were going to the city finals in two weeks. Yeah!

Share Your World 2014 – Week 18

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..another set of great questions from Cee

What object do you always have with you when traveling and why?

I always have my camera with me. I love recording all the wonderful sights that I see and being able to share my experiences with family and friends when I come home again. In fact I’m never without my camera, regardless of where I am.

What subject would you like to study in depth, if given the time to do so?

I would study art in depth. I’ve learned over the last few years that there is so much that I don’t know about the art world. I would also like to try new and different art techniques, such as encaustic painting. I’ve been considering going back to university when I retire and study art just for fun or at least take a lot of courses from experts in a variety of fields.

Which would you prefer: a wild, turbulent life filled with joy, sorrow, passion, and adventure–intoxicating successes and stunning setbacks; or a contented bordering on happy, secure, predictable life surrounded by friends and family without such wide swings of fortune and mood?

This is a tough question. When I was younger I would probably have chosen the first option but as I get older I’m happy to live a contented life. Family and friends are more important to me than ‘wild, turbulent’ adventure and who needs stunning setbacks at this stage in life. I think I would like the best of both options. A life filled with joy, passion and some adventure while being happy and secure in the company of family and friends.

What are your favorite spices?

My favourite spice is cinnamon and most spices that complement it, such as ginger, cardamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Is that too many? I love ginger cookies, spice cake, chai tea, mulled wine and spicy apple crisp.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I’m grateful that my oral gum surgery went well and that the recovery has been a breeze. I’m looking forward to having the dressing removed and being able to eat more than soft bland food. I’m also looking forward to spending time with my daughters and their significant others on the weekend for Mother’s Day.

For more Share Your World stories go to Cee’s Photography