Share Your World 2015 – Week 25

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Mama Cormier

….. thanks Cee for four more thought provoking questions

What did you or did not like about the first apartment you ever rented?

Our first apartment was a basement apartment in uptown Toronto. We were close to the subway and great shopping and restaurants. I didn’t like being in the basement. Our windows faced the parking lot and driveway so we had to contend with cars rolling past our windows.

What kind of art is your favorite? Why?

My favourite art includes abstract paintings, watercolour or acrylic and collage and mixed media art. I don’t like things that are hyper realistic. I’d rather take a beautiful photograph.

A Ray Cattell painting.

How many siblings do you have? What’s your birth order?

I’m the oldest of three girls. When my son was born he was the first male born on my father’s side of the family in 50 years.

The three Winkler sisters.

Complete this sentence: I’m dreaming of a white …. (and no you can’t use Christmas as your answer)

This one stumped me for a few minutes. In fact, I went for a walk and really thought about this question. I’ve already owned a white car and my husband has one now. It wasn’t by choice for either of us but at the time they were our only options. I’ve really learned to appreciate white flowers and one of my favourite bouquets this year was all white.

I’m not very fussy about white weddings or white clothes. I don’t like white food, unless it’s vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream and white walls leave me cold. I do, however, like bright white trim. Therefore, I’m dreaming of painting all the trim in the house white. I also love crisp white sheets and big soft white towels.

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 a wonderful weekend with the family. We did a double Father’s Day celebration. On Saturday my husband and I hosted a BBQ at our place and our girls and their significant others and two of our best friends joined us. My husband did most of the cooking because it’s what he loves to do. I did all the running around and picked up things that we needed. We also went across the street for a bit to congratulate our neighbour on her retirement.

Our daughter and son-in-law couldn’t keep the gender of their baby secret any longer and they shared the news with us. Unfortunately I promised to keep it a secret for a little bit longer and not share it with the world right now.

On Sunday, we drove to my Dad’s place in Oshawa and celebrated Father’s Day with him. My sister took the train in from Chatham and we all shared a meal at their new apartment. I brought a salad made from the lettuce in our garden and Dad picked up his special treat, KFC.

One other thing that I’m grateful for was a very enjoyable Tea that my friend L and I hosted for four students from school. It really was fun and the kids learned a lot about ‘tea etiquette’ and a little bit more about their teachers.

This week I’m looking forward to the staff party and to the last day of school and the start of our summer break.

Share Your World 2015 – Week 24

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Mama Cormier

….here is the new format for Cee’s Share Your World

It’s pretty much the same but instead of 4 random questions there are now 3 and one list question.

What’s your favorite charitable cause and why?

I think my favourite charity has to be the Heart and Stroke’s Jump Rope for Heart event. I’m probably a little biased because I’ve been running this event for the last 16 years at our school and we’ve raised well over $100 000.00. This year alone we took in almost $10,000.00. I like this charity because it makes children aware of heart healthy activities and how the money they raise is used for research. The best part is the day that the whole school comes outside and jumps rope for an hour. We have music, games and prizes and everyone, including the teachers get involved.

What color do you feel most comfortable wearing?

I love wearing red and royal blue and white.

If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? (guest can be dead, alive, famous or someone you just know)

My first three guests would be Pablo Picasso, my father, and Jon Stewart.

List: What are at least five places you’ve enjoyed visiting?

• Amsterdam and Rotterdam

• Dublin, Westport and Howth

• Munich and Oberaudorf

• San Francisco

• Stowe, Vermont

• Hawaii

• Banff, Alberta

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 resolving some of my iPhone and computer issues on Sunday and for a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon with our daughter and son-in-law in Hamilton. Even though my husband’s test results are still inconclusive I’m grateful for the wonderful doctors and technicians who we’ve dealt with in the last few weeks and hopefully we’ll have a better idea which option to choose this coming week.

This week I’m looking forward to our school production which we do on an outdoor stage in front of the school. We’re all hoping for good weather. Last year it started to rain part way through but the parents wanted us to continue. The stage helped keep the children dry but the audience sat under umbrellas and tarps.

I’m also looking forward to getting together with both my daughters and their significant others on Father’s Day. We’re hoping that our friends A and W can also join us and with any luck we may be able to visit with my Dad as well.

Share Your World 2015 – Week 23

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Mama Cormier

….4 questions and a poll from Cee

For your blog do you basically use Mac or Windows applications. What type of device laptop, desktop,tablet, phone or pad?

I use Mac and I use my laptop most of the time. On holidays I used the iPad but found it awkward and I never use my iPhone (way too awkward). Having said that I do use my iPhone almost exclusively for my photos.

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

I would treat myself to more spa treatments, pedicures and manicures.

Can you change a car tire?

I’ve never had to change a tire but I think in an emergency I could probably do it.

The 4th question this week is answer this poll about “how you would like to see the question formats for Share Your World”. Feel free to answer the questions in your post too.

I chose the ‘Do 2 random questions, 1 list and 1 complete the sentence each week. I think it’s nice to change things up a bit but when I last checked the first option, ‘Leave it as it is.’ was in the lead.

How you would like to see the questions for Share Your World? Multiple Choice answers are allowed.
Ask 4 Random Questions. Leave it as it is.
Add lists creating my own lists monthly.
Add complete the sentences monthly.
Do 2 Random Questions, 1 list and 1 complete the sentence a week.
Suggestions? Write in your post or comments.
I am tired of Share Your World, please hosting it.
Vote
View ResultsPolldaddy.com
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 I averaged over 11 000 steps a day last week. I’m really trying to move more. I had a great visit with my sister and her husband from Calgary. It was short but sweet. I’m also grateful for completing part one of last week’s art assignment with Carla Sonheim. I made over 15 little handmade books and I’ve started to write in them.

This week I’m looking forward to completing part two of the assignment where I have to create a story and paint a new booklet. I’m also looking forward to going to a wedding on Saturday and going to Hamilton on Sunday to visit my daughter and her husband.

Here are a couple of photos of my view of the lake looking east and west, on my walk with Frances. We took a slightly different route and went further than we normally go.

Share Your World 2015 – Week 22

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Mama Cormier

…..Cee has asked us to complete the following sentences

Cee came up with a another way of doing Share Your World for this week. Finish these four sentences. You can be talk about yourself or be creative and write a piece of fiction. It’s up to you. Have some fun.

Complete this sentence: Never In My Life Have I….ever wanted to sky dive, bungee jump or do anything remotely dangerous.

Is this dangerous?

Complete this sentence: My neighbour wants me to help her…..celebrate her retirement in a couple of weeks. I love parties and I hope to get there. It will probably be outside in her beautiful garden as long as the weather co-operates.

Complete this sentence: When I was little I wanted…I always wanted to sing and perform on stage. The only problem was that I had terrible stage fright and very low self esteem. I did sing in the school choir and later I joined a German choir that I sang with for 27 years but I never performed solo.

Complete this sentence: Will you come here to…share in a meal? My husband is a great cook and I need an excuse to clean my house from top to bottom.

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’m grateful for a successful Forest of Reading celebration, raising over $6000. for Jump Rope for Heart and for participating in the dunk tank at our annual Fun Fair and surviving to tell you about it. After the first dunk I actually enjoyed it. It was a very hot humid day and I certainly felt refreshed after being dunked three times. I would have done it more often but there was a schedule that had to be maintained so that all the grade 5s who signed up could have a turn.

This week I’m looking forward to gathering up the final pledge envelopes for Jump Rope for Heart and figuring out what our total contributions will be. I’m also looking forward to getting my marks done for the report cards, organizing the library before the summer break in three weeks and hosting treat day this week.

The thing I’m most looking forward to is a visit from my sister who lives in Calgary. She and her husband are flying in on Friday and will be visiting with my dad and then spending Saturday evening and Sunday morning with us. Short but sweet. I guess this will be my excuse to get the house in ship shape.

Share Your World 2015 – Week 15

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Mama Cormier

…..thanks Cee for four more interesting questions

Regarding your fridge, is it organized or a mess inside?

I’m embarrassed to say that at the moment my fridge is a mess. Over the years all the plastic shelves and drawers have broken. We looked into replacing these pieces but the cost was ridiculous, over $700.00. The fridge itself works well but It’s become increasingly difficult to keep it organized.

Have you ever been a participant in a parade? What did you do?

Why does this question sound familiar? The only parade I remember participating in occurred when I went to summer day camp and at the end of the summer or end of the session (I don’t remember) we participated in a parade where all the different city camps got together and put on a parade. I might have been in a parade when I was a girl guide. It’s all a blur now.

How do you stand out from the crowd?

I tend to have a very loud and distinctive laugh. People always say they know where I am in a building by my laugh. When I was younger I used to be the narrator in school plays and today I find myself quite comfortable being the master of ceremonies at large school gatherings.

How many bones, if any, have you broken?

I have never broken a bone. About 20 years ago I had a very bad fall. I fell from the top of our stairs to the landing below and didn’t break a thing. Apart from a slight concussion, a few abrasions and bruises my injuries were pretty minor. I think I hit my head on the way down and knocked myself unconscious so I fell I like a rag doll. Falling into a full laundry basket probably helped as well.

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

This week I’m grateful for sunny weather and milder temperatures and time spent with a group of friends from high school. I’m also grateful for small accomplishments, like finally getting my solar light drilled into the brick wall over our house number. I also found time to do some sketching this week and completed 2 paintings.

This week I’m looking forward to another afternoon concert put on by the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto. My friend CL and I will be meeting for lunch and then heading downtown to the university where the concert is being held. I’m also looking forward to a new on-line lesson from the Year of the Spark, this time given by Lynn Whipple. I was also thinking of turning some of my bird sketches into paintings.

Share Your World 2015 – Week 5

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Mama Cormier

…..it’s already February and week 5

Do you prefer shopping or going to a park?

Why do I have to pick? I like them both. I like a balance of activities. I love to walk and I need to do more. January has been a tough month on the exercise front. I also love to shop and I didn’t much of that either in January. Okay February, time to up my game on both fronts.

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

I’m all about comfort now. I love my new hiking shoes and my ‘Blundstone’ style boots. Both work well when I’m walking and the boots are versatile and are somewhat fashionable.

What’s the story behind a time when you got locked out?

The last time I was locked out it happened at school. My swipe key was starting to break so the office administrator applied for a new one. Little did I know that the moment she applied for a new one the old one was declared null and void. That night I had to go back to school for a meeting and I couldn’t get back into the school. I walked to the front doors and they were locked so I walked around to the side entrance and then all the way through the school to get back to the library. It wouldn’t have been so bad but it was bitterly cold. The next morning I couldn’t get into the school again but when I finally did, the office had my new key ready for me.

Do you prefer eating foods with nuts or no nuts?

I love nuts and any food that contains nuts. When a box of chocolate is presented to me I always look for the chocolate with the nuts first. I love marzipan, Italian almond cookies, M&M Chocolate Covered Peanuts and almond bark.

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

Last week my husband had his post op appointments with his doctors and the surgery was successful. He still has to have iodine radiation done but no more surgery for the time being. We walked to a restaurant close to the hospital that I’ve always wanted to try and we had a wonderful meal together.

I’m grateful for time spent with my children. We all got together to deliver a desk to my oldest daughter and her sister made homemade empanadas for us to enjoy for lunch. I’m also happy to have finished proofreading report cards.

I’m looking forward to printing up the final copies of the report cards for all the teachers on staff. I’m also looking forward to working on more art projects and receiving the next art assignment from Carla.

Here are a couple of warm-up doodles that I created for the class.

Cheers and If you’d like to see more “Share Your World” posts head on over to Cee’s Photography and join in on the fun.

Share Your World 2015 – Week 3

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Mama Cormier

…..more questions brought to you by Cee

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

I’ve saved this question for last because I’m finding it the most difficult to answer. I would be worried about having someone I don’t know over for dinner. Is the house clean enough, are my things up to par, will they like my cooking, will I say something stupid and insult them or will I find them completely boring and be let down by the experience? When I have people over I want to enjoy the experience so I tend to invite people who know me well and won’t judge me. Therefore I’d have to say that I want my best friends over for dinner.

When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

The last time I sang was at the percussion concert we had last Thursday at school. I sang with the audience. I like to sing in the car when I’m by myself. I can’t remember the last time I sang to someone. Sometimes I’ll break out in song when I’m reading a story to the younger boys and girls in the library. I sang in a German choir for 27 years and after that I was a guest chorister with a fantastic church choir. I did that for a few years.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

I wish I could eat like a person who is healthy, enjoys food and doesn’t struggle with weight. I’m healthy and I certainly enjoy food but my weight has been a life long struggle.

What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

I think joking about anything that is tragic is taboo. Joking about someone’s loss or pain is just plain tacky.

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 reports are written, that I produced some fun art and that I got to hear the children perform on the percussion instruments after listening to them practise every day for two weeks. I’m grateful that I was able to visit my Dad today and help somewhat with his moving dilemma. He is moving from a house to an apartment and between him and his partner G they have at least two apartment’s worth of belongings.

This week I’m looking forward to producing more art and starting the second part of the assignment that I was given last Thursday. I have till Feb. 8 before I receive the next lesson.

Share Your World – Week 41

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Mama Cormier

….I’ll do my best to answer Cee’s questions

Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures?

I’d rather take pictures. I’m often disappointed in how pictures turn out when other people take them and I’m not talking about how I look in pictures but rather the overall composition. I’ve grown to love taking photos and experimenting with the settings.

What did you most enjoy doing this past week?

This week has been very strange. I’ve spent most of it, so far, going to and from the hospital. My husband had to go back in and have a second surgery on his neck. I picked him up this morning and he’s doing just fine, thank you.

I did go back into work on Tuesday and Wednesday and I’d have to say the most enjoyable thing that I did was make ‘leaf people’ with the kindergarten class. I’ll post of the their art in the next few days.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance has to be a designer skirt that I bought and paid over $200. for. This is a big deal for someone who shops mostly at Winner’s and Marshall’s.

Which letter of the alphabet describes you best?

What a strange question! I’d have to say ‘C’ because two of my initials are C and because the letter is round and curvy like me.

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 husband is finally out of the hospital for the second time and that the second surgery was successful. On Sunday I took my husband back to emergency because his neck blew up like a balloon. Turns out that the cavity left behind from the cyst that was removed, filled up with fluid and became infected. On Monday we went back for a second doctor to look at the neck and he informed us that K needed a radical neck dissection to remove the infection and clean out the area.

Monday was the Thanksgiving holiday so the hospital, especially the operating room area, was in holiday mode and somewhat understaffed. The waiting room was locked and we sat in semi darkness in the deserted registration area for day surgery. While we were waiting we had a bit of a scare when the intercom blared out that there was a code blue in one of the operating rooms. Luckily K’s surgeon came down the hall soon after and informed us that the surgery was successful and the code blue wasn’t for K. Phew!

For the rest of the week I’m looking forward to a full recovery for my husband and no more trips to the hospital. I’ve taken the day off because I was experiencing some dizziness yesterday and I’m hoping to relax and catch up on my sleep.

Share Your World 2014 – Week 37

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..with Chris’ help Cee has come up with four new questions

List three pet peeves.

I really can’t abide rude people, people who can’t be bothered to vote and people who litter.

What makes you unique?

I’m not sure that I’m all that unique. I love to try new things, create art, walk, read and I’m reluctant to retire. I can’t help but think that there’s another career waiting for me when I retire from this one.

Would be your ideal birthday present, and why?

My ideal birthday present would be a 3 day get-a-way with my husband. It should be somewhere cozy, with some spa facilities and great food. There should also be some kind of activity that we both can participate in, such as a cooking class or art class. Time spent with my husband is very important to me and a present that we can enjoy together is more important than ‘more stuff’.

Which way does the toilet paper roll go? Over or under?

I would just like to see the toilet paper on the roll. I’ve never been too fussy whether it go over or under but I have noticed that some brands literally ‘run away’ from you when it is hung under so I guess I’d have to say over.

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 daughter and her husband had a wonderful holiday on the east coast and that we were able to make it possible by looking after their dog.

I’m looking forward to going back to one dog. Enough said.

For more Share Your World check out Cee’s blog.

Share Your World – Week 36

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Mama Cormier

…..another great set of questions from Cee’s Share Your World

Do you prefer reading coffee table books (picture), biographies, fiction, non-fiction, educational?

I really enjoy looking through coffee table books but I love reading fiction.

What is your biggest fear or phobia? (no photos please)

I don’t know why but I have an unexplainable fear of bears. I’ve never encountered a bear and I don’t want to. Two years ago a family of bears swam across the bay to our island and have lived there ever since. I will not walk by myself through the woods anymore. Luckily the island is very large and very few people have even seen the bears but there is evidence that they’re around. I think my fear may have come from reading a book my aunt gave me over 30 years ago about bear attacks.

What is your favorite cheese?

I love all types of cheese. I don’t think I can just pick one. My favourites include old cheddar, brie and Emmenthal.

What is your favorite month of the year?

Right now I’ll say August. Usually it’s the best month to be at the cottage because the water has warmed up and the mosquitoes are almost non-existent. It’s also the month when I celebrate my anniversary and my birthday.

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 all the help that I got from the parents and students who helped me organize the library. It’s not quite finished but it looks 100% better.