Share Your World 2016 – Week 13

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….lucky week 13

Are you left or right handed?

I’m left handed but I’m able to do a lot of things with my right hand. I write and draw with my left hand. With my right hand I knit, play ukelele, bowl, bat, golf, throw a ball, play tennis and control the mouse and scroll bar on my computer. With both hands I can iron, use scissors, brush and blow dry my hair and use a saw.

If you had only one TV, would you prefer the TV in the living room or another room?

We only have one TV and it’s in our TV room in the basement. We didn’t want it in the living room because we didn’t want it to be a distraction when we have company. Too often we’ve seen people go straight for the TV instead of sitting down and having a conversation. They might as well stay home. I also don’t like having a TV in the bedroom. When we were younger, we’d fall asleep and wake up to the white noise of the test pattern on the TV. I guess I’m aging myself. Today’s generation doesn’t even know what a test pattern is.

Have you ever participated in a distance walking, swimming, running, or biking event? Tell your story.

When I was younger long distance walks for charity were all the rage. In high school I walked 32 miles around the city to raise money for a charity I don’t recall. I do remember collecting pledges for every mile walked and stopping at check points to verify that I’d walked that leg of the walk. We started early in the morning and I finished at city hall, and it was already dark. I remember there being hundreds of people waiting at the finish line and when I arrived the first thing my father did was hug me and step on feet. Ouch!

Four years ago I ran my first 5k run. I worked with a group of young girls at school and we participated in Girls on the Run. The first year I did this I had just started to lose weight and was down about 18 pounds but by the end of the run I thought I was going to die. I think I had a bit of a panic attack and couldn’t stop crying. The following year I did it again but this time I was down 30 pounds and I had been running more consistently. It felt great.

I’ve done one other running event after that, two years in a row. The Railpath Run in the Junction raises money for The Stop to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community, and challenges inequality. This particular run I’ve done with my oldest daughter who lives in the community. It’s a lot of fun and both times I’ve done the community walk/run portion. This year I was only going to walk the course but once I started I couldn’t stop running. I’m not very fast but I’m consistent.

Complete this sentence: Love is…

• a smile from my granddaughter

• flowers waiting for me when I arrive home from work for no special occasion

• when the whole family gets together

• the dog greeting me at the dog, her whole body gyrating… she’s so happy to see me

• my husband hugging me and playfully teasing me

• my husband’s home cooked meals

• my husband’s complete acceptance of all my flaws and imperfections

• my father’s weekly phone calls

• the pride I feel when I speak of my children’s accomplishments

• continuing to worry about your children’s well being even when they’re adults

• is get togethers with close cherished friends

• is supporting family and friends in good and bad times and in sickness and health

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 a short work week and a very long weekend. I was grateful for two days of beautiful weather and being able to get out for a long hike with my husband through High Park.

Our dog, Frances, was very ill ten days ago so I’m very grateful that she’s on the mend and pretty much back to her old self. I know she getting better because she actually wants to go outside and walk but the vet told us to not exercise her too much. That’s a hard thing to convey to a dog, especially one as active as Frances.

I’m also very grateful for time together with the whole family (not including our son in London) during the Easter weekend. We had a wonderful dinner here and our granddaughter provided us with a lot of laughter as she fed herself sweet potatoes and cauliflower.

This week I’m looking forward to another short week at school (4 days) and more success on the scale. I’ve lost 6 1/2 pounds this past week and look forward to more healthy eating and walking. My husband is doing this with me so it makes it so much easier. I’m starting to look at clothes for the wedding this summer and I’m hoping to lose another 20 pounds. I think that’s pretty doable in the next 13 weeks.

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

Share Your World 2016 – Week 12

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Mama Cormier

…..sorry to be so late this week for Cee’s Share Your World

Wanting something to quench your thirst, what would you drink?

The best thing to quench my thirst is plain old water but if the weather is cold I might take that water and brew up a cup of tea.

What made you feel good this past week?

I made a drawing and painting this week that made me feel very good.

When you’re alone at home, do you wear shoes, socks, slippers, or go barefoot?

In the winter I like to wear socks and in the summer I go barefoot.

Would you rather live where it is always hot or always cold?

I don’t think I’d like to live in an area that is always cold but I do enjoy brisk cool days. On the other hand I’d enjoy hot weather occasionally but I would find it boring after awhile. I like the changing seasons and the variable weather that goes with it here in the northern hemisphere.

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 short work week this week and that everyone at school arrived safely during the ice storm. Last week I was able to do a fair bit of drawing and some painting and I am grateful for that.

This week I’m looking forward to spending Easter weekend with my family. I’m cooking a big meal later today so I’d better get to bed so that I can get up early enough to put the turkey in the oven.

Cheers! Happy Easter everyone!

Happy Nowruz 1395

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….according to the Persian calendar the new year begins on the first day of spring

Iranians and Persians around the world are celebrating the new year on March 20. The day changes according to the positions of the sun. Nowruz is the day of the vernal equinox, and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Nowruz literally means ‘new day’. I’m not sure where my son got the number 1395 because Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3000 years. For more history about the Iranian New Year go here.

Last night our son and his fiancé sent us photos of their New Year’s Eve celebration with a group of Iranian friends in London. Clearly fish is a major part of the festivities.

Happy Nowruz!

Walking, the Bike Show, Drawing and More Walking

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….Saturday was a great walking day

The temperatures are starting to rise but not enough for the snow to become a slushy mess. That will happen later today and definitely tomorrow as we head into double digits above the freezing mark.

Saturday was perfect for a long walk with the dog. Frances loves the snow. We did walk through the field with her but for the most part we stayed on the paths where the snow had been shovelled or had already melted away. It was a fun morning and I was able to play with my new camera. We came across a sad little snowman and I tried shooting it from different angles.

When we got home I checked my fitness device and discovered we had walked about 6000 steps. Not our longest walk but it was a good start to the day. I made us a hardy breakfast that I knew would sustain us through lunch and then we got ready to take a trip to the bike show.

Every year at this time, The Toronto Bike Show takes place at the CNE grounds. It’s a very busy show and we had to park a fair distance from the building but that was okay because we knew we were going to rack up a lot more steps. My husband was a little disappointed in the show. He felt that there wasn’t as much to see this year. The show certainly is quite large and if you’re in the market for a new bike there were some deals to be had. I think because we had been at the show last year it felt like there wasn’t as much in the way of new products or at least things that were significantly different from the year before.

There were lots of bikes with large attached carriers, Dutch style, fat bikes, racing bikes, electric assist bikes, bicycle accessories, booths promoting bicycle tours and races and bikes for the littlest of riders. We came across a little boy (11 months old) who was checking out a bike that he could be riding in a couple of years.

As we walked back to the car my Jawbone Up signalled me that I had reached my goal of 10,000 steps for the day and it was only mid-afternoon. We rang up our oldest daughter and found out that she was home and happy for some company so we headed over to her house. We had a nice visit with her. At one point I suggested we go for a walk in her neighbourhood but my husband was content to just sit for a bit.

After a couple of hours, we continued on our way home and arrived just in time to take the dog for another walk. Correction…. I took her for another walk. This one was considerably shorter and I would be doing this at least one more time before I went to bed.

We enjoyed a simple supper of left overs and then started watching the new season of House of Cards with Kevin Spacey. I can only do this for couple of hours before I need a change of scene. I made my way to my sketch books and art materials which at the moment are on my dining room table. I watched a few more art lessons on my computer and then I cracked open my sketch book and got my ink and pen ready to draw. I came across a photo of a cow on one of the blogs I follow and decided that would be my subject for the day. I’ve always wanted to draw cows so today was the day.

After posting this sketch on Facebook for my daily sketching challenge I took the dog for one last walk and then did the dishes. I can never leave dishes overnight so no matter how late it gets I end up cleaning before crawling into bed. I checked my walking progress and was happy to see that for the day I had taken 14 270 steps. Ten days in a row now I’ve reached my 10 000 steps/day goal.

How was your weekend? Did you reach any goals or do something interesting?

Time to get ready to visit our other daughter in Hamilton. We’re babysitting today. Yay!

Share Your World 2016 – Week 9

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….thanks to Cee for hosting Share Your World

Have you done something you truly want to do today?

I really wanted to draw today and get in my 10 000 steps. I’m happy to say that I’ve done both and I got to see my favourite show which is Survivor. I’m in a pool and I’ve chosen four players that I hope will make it to the end. There have been only three shows so far but I’m pleased that none of my players have been voted off and two of my choices are on the team that keeps winning challenges. As a result I earn extra points and another player found the idol today for which I earn more points.

What can you help the world with?

This is a tall order. I think on a daily basis I can try to be the best person possible and share my gifts and compassion for people. I don’t want to sound preachy but I think we all need to be more tolerant of all people, regardless of their income, race, religion, education and sexual orientation and be fair and equitable to all.

I try to reduce my carbon footprint by using less energy, walking more and using the car less and recycling, composting and reusing items instead of throwing things into the garbage that end up in landfill.

I think the best way I can change the world is by educating people and making them aware of how we can make a difference if we all pull together for a common cause. The argument always falls back to China’s contribution to the world’s pollution and until they change our efforts won’t make a difference. I know for a fact that there are groups of people in China, India, and parts of Africa that are protesting against big businesses that want to change agricultural lands, fresh water bogs, and rivers in their communities and they are making a difference.

If life was ‘just a bowl of cherries’… which fruit other than a cherry would you be..?

I would be a peach. Perfectly ripe and juicy.

Quotes List: At least three of your favorite quotes?

I always quake at the thought of having to write quotes, never mind my favourite ones. I know a favourite quote when I hear one or read one but don’t ask me to remember one, two or three. If I write anything here it’s because I did a little research to jog my memory and if you don’t see anything it’s because I couldn’t find a favourite quote.

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
― John Lennon

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
― C.S. Lewis

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 getting back on track with my walking. I’ve walked over 10 000 steps a day for six days in a row. Now if I could only get my eating back on track so that some of this weight that I’ve gained would come back off. I’m grateful for my good health. Last night I was able to shovel the snow off the sidewalk in front of eight of my neighbour’s homes and other than feeling a little tired today I feel remarkably well.

This week I hope to continue drawing in my sketchbook on a daily basis, complete the last assignment from Carla’s class and continue walking 10 000 steps a day. On the weekend I hope to see my granddaughter. It’s been two weeks since I’ve held her and I can tell from the photos that my daughter sends that she’s changing by the minute.

Share Your World 2016 – Week 7

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….thanks Cee for hosting Share Your World

What are you a “natural” at doing?

I think I’m a natural at teaching art to young children and reading stories to them.

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Would you prefer a one floor house or multiple levels?

I like multiple levels in a house. I find climbing stairs helps keep me fit. Maybe as I get older I’ll prefer a one floor house.

What was your favorite subject in school?

In school my favourite subject was Family studies. I’ve always loved practical hands on classes.

Complete this sentence: If only the rain..

….would happen only at night.

What are you grateful for from last week and what do you look forward to this week?

I’m grateful for my daughter’s wonderful wedding a week ago today. It was a beautiful and simple ceremony at City Hall. Afterwards we walked to a very nice bar down the street and toasted the girls with Prosecco. Dinner wasn’t until 6:00 so we stayed at Drake 150 for about an hour and then we headed to Terroni’s for the reception. The guest list was very intimate with only 26 family members and very close friends in attendance. The food was fabulous and a wonderful time was had by all.

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On Saturday I paid a visit to my friend Maria and brought her some goodies for her birthday, Valentine’s Day and Family Day. On Sunday my husband treated me to a very nice lunch at Snug Harbour in Port Credit to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The meal was fantastic.

This week I’m looking forward to pyjama day at school, the dance for the kids on Friday and hopefully seeing my granddaughter on the weekend.

WPC – Time

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….nothing demonstrates the passage of time more vividly than watching how quickly a baby grows and develops

It seems like only yesterday when we anxiously awaited the arrival of our first grandchild. Now, a mere four months later, we are stunned at her rapid development. What happened to that helpless infant back in October?

Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge – Lines and Angles

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Mama Cormier

…..I love seeking out interesting lines and angles when I’m on a photo journey

For more interesting black and white photos of lines and angles check out Cee’s blog.

Back to Normal

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….what a productive day!

Yesterday I started the day with a very long walk with my husband and Frances, our Super Dog. It was extremely cold but we extended our walk and when we finally got back home, I had already exceeded my goal of 10 000 steps for the day. We were suppose to go to Hamilton to visit with our daughter and her family but the plans changed and they were coming to us instead.

Time to clean-up. I started in the kitchen, moved to the bathroom and washed the floors. I was hoping to get to the living room but they arrived early. We enjoyed a simple lunch together and then they had to leave to visit family on his side. B’s dad had not met Winnie yet so we volunteered to look after Lucy (their Bassett hound). This meant a another walk, albeit a short one. When that dog doesn’t want to go any further she puts on the brakes and there’s no budging her.

When the two dogs settled into their own quiet spaces I decided it might be a good time to clear away the remaining Christmas ornaments that were piled on top of the coffee table in the living room and on top of the piano. I pulled out all the boxes from under the stairs and started to reorganize the stockings, ornaments, lights, candles and Christmas cloths and skirts back into their preselected bins. When I returned the boxes to their place under the stairs I must have hit my head at least three times when I was backing out of the closet.

Frances is enjoying the new ‘normalcy’

The only evidence that we celebrated Christmas and will probably be around for awhile

Once the decorations were all put away I vacuumed up any remaining pine needles from the carpet and washed the hardwood. I also decided to polish the piano. Seeing that I’ve haven’t done this in years the wood practically drank up the polishing cream. When I was done it felt good to get so much accomplished.

After I took Lucy for her ‘short’ walk I noticed the most amazing moon hanging over the city so when I returned home I took my new camera, set it on ‘hand held night shots’ and returned to the park, without the dog, and tried to capture that image. I posted a few of these shots on WPC.

P1000142

Later in the evening, G and her husband and the baby returned. We spent some more time together. While B helped me with my camera and cleaned up my computer, my husband played with the baby. She gets stronger every time we see her and she desperately wants to crawl and loves to stand when you hold on to her.

I now know a little bit more about my new camera and I was given some very useful tips about keeping my computer virus free. I updated some of my software after our company left and I was able to write a post for this blog before I went to bed. By the time I did finally go to bed I had logged 17 000 steps for the day. Not bad. All being said and done, I had a very productive day despite a nagging headache. Wonder where that came from? Haha!

Share Your World 2016 – Week 3

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….to share your world check out Cee’s blog

What is your favorite piece of art? (it doesn’t have to be famous)

That’s a hard question for me because I love so many different pieces. I’m a huge fan of Ray Cattell’s art and would love any one of his pieces. Here’s one that I’m fond of:

A Ray Cattell painting.

What made you smile today?

A photo of my new granddaughter always make me smile.

Which place do you recommend as a Must-See? Please state which country, state or providence.

Again I struggled with this question but after a discussion with my daughter I decided that Niagara Falls should be a must-see destination if you’re visiting this end of Canada or New York state in the USA. You can see the falls from either side of the border but I think the view from the Canadian side is spectacular.

Complete this sentence: When I was younger I used to….

…..sing in a German choir. I started at the age of 18 and sang with them for 27 years. I was always one of the youngest in the choir. Even when I left at the age of 45 most of the members were considerably older than me. I did enjoy it and I do miss singing in a choir and hearing German.

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 son has had his staples removed from his arm and that his arm is healing nicely. He’s back in England now and has found himself a doctor and is part of the National Health Service. Things are going well at school and boys’ basketball is well underway with early morning practices are happening three times a week. I’m especially grateful to one of our dads who is coming out each morning to help us coach the boys’ team.

This week I’m looking forward to a day off on Friday. It’s a report card writing day. I’m not thrilled about writing report cards but I am grateful for the time to work on them. I’m also looking forward to seeing Miss Winnie on the weekend. We didn’t get to see her last weekend and by all accounts from her mother she’s growing by leaps and bounds.

Here are a few photos from our walks through the park and the snow storm we had on Monday. Notice how tired Frances is. She had just stared down a coyote during that storm.