Pull Up a Seat…but keep your distance – Week 12

Posted on March 21, 2020 by Mama Cormier

…. outdoor seating is well underused

In this day and age of social distancing sitting down in public places is getting almost taboo. On my walk yesterday I did come across some unused garden furniture (still too cold to enjoy) and park benches.

The first three shots were taken a few weeks ago before people were asked to social distance themselves.

Taking a break from my walk but as you can see no one is out and about.

Waiting for warmer days.

Thanks to Xingfu Mama for hosting this challenge.

Odd Ball Photo Challenge – Week 12

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Mama Cormier

….I had to get this in before Easter weekend disappeared

Thanks Cee for hosting the odd ball challenge. I think this photo is about as odd ball as you can get. A gargoyle Easter Bunny? With flashing lights no less!

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!

Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge – 2015 – Week 12

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Mama Cormier

….for more ‘Which Way’ photos check out Cee’s site

The only way is up…..

Where does this lead?

Share Your World 2015 – Week 12

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Mama Cormier

….some unusual questions this week

When was the last time you sat on a park or garden bench for more than ten minutes? Describe the occasion.

The last time I sat on a garden bench was two summers ago. My cottage neighbour had built a bench on the beach for anyone to use. I used to love going down to the beach early in the day to have my morning coffee. Unfortunately the powers that be decided that all things left on this ‘public’ beach had to be removed. When we returned last summer the bench was gone.

Would you ever be interested in observing a surgery or do you turn away when the nurse brings out the needle?

When I attended university I had thought about being a doctor but teaching became my chosen profession. I actually contemplated about taking a gross human anatomy class where I would dissect a human body. A 400 level floral design class won out. I used to watch live surgeries on TV but I do turn away when the needle to draw blood comes out.

Where’s your favorite place to take out-of-town guests?

If people are coming from another country I like to take them to Niagara Falls. For my Canadian out-of-town quests I like to take them to the AGO (art gallery) and treat them to any special exhibitions that are featured during their visit. Luckily most of my friends like art.

If my guest come in the summer and they like a rustic setting I might suggest that we go to the cottage for a few days.

If you had an unlimited shopping spree at only one store, which one would you choose? Why?

It might seem strange that I would choose a discount store but Marshall’s has it all for me. Beautiful designer clothes that fit me and suit me, shoes, purses, kitchenware, gourmet food, dishes, and children’s and men’s wear. What could be better?

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 being treated to a trip to the new Aga Khan Museum, here in Toronto. My friend, D, is a member and we spent the morning walking through the galleries. I really enjoyed looking at the old Persian vessels, art and tapestries. When so many artefacts are being destroyed in the Middle East because of war and acts of terrorism I was grateful that these treasures have been preserved for all to enjoy.

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After exploring the entire museum and checking out the gift shop we had a very nice lunch at the restaurant located in the museum. The space was decorated with beautifully carved wall panels and mirrors and the food was attractively presented and very tasty.

I’m also grateful for slightly warmer weather and sunny days. On Sunday we had the family over Sunday lunch and game day. My husband made an incredible Irish meal in honour of St. Patrick’s Day (only a week late) and A and J brought Zeppole for dessert in honour of St Joseph’s Day.

This week I’m looking forward to doing more art, not only my own personal art but also art with my students. I’ve already started some interesting projects with the kids and today my kindergarten class made wonderful art with objects from nature (last 4 photos). The first six photos are mine. The owls are samples I created for my older students. They are designing their own owls and then transferring the design onto a foam plate and then colouring it and pressing it onto paper. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the kids can do.

Share Your World – Week 12

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Mama Cormier

….are these questions getting harder or am I just too tired?

When I saw this week’s questions, nothing popped into my head right away. I really had to think about some of these questions.

What is your most favorite smell/scent?

This one wasn’t too difficult. I love the smell of cinnamon. I think it brings back memories of Christmas baking and mulled wine. Last week in Calgary my sisters and I went to a great spice store called The Silk Road Spice Merchant. Who knew there were so many different varieties of cinnamon? Well I didn’t and I discovered a very aromatic variety called Vietnamese “Saigon” Cinnamon. Heavenly!

How do you write: computer, longhand or other?

I do most of my writing on the computer. This would include lesson plans, e-mails, essays, blog posts, etc.. I do, however, use longhand when writing thank you cards, birthday cards and most cards in general.

Your favorite blog post that you have written? (add link)

This one is really hard. I’ve written over 600 posts in the last two years. How does one choose? I think I have to go way back when I wrote about one of my most memorable Christmases as a child. Here is the link.

What’s one of your favorite books from childhood?

Another difficult question. I don’t remember being a big reader as a child. I do remember liking non-fiction and books about random facts. I also liked children’s cookbooks. My first cookbook came from Carnation Milk and I think I made every single recipe in that book and not just once but several times.