tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40701884579376068642024-03-08T04:33:19.636-07:00ÉlanLooking for beauty every dayStellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-25501934220757036592023-07-11T13:51:00.001-06:002023-07-11T13:51:38.740-06:00Happy Birthday to Me<p><span style="font-size: medium;">My face is on fire as I write this. Can't go outside for three days because I've had Photodynamic Therapy for pre-cancerous cells on my face. It all started months ago when a little crust formed on the left side of my nose where glasses sit. This little, innocuous crust would form, I would scratch/rip it off and it would come back. Time to talk to my doctor, I thought. That was May. In June, I saw the dermatologist and now, three appointments later, I've had a biopsy of the little white crust, liquid nitrogen shots to a few spots on my face and neck and two PDT treatments. The biopsy showed a low-grade squamous cell carcinoma. Low grade means that we caught it on time. The PDT treatment was for the other little evidences of pre-cancerous cells on my forehead and nose. In late July, I will have surgery to dig down where I had the biopsy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Just before finding out about the rogue cells on my face, I also found out I have cataracts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Grateful to be alive and for all the services afforded me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy 65th birthday to me!</span></p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-65109365816935569492023-06-02T14:49:00.006-06:002023-06-02T16:29:07.791-06:00Becoming Comfortably Afraid<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As you may or may not have heard, the Alberta election results have us living with a United Conservative Party (far right) government for another four years. It is devastating for those of us who believe that governments are elected to take care of its people first. Education, Health, Climate Change and Nature are not amongst this government's top priorities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In fact, the goings-on around here indicate that we are sliding back as a civilisation. During the month leading up to the election, V. and I attended a political forum in our town where the NDP candidate was laughed, gestured and jeered at, heckled, and name-called. A UCP MP running for re-election called the female NDP candidate: "a f-ing c-word" to be exact. None of this motivated the chairperson to call a halt to the abuse but when one man asked the loud participants to pipe down, the chairperson told him to be quiet and that if he kept intruding, he would be asked to leave. Clearly, even he was intimidated by the block of unruly UCP followers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The UCP's platform was based on a series of not quite true facts which did not seem to bother any of their followers. Who cares about the truth when you want to WIN, right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The world feels upside down. Truth, integrity and civility are no longer held up as values. It seems the points go to the raucous, the rude and the lying. When this cartoon came up on Facebook I had to save it as it explains in few words how I feel the direction my province and other parts of the world are taking.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGmHZ32b8Zs84iJ03WXYiiM2BPcOXlAQsWOsWvuIkuoZnUwABqcVi4SWiZI3Zy0RMdU2XyQil6UVpYJyhwm4h1lKI5jWx656HIOULzHvH_Trswgg_5yzQA_0-cAWl013AroLyClIlOWsNWEHNw_mhF0QMGLa8SxS8CVHUIwlngccM3aN4y1YpEEWkNw/s798/Screenshot%202023-06-02%20at%204.04.44%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="740" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGmHZ32b8Zs84iJ03WXYiiM2BPcOXlAQsWOsWvuIkuoZnUwABqcVi4SWiZI3Zy0RMdU2XyQil6UVpYJyhwm4h1lKI5jWx656HIOULzHvH_Trswgg_5yzQA_0-cAWl013AroLyClIlOWsNWEHNw_mhF0QMGLa8SxS8CVHUIwlngccM3aN4y1YpEEWkNw/w371-h400/Screenshot%202023-06-02%20at%204.04.44%20PM.png" width="371" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To say that the forum and the election results have shaken me to the core is an understatement. In fact, it has taken me a few days to be able to give form to my thoughts and to dare to put out this post about how I feel. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As is always the case when I am thrown off balance, I look to books for comfort and advice. Michelle Obama provides a good dose of both in her most recent book.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXQjiJv9UzDoiFnpDiKqxsi9eg3kuazHxOwt6GgbeaONqvLzmQxpUGaA8bcOf1K6uexesBZUZ3fhpWRhz4icaU9c9lA6U_lC2wQqTfEJ5RbMiZGiti12Ect20e-xCcZUDnFPHZJR8mslcszDgS5JsvFt70Iw5tjOoMKzF1-f9hmzdmn_czDJs8qwDcg/s610/1513743196.0.l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXQjiJv9UzDoiFnpDiKqxsi9eg3kuazHxOwt6GgbeaONqvLzmQxpUGaA8bcOf1K6uexesBZUZ3fhpWRhz4icaU9c9lA6U_lC2wQqTfEJ5RbMiZGiti12Ect20e-xCcZUDnFPHZJR8mslcszDgS5JsvFt70Iw5tjOoMKzF1-f9hmzdmn_czDJs8qwDcg/w420-h640/1513743196.0.l.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the tools Obama suggests is that we learn to become "comfortably afraid" with how things are so as to not become paralyzed with fear and lose our agency. Agency is our most precious defense against what is most ugly in the world. The thing to avoid is withdrawal because that is when the ugly wins.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here is another tool to add to your tool box. My friend Danielle gave me a list of things to say when you hear ugly words. These formulas might give the person speaking pause...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">That's not ok with me</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I find that offensive</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Hold on... I need to process what you are saying</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm not comfortable with that</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm sorry, what?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Help me to understand what you're saying...</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">What you just said is harmful</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">That's not funny</span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfseioPUJJe-3DSzmNPDBX7AbM1ciwJ63syKx0MKUCtzbF7JqcXb8OuE4Jm5BQlf62eO6rUs4ORGSWf-XTcn1Z1oApgP6KTRnVRSBFx6VX9Ao8MBb51tE-xoTWWlBjct9hgmFPlIp8o4QUfqxU3_7luCbwlvIOSEZbP5yP_bY9rrfxblWpANWxadPVdw/s1024/DNAC0ifV4AA9VWR.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfseioPUJJe-3DSzmNPDBX7AbM1ciwJ63syKx0MKUCtzbF7JqcXb8OuE4Jm5BQlf62eO6rUs4ORGSWf-XTcn1Z1oApgP6KTRnVRSBFx6VX9Ao8MBb51tE-xoTWWlBjct9hgmFPlIp8o4QUfqxU3_7luCbwlvIOSEZbP5yP_bY9rrfxblWpANWxadPVdw/w400-h200/DNAC0ifV4AA9VWR.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-15411848084067516062023-05-02T09:49:00.008-06:002023-05-02T10:04:06.754-06:00Bye Gord...<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MBTbRdMcIv0" width="320" youtube-src-id="MBTbRdMcIv0"></iframe></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last night, we lost one of our most beloved musicians. Gordon Lightfoot was a poet, a musician, a composer. Born in Ontario Canada, he met his life's challenges with equanimity and grace. He almost died a couple of times, was married three times and had countless ups and downs in between.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I grieve him today. He has given me so much. The consolation is the gift of his numerous recordings of over 200 original songs. The Last Time I saw her Face above, is one of my favorites. It really showcases his talent for poetic language, his moving melodies and the wonderful vibrato in his voice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for everything Gord, may you rest in peace.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stella</span></p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-36054500397094199732022-12-19T18:15:00.030-07:002022-12-19T18:44:38.664-07:00What is Christmas, Really?I've been working hard at not expecting Christmas to be like the ones of my
youth: masses of people, mass, tons of gifts, a lot of noise, card-playing, tons
of food and drink and a lot of people crammed into the same house, living
together for a few days. <div><br /></div><div> Nowadays, Christmases are minimalist: lights, a tree,
some music and scents from SAJE, a couple tourtière, a cozy dinner for four
around a fondue pot. Supper at a restaurant on Christmas day... V and I are not
buying each other gifts as the renovations to the kitchen and now for the
downstairs bathroom are taking up the cash flow. The kids prefer money to buy
what they want and who can blame them? Now, if we need something, generally we
buy it and so some of Christmas has lost its magic for this girl. </div><div><br /></div><div> Did I tell you
that T & A are expecting a baby around Valentine's Day? Now THAT is a gift! I am
cautiously imagining Christmas with a little one and I say cautiously because
our son and his spouse live far away and don't typically visit at Christmas
time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I've been listening to my favorite Winter Solstice Albums by Wyndham Hill.
They are soft and easy listening.
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I pair the music with diffused oil blends by SAJE and let my soul swell with the
memories of Christmases past and imagining future Christmases with
grandchildren, a noisy, packed house, a lot of noise, tons of food, good games of Catan, tons of gifts...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHc2AfvZpsol_jb5ak99qhV1NULzg3xOh9rGG_CD1kJr79fF5so195ZmX4CzLSYmnwlyjJa-L7_t1WQLXOAC6Wo8C3YsBtRMR4_qD77_0DFCxetwMaAy4H2vwHSER1WmzDaj3OKDeeBU4mO_PeTqtfLdgKRsXiuyDrMA2Qz0TEnNU0zzbDEbPe7yxFA/s660/good-cheer-dbc-710394-DU-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHc2AfvZpsol_jb5ak99qhV1NULzg3xOh9rGG_CD1kJr79fF5so195ZmX4CzLSYmnwlyjJa-L7_t1WQLXOAC6Wo8C3YsBtRMR4_qD77_0DFCxetwMaAy4H2vwHSER1WmzDaj3OKDeeBU4mO_PeTqtfLdgKRsXiuyDrMA2Qz0TEnNU0zzbDEbPe7yxFA/s320/good-cheer-dbc-710394-DU-01.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have reread this and notice that I appear to feel sorry for myself. Nope, I'm just a girl having feelings around Christmas given how the world and therefore Christmas have evolved. I have much to be grateful for: a husband that I love who loves me back, two great boys and their partners, a lot of good friends, health, enough money to live comfortably and a good imagination.</div>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-74444086083456194582022-12-09T17:31:00.004-07:002022-12-09T17:31:26.464-07:00A Little CrochetMy sister is a crocheter, not me. My Mom and my other sister crocheted too but me, I'm not as drawn to this craft. Are you? The good news is, I have finally found a knitting/crocheting friend and we get together every couple of weeks to advance together in our stitching crafts and Kim is a very talented crocheter so...
A couple of years ago, I learned to crochet a basket and I am proud to say that I made a cat basket for my grand kitty Mulan. Here she is in all her torty glory sitting in said basket. Said basket reposes on her Mom's work desk and there, she keeps her company most days. O says that Mulan makes her work-from-home days more bearable. She loves the basket as it is made from a wool roving from Woolen Custom Mills in Alberta.
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Having gained a little confidence, I moved forward to crochet a cotton basket to hold yarn. I enjoy knitting baskets, they are pretty and functional. Now, I'd like to crochet purses.
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Yes, my ambitions are quite lofty for a non crocheter but when in the presence of greatness, one cannot miss the opportunity! Thanks Kim!Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-9194187695252826692022-11-21T14:09:00.003-07:002022-12-09T16:33:15.700-07:00Christmas Knitting and a Few Good Yarns<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bd_CtX13oZTQKhmTsk4SOeOZaczZdQatMnSxRgQycwgpQphaHbvgtBInl-J-1yvqJY98l8N9a0iLCdMXqtnar5FtLbNWhz-kBa9AWPkVVx6f30z3pCQI_nplBBdmMLrV-TLF84XJs84Z3UFMYOkMGl01sYDGZLo4vYrAtQjBZWgDwN-bcZ1r15LPvA/s4032/3932A81F-52CE-46E6-84F7-31874C7448C0.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bd_CtX13oZTQKhmTsk4SOeOZaczZdQatMnSxRgQycwgpQphaHbvgtBInl-J-1yvqJY98l8N9a0iLCdMXqtnar5FtLbNWhz-kBa9AWPkVVx6f30z3pCQI_nplBBdmMLrV-TLF84XJs84Z3UFMYOkMGl01sYDGZLo4vYrAtQjBZWgDwN-bcZ1r15LPvA/s320/3932A81F-52CE-46E6-84F7-31874C7448C0.heic" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigeEcNLG0Yuw49WIdzmuIvUh6Jf97C3oVeFY3WCaIFUDTbXp1Eeem0F_c0kte1CrYJHhrqho0VszfDqDvqXn59i3SPtz_3pAaEc0pBxQ-fVfVLo0m0zKUY4RZPbKqMsP_5eQBR5f9csTcyUudXZpniaGAJKQuGRTDcdnv_jFJoSm1M1uwbLatCf5g_A/s4032/13DD2EA7-E3DB-4BA6-8735-BF85B422A957.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigeEcNLG0Yuw49WIdzmuIvUh6Jf97C3oVeFY3WCaIFUDTbXp1Eeem0F_c0kte1CrYJHhrqho0VszfDqDvqXn59i3SPtz_3pAaEc0pBxQ-fVfVLo0m0zKUY4RZPbKqMsP_5eQBR5f9csTcyUudXZpniaGAJKQuGRTDcdnv_jFJoSm1M1uwbLatCf5g_A/s320/13DD2EA7-E3DB-4BA6-8735-BF85B422A957.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strathcona Sweater by Tara-Lynn Morrison in Lion Brand Thick and Quick Navy</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9lKbZ8vsrqCASuy58ErzlppEfL1MmDsGAHc731qMehlfvUjMhNz4BSXYFbbwQQL1a2eE6cc9hztBxz64XhvZcrX7vd1WhgmvhHrKm0jPKcsm0S9CEJ4tYd71ZHYUuYgjZggmfCwRzdVUfMfXy5nmdv_HFLmZ0qVu8-v0WiyO6bDLZd0uuzuL0VFsDg/s4030/3FBFAF09-C24C-43C4-B1D3-B6F1C7D3D2FD_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4030" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9lKbZ8vsrqCASuy58ErzlppEfL1MmDsGAHc731qMehlfvUjMhNz4BSXYFbbwQQL1a2eE6cc9hztBxz64XhvZcrX7vd1WhgmvhHrKm0jPKcsm0S9CEJ4tYd71ZHYUuYgjZggmfCwRzdVUfMfXy5nmdv_HFLmZ0qVu8-v0WiyO6bDLZd0uuzuL0VFsDg/s320/3FBFAF09-C24C-43C4-B1D3-B6F1C7D3D2FD_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The World's Simplest Mitts by Tin Can Knits in Malabrigo Mecha in 880 Hojas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi Everyone! I have found my knitting mojo again! It has been months! I thought that any motivation to knit had died but here I am! I have finished another <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/strathcona-sweater" target="_blank">Strathcona Sweater </a>and couldn't be more pleased. This is a quick and easy knit. In fact, I am helping my neighbor knit one and she is a beginner. The only challenge is to M1L and M1R as this is a top down sweater. The rest is pretty much knitting and some purling for the ribbing.</div><p></p></blockquote><p>The mitts are the most simple. These are also a quick knit because I make them out of a bulky yarn. I can make a pair in a weekend. This pattern comes in a wide variety of sizes and yarn weights and is free. Check out the <a href="https://tincanknits.com/patterns/free" target="_blank">Tin Can Knits </a>website for the FREE pattern.</p><p>Also on my needles are <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beatrice-mitts" target="_blank">Beatrice Mitts</a> by Leslie Friend in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/turtlepurl" target="_blank">Turtle Purl Yarns</a> Trenchcoat colorway. These are adorable and may be a gift to the knitter. This is fingering weight yarn and one skein makes two pairs! </p><p>Here is the original photo by Leslie Friend</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBqIGlZmoKjoq6n11LRK8gi_RzYAd9F6noaPGT5SXBjdiD_7b5Gut2d6QeSbU0M-9CzUr-GZOZqJ5hYzjND5fSJ0wyiL6L7TwpVyZs2h2mHhzo_b9V4zxnm3PSLyUNfCLVsrs61GCjPa_5JqMFklrwktfKhXBExRvt1XuvZQWMPDHzpuMtRvBMQXKppQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBqIGlZmoKjoq6n11LRK8gi_RzYAd9F6noaPGT5SXBjdiD_7b5Gut2d6QeSbU0M-9CzUr-GZOZqJ5hYzjND5fSJ0wyiL6L7TwpVyZs2h2mHhzo_b9V4zxnm3PSLyUNfCLVsrs61GCjPa_5JqMFklrwktfKhXBExRvt1XuvZQWMPDHzpuMtRvBMQXKppQ" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@Leslie Friend</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>And while I've been knitting, here is what I watched on Netflix recently.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhhNAPUZe9Smwvnq7tmf5CR-IjF3MYqD01GjydGDTuEDBCm4I2TJUxwcESi0BG00d9GY8YK-9ey7JusM6dECbEyT5lCsp4vtSu6CtXbx9H49UfjTFfvn6GD7g5pboN7VZSFN5fYAzTndQtDiu860TfDH5INtGOMMJ8-uMRB9GtjU2k579LfTSiSpRxw/s512/AAAABS-7oSY7k75FtngDBEE_5ZaSuTHciLveQ7887vEj2KLXNGESfDL91jxvy1gpRMXC-keq8hIJUruvyWrbXzTCRn3GHQk3MTRvDuUfCi6Em6IcMgAC_y69qMsmg0X9LQ7OCpzDwA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhhNAPUZe9Smwvnq7tmf5CR-IjF3MYqD01GjydGDTuEDBCm4I2TJUxwcESi0BG00d9GY8YK-9ey7JusM6dECbEyT5lCsp4vtSu6CtXbx9H49UfjTFfvn6GD7g5pboN7VZSFN5fYAzTndQtDiu860TfDH5INtGOMMJ8-uMRB9GtjU2k579LfTSiSpRxw/s320/AAAABS-7oSY7k75FtngDBEE_5ZaSuTHciLveQ7887vEj2KLXNGESfDL91jxvy1gpRMXC-keq8hIJUruvyWrbXzTCRn3GHQk3MTRvDuUfCi6Em6IcMgAC_y69qMsmg0X9LQ7OCpzDwA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>From Scratch is a Limited 8 Episode Series that features a bi-racial, cross-Atlantic love story. I dare you not to cry.</p><p>Also, if you have not watched the Danish series called Borgen made about 10 years old but still relevant, please do. Then go ahead and watch the 2cd season made 10 years later. Borgen means: 'the castle' and this series is about Birgitte, a female politician. It is a good look into female leadership in a male-dominated milieu.</p><p>If you have Amazon Prime, please watch Mrs Harris Goes to Paris. It is a remake of the 1992 version featuring the late Angela Lansbury. I love a story where things go well. If you're in need of a lift, this will help!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lD64Fsf7oozUNuj8RLPVAwP_xRB6fGHC6GwEyCVGU9v2sMD_VK9s40bZBngGaCXKOsoj51A4GqnEYbt__B8-v4-j84Gm2KORXYZoGYisSHpkH_6Vw-aMso7m9v8AVKYEREb4_AcIXcLuMcnwi_eiuddLxzR-1l_phAcap2AtCydssGyCD3IUsW1nEQ/s1985/il_1588xN.4030853466_kt4z.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1985" data-original-width="1588" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lD64Fsf7oozUNuj8RLPVAwP_xRB6fGHC6GwEyCVGU9v2sMD_VK9s40bZBngGaCXKOsoj51A4GqnEYbt__B8-v4-j84Gm2KORXYZoGYisSHpkH_6Vw-aMso7m9v8AVKYEREb4_AcIXcLuMcnwi_eiuddLxzR-1l_phAcap2AtCydssGyCD3IUsW1nEQ/s320/il_1588xN.4030853466_kt4z.webp" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>I've also enjoyed reading these two gems recently:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxpYjcv9QzQnGWb0VWZsnWiPuwLqdEBRarlyeCig4hc4YTp2kUFJ5NR_uSzUdZ4jccG3QODSqOv3f7GzNWLg9hHICjCsppIBW5U5UBCaqBUJwsP2GDfh8l9KaQKeGzIWc9PcbHl0TgaAzHRDoRAM872lXfhEtW84_sZ9NxvwvW58oBFNA4uWJMqo2Mw/s700/31434883.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxpYjcv9QzQnGWb0VWZsnWiPuwLqdEBRarlyeCig4hc4YTp2kUFJ5NR_uSzUdZ4jccG3QODSqOv3f7GzNWLg9hHICjCsppIBW5U5UBCaqBUJwsP2GDfh8l9KaQKeGzIWc9PcbHl0TgaAzHRDoRAM872lXfhEtW84_sZ9NxvwvW58oBFNA4uWJMqo2Mw/s320/31434883.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkW1acTh1I52C0kiK3o7vG3wsx6zE0SA7cUDWBycZI5fgDKiGIgZRUcSshvsXC0Ru_ryoasosralrsBU4CJ4Wfdz1Hc9T5IS5pa4fQPwDAxLWRX74BuimZLtGufd4AToolJ9WJAeW_FyDT0WxytYlT1zCDRYK53a4X0td9ihkKrgDoFBVI6uxbZkKNA/s400/54615134.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="271" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkW1acTh1I52C0kiK3o7vG3wsx6zE0SA7cUDWBycZI5fgDKiGIgZRUcSshvsXC0Ru_ryoasosralrsBU4CJ4Wfdz1Hc9T5IS5pa4fQPwDAxLWRX74BuimZLtGufd4AToolJ9WJAeW_FyDT0WxytYlT1zCDRYK53a4X0td9ihkKrgDoFBVI6uxbZkKNA/s320/54615134.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div><br /><p>These two stories are of the "things get better" kind. With all that is happening around us, I am really grateful for a story that doesn't break my heart. I am late getting on the Eleanor Oliphant bandwagon as it was an Oprah selection in 2019 but A Town Called Solace was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2021 and is a lovely story about a precocious little girl spying on her neighbor.</p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-70495373016192541262022-01-03T12:28:00.011-07:002022-01-03T12:31:46.540-07:00Deep Breath, 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysRkSIQHqD5biU2Bzpqm7a2Sd8QJjPF93w1oDJbyMdGPqForMjLJrI6K9uCh0rVuTki1S9O70Na3B07dy8-F3VzTESl3VvgkyEPhKpz3evcvJu0bHTwl839xv3CW0ioEuc2YkibItO9lC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysRkSIQHqD5biU2Bzpqm7a2Sd8QJjPF93w1oDJbyMdGPqForMjLJrI6K9uCh0rVuTki1S9O70Na3B07dy8-F3VzTESl3VvgkyEPhKpz3evcvJu0bHTwl839xv3CW0ioEuc2YkibItO9lC/w640-h480/B1F5CF59-4D82-4635-A5C2-EE4022CF1D9B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcvXXnxKMd5E7cgT1jp0hCDEOHbTnPxlylT6NhX_p1FVvlRbqYA56ClSWOdz-DuFDdkXMC5almHdQCSMHEPjy5py1mAhB9atH0XdyGBFmBefcwGoMr6F0vdLIcH5QrHeZ0X7_DE8_FA7Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcvXXnxKMd5E7cgT1jp0hCDEOHbTnPxlylT6NhX_p1FVvlRbqYA56ClSWOdz-DuFDdkXMC5almHdQCSMHEPjy5py1mAhB9atH0XdyGBFmBefcwGoMr6F0vdLIcH5QrHeZ0X7_DE8_FA7Q/w480-h640/6CF77B06-7835-497E-888C-4DF794B06CB6_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a1wW-5fFKBw-KBbXHeHflGUE6XKq_4vIKIUTeeItHGcf33BMCYGuqRsbh30lZG3O2LxP_8swFh8YFKH6lg7KY9s16w8Zo95yg63DZnyoohjEum__Ua2hwcBa4J8Puj04HO-vxtuYAdXT/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a1wW-5fFKBw-KBbXHeHflGUE6XKq_4vIKIUTeeItHGcf33BMCYGuqRsbh30lZG3O2LxP_8swFh8YFKH6lg7KY9s16w8Zo95yg63DZnyoohjEum__Ua2hwcBa4J8Puj04HO-vxtuYAdXT/w640-h480/C6DBF3F2-9A1F-4A39-A89A-885BF53B8D7B_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjot5b-0HipXuXYU6BHULDNbV1CMQq_CrX7ZkfcOHFSt4Qd4ZAGx-ufGOdUbwQmTm6g0gOJabn_AAsEj_jTR13yVbLv8jyDDIA8nf7v7QWIsbmLtQDpMfdANTAsCvP4Ktk-IWWDPrqS-m6A-LNi2uZbzQyZlgDES5hY8ngaEq7Zhc6v-yt64D_DRnvE9Q=s1770" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="1287" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjot5b-0HipXuXYU6BHULDNbV1CMQq_CrX7ZkfcOHFSt4Qd4ZAGx-ufGOdUbwQmTm6g0gOJabn_AAsEj_jTR13yVbLv8jyDDIA8nf7v7QWIsbmLtQDpMfdANTAsCvP4Ktk-IWWDPrqS-m6A-LNi2uZbzQyZlgDES5hY8ngaEq7Zhc6v-yt64D_DRnvE9Q=w466-h640" width="466" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5yx8Gg5XX2K5U5WZvPHrDFxQ8GOugbz5dtgdNhGEvuCOx39GCj2X6Mgtkz4SgaVchpKp7KkKIrtnAPsEyrdb1NRMYWI40LxMnmfSCplz524bkv4PgbSBHpD0rvZQX8i9DW92eGFeUe2UQ197y4_K1WZBYzC5RMliBQkjIP89TqT1zpdTHtxqKKXcmbA=s543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="353" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5yx8Gg5XX2K5U5WZvPHrDFxQ8GOugbz5dtgdNhGEvuCOx39GCj2X6Mgtkz4SgaVchpKp7KkKIrtnAPsEyrdb1NRMYWI40LxMnmfSCplz524bkv4PgbSBHpD0rvZQX8i9DW92eGFeUe2UQ197y4_K1WZBYzC5RMliBQkjIP89TqT1zpdTHtxqKKXcmbA=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Yesterday, my niece and her two boys came for brunch and we had the loveliest time talking about raising boys, my research on Ancestry and life in general. That's when we spotted the rather large Pileated Woodpecker on our apple tree. It's a 'she' a friend tells me because this one is not sporting the red moustache worn by males.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It seems that we are all in a holding pattern, waiting to exhale. This evening, we will have our New Year's Eve meal which was cancelled because our host came into contact with someone who had come into contact with someone with... I am always up for a Raclette when it's -24C!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've gotten ambitious and begun my first colorwork sweater called Fern and Feather by Jennifer Steingass. I am pleased with the result so far but the rest of the body is almost all done in German Short Rows which although make the sweater have a fitted look, require concentration to the very end. The project is in a short hiatus for the time being.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've started on Christmas 2022 knitting with the 21 Color Scarf by Woolstock Fibres. The endless switching of colors make this scarf knitting go faster than usual. The rhythm of the needles and the feel of the yarn make time fly and calm my nerves. Knitting as meditation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Piles of books punctuate the decor in our house and a <i>Simple Abundance Gratitude Journal</i> is always by my bedside. Every night I write down 5 things to be grateful for. Last night: <i>My wool duvet, thick snow on the trees, sausage lentil soup in the Instant Pot, a text from our son and morning tea made and delivered to me every morning by V...</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Lately I've added the Book Outlet to my list of gratitudes. Free shipping with orders over 45$. I often find gems and enlist friends into buying with me. It makes for a steady flow of entertainment. I should add Netflix and Apple TV and Crave and HBO to the list...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm up for any book recommendations you might have for me!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Stay warm.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-4506267563690531302021-07-18T12:01:00.001-06:002021-07-18T12:04:24.476-06:00Southern Alberta Triplet<p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="276" data-original-width="182" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c9fstIjzjPfXR6IxRa1ANOd5d2cXzAZdJ8-6c3iQcYK5ozl_T_AioqYd_Qc7eEQT73NAgSreZVf16AHNEv068QFTOzpf34y2X51cuJNUTgqOnzrXXbF3_rG3XYuSBJTHNuAbITVRqOq2/w211-h320/download-1.jpg" width="211" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS5rYGz21PvNqGVLgDihwnki8H-EtStr22DocLHddi7fmeZAjPeF2A-aH9bxY95wzCl3P8g611_BkI44c1iR7meQhfJVhaDwso5RumW3sdosceIGaYJjgtJZ1n5xiApKU2JyvyoUiC2yM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="238" data-original-width="212" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS5rYGz21PvNqGVLgDihwnki8H-EtStr22DocLHddi7fmeZAjPeF2A-aH9bxY95wzCl3P8g611_BkI44c1iR7meQhfJVhaDwso5RumW3sdosceIGaYJjgtJZ1n5xiApKU2JyvyoUiC2yM/w285-h320/download.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="481" data-original-width="492" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsTZk2Eqzo2Uc_xj3q6GmjbG2O9LzKS6hmPdF31FydYQnHLR6Ce4YMbU-FTskyAKvk5W4Qpd_flYbGqgcNjnH4gXoxBAiw7K6ebWTFnEaJJrHt73YTPZDWwDwwwjC8gdnYYCs3VGfMfBl/w320-h313/Capture+d%25E2%2580%2599e%25CC%2581cran%252C+le+2021-07-18+a%25CC%2580+09.49.43.png" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOiAZrGjkAFYpaDiN19W9K5ozdWGUX7J5qJUr_Mmk-qNCCC9NwJgtlPXPbB6VMepaFta53nsebjcx50qPph8z1zqS5XcNfofmBVT0Iu6L7PZSfNq4EtdCWui9Icti9lsEg-IcUsRwfWBh/" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KEiIaBQvAwoLNvOTEtwdedU1TXk_QCBt8dKdbUpNP7_6or1587jnxWopRFeSsBrBPrtCBpOHv4u_8zs0JO8C0I4Ws-58L1m24vuJgiGhBeMQXlPeeQgpgOVpHFQoQwtVuZDlMB4FHwUj/w240-h320/IMG_1322.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuGmFS-l2ckOI9LIw8XCzgmLvGdvTCKmkIMPwCDsfACDoOkHYFc_AxX6frIrpAGFTiuPNytQLxeExpu5nwIH1GTbI1MxGA10BNAyEtUzYdRhyg3vr0e0tCS3RaPLIXc5VJK9vRGfWoYIy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuGmFS-l2ckOI9LIw8XCzgmLvGdvTCKmkIMPwCDsfACDoOkHYFc_AxX6frIrpAGFTiuPNytQLxeExpu5nwIH1GTbI1MxGA10BNAyEtUzYdRhyg3vr0e0tCS3RaPLIXc5VJK9vRGfWoYIy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV4sgWpu0YW2tEA9dg1irlj6LjTdlRA8dDjUabeMyu-EKDVCM5Gy3zERdM7URs1eOkYhbtguY6hkw9JBvbFmzni7otqjipUIL7NO40Urlag-ykGp_H8dqUk7dXAl6diSPjtEYnmVKWhN0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV4sgWpu0YW2tEA9dg1irlj6LjTdlRA8dDjUabeMyu-EKDVCM5Gy3zERdM7URs1eOkYhbtguY6hkw9JBvbFmzni7otqjipUIL7NO40Urlag-ykGp_H8dqUk7dXAl6diSPjtEYnmVKWhN0/w400-h300/IMG_2602.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg9NrB2gG-sKVCty2zWutX3bvDcVUfmHTAAKMmaqxcS2GXzyZsAXKsedDvgm5LodJwM_WY9eQNvMiINggVfFOv50ecduI884PGzZRUP4ZdzaqA2XGQLrh8r2uMVn1NbBO8mlk-vRVYEfe/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5z7X1g3TUqnjrWR8zHVVCRj2iVFybA8_0qUZxjoGwZ47s325CU-7pmlkMS25X6XJ3AS-HMSvI9EmEHe8Bxf3Io9_JdaVOfYt3WOoPEch9vTlxpaDgTBlwSgdrOwIHbo4YY16S3QZormE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5z7X1g3TUqnjrWR8zHVVCRj2iVFybA8_0qUZxjoGwZ47s325CU-7pmlkMS25X6XJ3AS-HMSvI9EmEHe8Bxf3Io9_JdaVOfYt3WOoPEch9vTlxpaDgTBlwSgdrOwIHbo4YY16S3QZormE/" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nu1ClEhbi_JrmYukW8PgpV2o8OWhRGZr4Mn0m1BjtUygf21FpldE4swokEvO_gAk34eOe3ltp7i-oVYneZrGgsusunGT4vsA5UXxOIEPzpKu51iunckiCJETXNf-F0yBeDw_vXznF0LX/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nu1ClEhbi_JrmYukW8PgpV2o8OWhRGZr4Mn0m1BjtUygf21FpldE4swokEvO_gAk34eOe3ltp7i-oVYneZrGgsusunGT4vsA5UXxOIEPzpKu51iunckiCJETXNf-F0yBeDw_vXznF0LX/w240-h320/IMG_1328.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKYdXilxr8wxS0OGWP0sqzexV7vWygcwYZrKHprnA_5Je6pDJKYLAXmb7AjFOPJ1MkVBAVrrKnLN-y2UgroMLbBIlIVha4W-vlLpNClNefeAWv1RUiHw5SbgkPwaPqMliYIkh-g9nLYKU/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKYdXilxr8wxS0OGWP0sqzexV7vWygcwYZrKHprnA_5Je6pDJKYLAXmb7AjFOPJ1MkVBAVrrKnLN-y2UgroMLbBIlIVha4W-vlLpNClNefeAWv1RUiHw5SbgkPwaPqMliYIkh-g9nLYKU/" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB3AQN8q9SLerQx3BLNuISVZUUpuop_0J53rql7eVbUXUav3zFRPnJEGKBrP4fS83DhkKZA2gh_vf8Xhq66iME8g-vnMWGgLRVldWwnUTzuGNbDakRH0o6jA9yPUcZD2ynbp7cUx0qI8C/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB3AQN8q9SLerQx3BLNuISVZUUpuop_0J53rql7eVbUXUav3zFRPnJEGKBrP4fS83DhkKZA2gh_vf8Xhq66iME8g-vnMWGgLRVldWwnUTzuGNbDakRH0o6jA9yPUcZD2ynbp7cUx0qI8C/" width="320" /><br /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the last month, I’ve been learning about West Coast Salish knitting with author Sylvia Olsen who did her Master’s Degree on the subject. I read her wonderful book Unravelling Canada:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></i></span></p><blockquote><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In 2015, Sylvia Olsen and her partner, Tex, embarked on a cross-Canada journey from the Salish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean to conduct workshops, exchange experiences with other knitters and, Olsen hoped, discover a fresh appreciation for Canada. </i></blockquote><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span>I</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">’</span><span>ve always wanted to do colorwork (knitting with more than one color at a time) and decided that Coast Salish knitting patterns (picture #2) were a good way to learn.</span></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">So Vlad and I took off early on Friday morning (picture 3 of our itinerary) to our first stop Custom Woolen Mills by Carlstairs AB. There, I purchased natural yarns that will allow me to make colorwork toques. I also purchased wool socks and wool pillows for our bed. I slept on my pillow last night and can tell you that I enjoyed it very much, firm without being hard, not hot and very comfortable. I will be purchasing a wool duvet for winter later this year. The nice thing about a wool duvet is that the wool does not move around so you needn’t shake up the duvet to redistribute feathers!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span>Our next stop was for lunch at Pasu Farms (pics 4 to 7). </span></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Pasu Farms has a shop which specializes in sheep products, sheepskins, lotions, wool, etc. The</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span> view from the veranda of this working sheep farm is breathtaking. The owner, Patrick Croquet de Rosemond was born on Mauritius and was delighted to speak French to Vlad and me and talk about his noble background. The intriguing seed that you see in pic 4 is called a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Coco de Mer</i><span> is is over 150 years old. It was handed down to him by a great uncle. . The intriguing, goddess shape of this one makes it </span></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span>highly collectible. According to our host, Coco de mer are the world’s largest seed.</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">From Pasu Farms we made our way to the outskirts of Cremona where we stopped for the night at an Air Bnb called: Krekwakwou. It is owned by Dutch people who have acres and acres of land with horses and dogs. Pics 8 to 11 were taken there. Vlad and I had a perfect two-person hot tub on our front porch and we made friends with the most adorable dog who stood up beside me without prompting on our deck!</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span>Our before last stop in the area was less than 1 km away at the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Fallen Timber Meadery </i><span>where we had a tasting and purchased their Meadjito and Honey Buck ’session’ meads. I highly recommend these as light, refreshing and delicious summer drinks not too high in alcohol. Before heading home, we returned to Cremona for the most delicious pork ribs at the </span></span><span face=""Google Sans", arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Cowboy Trail Smokehouse BBQ.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">On our way home we stopped in Rocky Mountain House to fill up with gas and later in Alder Flats at the Grey Owl Meadery. Vlad and I have been coming to this Meadery over the last year as they make the most delicious mead in many flavours. It is 1.5 hours from our house and you can enjoy a free tasting and a charcuterie board (not free!) for lunch on their patio. I highly recommend their Pear and Cardamom Mead. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Vlad and I had a wonderful time and we feel truly blessed to be able to discover our province in this way.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span></p><p><br /></p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-28683359914647446792021-07-06T10:19:00.003-06:002021-07-06T10:19:54.602-06:00Dad Turned 100 Yesterday<p>Yesterday, all my siblings and I met for a little birthday party for Dad who turned 100! My father is an extraordinary man. Here is an article I wrote for the local paper in celebration of our home town's newest centenarian.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErdutDIiKxtdjMPmyNQIYdyC3LXgws4L0fOxxrBOoZA9PNhT106-rBtK1qP4QBuE5-iMZT4UnS1F0XcFjRQbb5SklXSOxKoYT3cVLo8lVa9qNuaCg9sLbtqSJcElBOw1OH-GD1Wi3oGrC/s1430/63575A7A-76C0-49F9-B32F-0363516B4605.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dad is the youngest child. His mother is newly widowed." border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1074" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErdutDIiKxtdjMPmyNQIYdyC3LXgws4L0fOxxrBOoZA9PNhT106-rBtK1qP4QBuE5-iMZT4UnS1F0XcFjRQbb5SklXSOxKoYT3cVLo8lVa9qNuaCg9sLbtqSJcElBOw1OH-GD1Wi3oGrC/w480-h640/63575A7A-76C0-49F9-B32F-0363516B4605.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dad is the youngest. His mother is newly widowed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sDoSSLVp9QunMKiiH8Hde7Aq7YirNsQ2j_t4UFPsKudFK0nTJTrgo9i4WGBQMgGc09jwemKo6LkAc6bpi2vmZ6zyErVXSt3I7PGdgOXg0xIfJJNKV0NDBw6V-eAcVvRzWdrqy4DB6BAI/s1754/AE60C144-2999-4AE0-9BF4-5F6927BFB31D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1754" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sDoSSLVp9QunMKiiH8Hde7Aq7YirNsQ2j_t4UFPsKudFK0nTJTrgo9i4WGBQMgGc09jwemKo6LkAc6bpi2vmZ6zyErVXSt3I7PGdgOXg0xIfJJNKV0NDBw6V-eAcVvRzWdrqy4DB6BAI/w640-h435/AE60C144-2999-4AE0-9BF4-5F6927BFB31D.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the four siblings several years later. The eldest daughter </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">will soon leave for Québec and will die four years later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBlvpwiXpaP_0RKf1xYsLnnoYjFH8KGq0nlMcDy4Lnm_yKouLXk5bBgPziWApa1NrRwFN_alRPpsFL_IlQ9GB7aCNTDcWjZpcF3uBtarYasZILE2cQrfaPHKII0cq7qiUBwXTKl-ZRvWV/s1263/B7EC26F9-7FDA-4DC3-A469-108469C20A5F_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="929" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBlvpwiXpaP_0RKf1xYsLnnoYjFH8KGq0nlMcDy4Lnm_yKouLXk5bBgPziWApa1NrRwFN_alRPpsFL_IlQ9GB7aCNTDcWjZpcF3uBtarYasZILE2cQrfaPHKII0cq7qiUBwXTKl-ZRvWV/w470-h640/B7EC26F9-7FDA-4DC3-A469-108469C20A5F_1_201_a.jpeg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dad is about 20 years old here.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG1M3tb-Hls0dORLzbitO7pYXKRKUo3iiot7CgqPHmnY4afvSDtH1as0rNrz_FG4F45Ra93tmfF6j13AnPYhnTC9EJiPOv-CRPZCquvBpGRjqCPLXbMHzK3zOcgkl7DUuBHxpsdMC4W1n/s562/92F8C9EF-67FC-484C-8029-326D6625ECD2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="562" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG1M3tb-Hls0dORLzbitO7pYXKRKUo3iiot7CgqPHmnY4afvSDtH1as0rNrz_FG4F45Ra93tmfF6j13AnPYhnTC9EJiPOv-CRPZCquvBpGRjqCPLXbMHzK3zOcgkl7DUuBHxpsdMC4W1n/w640-h490/92F8C9EF-67FC-484C-8029-326D6625ECD2.png" width="640" /></a></div> In this picture, Mom is expecting me. They are on their way to Mexico for a holiday. Dad is 36.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBYHqIkPrZJ-WrgRBed65M3i7iq0AmUhkNbXg0VrJ6hhez9IpKWY24jMRgZfzINgSWEkNECEXTIZyWxMTuLnYXLDWpei-oRPd0EA_8PkHBGrbepooJa14yw69OWWrcSfWBhprD-N1qzZr/s1217/86A29BE5-698A-48CC-BDB0-9058A4343F8E_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1217" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBYHqIkPrZJ-WrgRBed65M3i7iq0AmUhkNbXg0VrJ6hhez9IpKWY24jMRgZfzINgSWEkNECEXTIZyWxMTuLnYXLDWpei-oRPd0EA_8PkHBGrbepooJa14yw69OWWrcSfWBhprD-N1qzZr/w400-h395/86A29BE5-698A-48CC-BDB0-9058A4343F8E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Here we are just a few months ago.<br /><div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF-jt251wzanm8rBnNjlcb4BZy01rYV0cFJnX5LZBVkdvQlE4X6XtvdZy6I_9A7uJdX-lYq6MFh0bDdclPtzOVtznu3yC7056jkjFn9r-o1xJDElE1Sq583dlohcuM8OfsE-vs2jR9hiV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="66" data-original-width="432" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF-jt251wzanm8rBnNjlcb4BZy01rYV0cFJnX5LZBVkdvQlE4X6XtvdZy6I_9A7uJdX-lYq6MFh0bDdclPtzOVtznu3yC7056jkjFn9r-o1xJDElE1Sq583dlohcuM8OfsE-vs2jR9hiV/w640-h98/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpjFwF94mE0FzwkbaZBYd3CcvGEXya6kgVCfOU53RyqrXlzLWs60bptdd2Yd-Wku8K46iPkjk5cBc_crXc0PSjryo5whIgHxySggs0ohR_35FmN8TW9AGesgqh1DliUuI8B2vLZ4mMlhE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="203" data-original-width="432" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpjFwF94mE0FzwkbaZBYd3CcvGEXya6kgVCfOU53RyqrXlzLWs60bptdd2Yd-Wku8K46iPkjk5cBc_crXc0PSjryo5whIgHxySggs0ohR_35FmN8TW9AGesgqh1DliUuI8B2vLZ4mMlhE/w640-h300/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg_EHlyLImKumJPeoq9m9ECEUL8VMF6AaWIl5lhR57B0pq6dGKnd6U676C2mhT0mIy8f_C9SVgkCr1fytxtPPlFkkqUz02BzPML2Y8cIrCbUQSrhG17PMakmMRkF43DRuFUqwcjs0t4X8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="288" data-original-width="432" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg_EHlyLImKumJPeoq9m9ECEUL8VMF6AaWIl5lhR57B0pq6dGKnd6U676C2mhT0mIy8f_C9SVgkCr1fytxtPPlFkkqUz02BzPML2Y8cIrCbUQSrhG17PMakmMRkF43DRuFUqwcjs0t4X8/w640-h426/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xhc8bNXX8No9x03RDW7FDy5m2r6_EgTq1dOywMAFdZ6D7Zqg-FXsoaDylVC6LT8PKjNBCZo7YDFa9b9zKmifFhVxZfkBeM20I02AdsDA4gB-NzqlNN5Se8x2VrStjcfetKvTgTnjBHs8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="374" data-original-width="432" height="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xhc8bNXX8No9x03RDW7FDy5m2r6_EgTq1dOywMAFdZ6D7Zqg-FXsoaDylVC6LT8PKjNBCZo7YDFa9b9zKmifFhVxZfkBeM20I02AdsDA4gB-NzqlNN5Se8x2VrStjcfetKvTgTnjBHs8/w640-h577/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-56331695828540329772020-12-14T11:41:00.021-07:002020-12-14T14:29:33.409-07:00What I've been reading<p> This is a short one to share some of my 2020 reads. Hope you find some inspiration!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuNLvokqjyV4aUHmd8lEnhxUq7j8l2cT5mKdZrJ80xGCPWZ_DrWKYxdSEiOVTkZhz07vCAcMvPxlj6YGpgNkKgZWUI7pgeb1em3tiKgoQL4YQCfwtRsCBb_N-H2aZZkYOA_AJc_nIynlZ/s1260/Capture+d%25E2%2580%2599e%25CC%2581cran%252C+le+2020-12-14+a%25CC%2580+11.29.20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1260" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuNLvokqjyV4aUHmd8lEnhxUq7j8l2cT5mKdZrJ80xGCPWZ_DrWKYxdSEiOVTkZhz07vCAcMvPxlj6YGpgNkKgZWUI7pgeb1em3tiKgoQL4YQCfwtRsCBb_N-H2aZZkYOA_AJc_nIynlZ/w640-h535/Capture+d%25E2%2580%2599e%25CC%2581cran%252C+le+2020-12-14+a%25CC%2580+11.29.20.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Favorite English language book: <i>The Rules of Civility</i> by Amor Towles because of the main character's integrity and good values make her a real heroine to me. I like historical fiction and this novel is based in New York, 1938. It is a fantastic sociological portrait of the life of the priviledged and not-so-priviledged young people living 'the dream' in one of the world's most exciting cities. I loved <i>A Gentleman in Moscow </i>from the same author. Amor Towles does not disappoint with a style of writing that captures the imagination and doesn't let it go...</p><p>Favorite French language book: <i>La nuit de feu</i> from Eric Emmanuel Schmitt - a true story about an awakening that happens on a cold and very dark desert night when the possibility of dying alone is very real for a young man.. The young man in questions later became a philosopher and writer. Schmitt is one of France's most loved contemporary philosophers.</p><p>Close seconds: <i>Clin d'oeil au temps qui passe </i>by Antonine Maillet and <i>Educated</i> by Tara Westover. Clin d'oeil is well-written by one of French Canada's premier authors and intellectuals. Maillet has led a very stimulating and admirable life which she recounts with the sagacity that only comes with age. </p><p>Tara Westover's <i>Educated </i>is a biographical novel that takes place in a Mormon family whose father is bipolar. Westover's story is almost too incredible to believe and one can only admire her for breaking free from the chains of her family and religion.</p><p>Do not recommend: <i>Le mur mitoyen </i>and<i> La route du Lilas </i>and I must say I have forgotten what happens in <i>The Turn of the Key.</i></p><p>Most of the books featured here are my two book clubs' selections. While it is good to pick up a book you may not otherwise have read, some can be less pleasing.</p><p>Elinor Florence's two books: <i>Wildwood</i> and <i>A Bird's Eye View</i> are very very enjoyable reads. This author hails from Western Canada. <i>Wildwood </i>is about a young American mother who is near penniless when she inherits a house in the Peace River area of Alberta and <i>A Bird's Eye View</i> is about a girl from the Canadian Prairies who enlists in WWII to become an aerial photographic interpreter and a hero.</p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-20716623747250807452020-12-06T18:24:00.005-07:002020-12-06T18:26:01.875-07:00A Mother's Heart <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4SruSo_PP7uAd66JPQq6bcxNNVJbKs85hPKZQhJ3YJElTpCbb94STSoukaj2H7cnfi4z800eO2rALEKWwR82q98oNGmMetsSx4_1YK4oR88t7NI2He9vSNB0FPQtlWHspYzqHvoM3b2A/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4SruSo_PP7uAd66JPQq6bcxNNVJbKs85hPKZQhJ3YJElTpCbb94STSoukaj2H7cnfi4z800eO2rALEKWwR82q98oNGmMetsSx4_1YK4oR88t7NI2He9vSNB0FPQtlWHspYzqHvoM3b2A/w400-h300/France+miniature.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">France 1999, T. and his little brother D.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We decorated the tree today. We are about 5 or 6 days ahead of schedule but this year, we have the time.</div><div>V. and I took our time, 1.5 hours to get the job done, probably because I sobbed for about 10 minutes. Missing my boy in Florida more than I can say. He's been gone 9 years this month...</div><div><br /></div><div>Nine years ago my brave boy could not find himself here, at home. He had to go. He chose the road less travelled, he was only 22 years old. A foolish girl had told him he could never be what he wanted to be. It both broke his heart and spurred him on. So he left just after Christmas, laden with luggage, he flew first to New Jersey then to St. Martin then, he took a ferry to another island where he would study medicine for 16 months.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only 22 years old, white as milk and a little green behind the ears, he landed on an island where he was known as 'white boy'. You see T. can't tan, he only burns.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, he ran into a man from Chicago and they quickly found a place to stay and moved in together. Andre was older and wiser but he must have sensed that T. was an ok guy. At least that's what he told us months later when we were Skyping with T.: "Your son was a very good man and he is working very hard on this studies.</div><div><br /></div><div>T. distinguished himself throughout his years and years of study on the island and later in Chicago and now, no doubt in Florida. He had to leave the island after 16 months to pursue the practical part of his medical degree in Chicago. Later, he would match at Mount Sinai in Chicago and graduate as an Internist.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people would have been happy to begin working and start chipping away at the mountain of debt but our brave boy wanted more. That is why he is pursuing a fellowship in Florida, in the middle of the Covid pandemic. His field: Pulmonology and Critical Care. His lovely wife told me yesterday that he is working 100+ hours/week...</div><div><br /></div><div>So today, as I was hanging some of his ornaments on the tree, I cried for my boy, the 22-year-old who left home 9 years ago this month and for the 31-year-old working in Intensive Care with Covid patients. </div><div><br /></div><div>My boy is far away and he is in the middle of all that is most difficult about this pandemic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Say a little prayer for him.</div>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-18407175539312400562020-11-20T16:36:00.007-07:002020-11-21T13:50:51.208-07:00What is the fuel that lights your lamp?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nPe5vWdKLEH5hHlEzu8R7C2gq946fQUogcHDxpL4aLPHY5eCved6ao2CB960BcIKL4TcT8T4YlfmOX3jFEEA0MtFFyQjVWeen6ixH_2dEQ1TN4r15tfkkyfpLOvPJdki7fnFHzTBDEsn/s220/220px-DiwaliOilLampCrop.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="220" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nPe5vWdKLEH5hHlEzu8R7C2gq946fQUogcHDxpL4aLPHY5eCved6ao2CB960BcIKL4TcT8T4YlfmOX3jFEEA0MtFFyQjVWeen6ixH_2dEQ1TN4r15tfkkyfpLOvPJdki7fnFHzTBDEsn/w518-h431/220px-DiwaliOilLampCrop.jpeg" width="518" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=lighted+oil+lamp&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjex_LWo5LtAhUYoZ4KHTN1BL4Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=lighted+oil+lamp&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzICCAAyBggAEAUQHjoECAAQQzoFCAAQsQM6BwgAELEDEEM6BggAEAgQHjoECAAQGFDshAJYoq4CYP6wAmgBcAB4AIABaIgBuguSAQQxNS4ymAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=lVG4X56pE5jC-gSz6pHwCw&bih=625&biw=1348#imgrc=F1ERlH9gGoRiIM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Women rowing North author Mary Pipher asks this question in her book and it was the theme of my reading circle's Zoom coffee chat this morning.</p><p>Most women said <b>connection</b> was the number one fuel that keeps them going. No surprise. Most of us crave connection with our friends and family at this time. I haven't seen, let alone hugged or kissed our eldest son since January. He and his lovely wife live in Florida where he is doing a fellowship in Pulmonology and Critical Care since July 1st of this year. I often wonder when I will see him again.</p><p>Our second son is close by but as he is a nurse in the capital's largest hospital, we keep at least six feet between us except right after he tested negative for COVID. That hug was the BEST.</p><p>Our daughter is also close by but as her family is larger and her children are adults with her own work/friends, we tend to keep our distance. Phone calls are the format of choice for a visit.</p><p><b>Being a maker</b> is a second most important source of fuel for me. 25 knitting projects this year and I've learned Shibori and Sashiko with a local school of craft. I'm glad the workshops took place in early fall as restrictions are going to become tighter in the days to come. Our province has 1, 000 new cases/day and the population is 4, 421 M only.</p><p>My third source of fuel brings me delight every day. We have been feeding <b>wild birds</b> in our apple tree since August and we are feeding them throughout the winter. Yesterday a beautiful woodpecker perched on the suet feeder for a good minute allowing us to identify him as a Downy woodpecker. Aside from him, we still feed Nuthatches and house finches. We occasionally see a Blue Jay and today, a big fat magpie helped himself to the suet.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What is the fuel that lights your lamp?</span></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-88971865836908505322020-03-17T14:58:00.000-06:002020-03-17T14:58:29.040-06:00At HomeI am not disturbed by the fact that I have to stay home. I love being home! Yes, after 4 or 5 days, I need to get out and see people but I can take care of that with Skype or FaceTime or FB Messenger AND being semi-retired is a blessing at this time.<br />
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The schools in Alberta have not opened since Friday last week so my supervision of student teachers is on hold. No students to teach means... no practicum? We are still waiting to hear from the U of A what the decision will be.<br />
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I am thinking of all the parents who have to make long-term arrangements to have their children babysat until schools open again in September. I am thinking of all the health care workers who have to take more risks than most of us and work tirelessly to make sure that we keep some measure of control over the next few months.<br />
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I am thinking of our two sons, one a doctor, the other a nurse, and pray that they remain healthy.<br />
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I am thinking of small businesses and how the virus can be detrimental to them.<br />
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I am thinking of the losses in income and investments.<br />
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I am thinking about the increase in anxiety and worry.<br />
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I am thinking about my Dad whom I cannot visit because he is in a senior's home...<br />
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Meanwhile, because we must go on and remain positive, here are some of the things I'll be doing at home in the weeks to come. The longer the list gets, the more these things to do are infrequently done:<br />
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1. Knit/Punch needle project<br />
2. Read (Now reading: Wildwood by Elinor Florence)<br />
3. Watch movies, TV (mostly for the news) and Youtube<br />
4. Try new recipes<br />
5. Clean<br />
6. Take walks (o.k. this is not inside but it's being done around my house/neighbourhood)<br />
7. Clean the crawl space<br />
8. Finish a quilt<br />
9. Spring clean areas that have not been visited in a while<br />
10. Sort pictures for the kids<br />
11. Get my bloodwork and mammogram done<br />
12. Clean the garage<br />
13. Get the stove repaired (bottom element does not heat about 240 degrees F.)<br />
14. Get three estimates for a new roof<br />
15. Get moving on getting all our railings changed (they are getting old and wobbly)<br />
16. Make some hand sanitizer for my family if I can get a hold of the ingredients!<br />
17. Etc.<br />
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Although I am aware that social distancing, self-isolation and a state of emergency in my province are not as easily dealt with by some people as they are by me, I am grateful for everyone's efforts, big and small, to keep the virus from spreading.<br />
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Stay healthy everyone!<br />
<br />Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-23945262859536207572019-10-25T17:46:00.000-06:002019-10-25T17:47:32.198-06:00A Quick OneIt's snowing as I write this. V. is watching the hockey game and reflecting on my day, I'm happy with the way things are going.<br />
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D. moved out September 1st and so we are empty-nesters once again. He and O. make sure they drop by or text every week just to connect. They are a lovely couple, full of promise, full of respect for each other, full of love. It's a beautiful thing to witness...</div>
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D.'s room is in the process of becoming our office and the basement, where our office used to be, is becoming our fitness area. It is adjacent my sewing/crafting and ironing space and next to our TV room.</div>
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In a week, V. and I will be supervising student teachers, a six week stint that we do twice yearly. I will also be doing language testing for a few days in November. Happy to still be active in my profession. It's good for the morale and good for the brain. </div>
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True to the intentions I set upon our return from France, I started making Kombucha in July and love it. It's delicious and it's good for you. There's a whole movement centred on the benefits of fermented foods going on and I am very motivated to join in. I aim to make sauerkraut and want to start making sourdough bread in the near future.</div>
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I've been watching Joshua Weissman on Youtube and reading Elisabeth's_Humble_House and Farmhouse on Boone on Instagram for sourdough inspiration amongst other things... See them if you've not yet done so. </div>
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I'm reading Mary Pipher's Women Rowing North: </div>
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The subtitle kind of says it all. It was a while before I got into the book but it starts getting really interesting when she dedicates individual chapters to strategies for flourishing. One of my favorites is 'Building a Good Day'. We know most of this stuff but the reminder and the case studies she uses to illustrate each strategy are very useful at this time of my life.</div>
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I spoke to my friend Lucille yesterday about pursuing 'Artist dates' as coined by Julia Cameron in 'The Artist's Way'. The idea is that going out to see/hear/taste/feel beautiful things, experiences, inspiration regularly primes our creative pump. With winter coming, I want to make sure that I remain active and interested in life outside the house. For those of you who experience winter like we do in Canada, you know what I mean.</div>
Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-72824603060643199402019-07-13T10:16:00.000-06:002019-07-13T10:17:22.092-06:00Turning the Page to a New ChapterI haven't posted since February this year so I thought I'd give you a little update.<br />
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1. I taught my last semester at the U of A. this past winter. I finished all my teaching responsibilities at the end of April and will not be teaching again. Why? Because it's better to quit when you are still loving what you do and while students still appreciate your teaching.<br />
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2. We went to France May and June this year instead of August-September-October. It was a little weird for us but we rejoiced at having our sons and their loved ones come to visit.<br />
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3. We celebrated our son's marriage in Èze, which is between Nice and Monaco. The venue is out of this world and A.'s choices for decoration were impeccable. A most memorable event. Here are a few pics of the venue before the event.<br />
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3. We've been home for almost two weeks now to really lousy weather. Temps have been between 17-22 degrees and rain on most days except for yesterday and today. More rain on the forecast. On the positive side, the garden and lawns are looking exceptionally lush...</div>
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4. Getting back to my people: Had a family dinner last Sunday and are going to see Dad up north on this coming Thursday. He has just celebrated his 98th birthday. Having a sleepover with our godson A. on Monday. Toy Story IV is on the agenda. I love all Toy Story movies! Saw my knitting friends Suzanne and Danielle last week for knitting and will continue a weekly or bi-weekly meetup. Tuesday yoga starts up again for me week after next. We've been getting invites from friends we hosted before we left for France.</div>
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5. On the creative side: I am making my first attempt at Kombucha. Started July 3rd but my new scobie is not floating at the top of the brew. Is this bad? I'm determined to make this work! I've also lined up my Christmas knitting projects and will start later on this summer. In the meantime, I have three or four projects to finish...</div>
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6. To do List: I'm finally getting my floating shelves for the downstairs bathroom and my intention is to power through our 'to do' list in the coming year. Our home needs a little TLC - ie new baseboards, ripping out old wallpaper in the downstairs hall and finishing our laundry room reno with a lick of paint.</div>
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All in all, I'm feeling really grateful for this most precious time when I'm old enough to ease out of work slowly and young enough to still enjoy life fully. Counting blessings and focusing on learning and staying healthy. What more could you ask for, really.</div>
Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-69912776825509784552019-02-02T14:33:00.002-07:002019-02-02T17:58:34.056-07:00Pre-Oscar Prep<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8JfA-YufSH9IQhtklvhpUfD_hz_O-GEat5fu9UcHds7V9ALVGeA19Xqpwl6eb_EFZWgjjnPiBJ8XtlNYtFKXadGHtz4c7XdOWswZXu75ec4YIWGPFlnfqRiE1-qLlzxeVJC5yaHwvz84/s1600/51R-TU6VaTL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="337" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8JfA-YufSH9IQhtklvhpUfD_hz_O-GEat5fu9UcHds7V9ALVGeA19Xqpwl6eb_EFZWgjjnPiBJ8XtlNYtFKXadGHtz4c7XdOWswZXu75ec4YIWGPFlnfqRiE1-qLlzxeVJC5yaHwvz84/s200/51R-TU6VaTL.jpg" width="134" /></a>Well it's that time of year again. Time to watch Oscar-nominated films that is. So far, I've seen A Star is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody and Green Book. A Star is Born is entertaining but not the calibre of the other two. Although Gaga is very good in A Star, I feel that the movie itself is not destined for greatness.<br />
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Malek's Freddie Mercury is the stuff of Oscar-level performances. He's brilliant, naughty, moves like a drag Queen and keeps us looking at him throughout this 200+ minute movie. Because I wasn't a Queen fan, I learned a lot about this legend and regret that I did not pay attention to Mercury while he was alive.<br />
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Mahershala Ali is Don Shirley and I know very little of the legend himself but his portrayal of a gifted, homosexual musician is sensitive and skilled. I enjoyed this feel-good movie it makes me believe that the friendship that grew between these two individuals was genuine. Shirley's character is educated, refined and deeply lonely, Vallelonga is a milder version of Archie Bunker, and is surrounded with an extended family where displays of affection and bickering are equally present. Both men are better people at the end of this movie and the viewer is allowed to bathe in the glow of a happy ending.<br />
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One good, one very good and one excellent movie checked off the list. The Oscar lineup is promising this year.Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-20403697951089681052019-01-02T11:14:00.001-07:002019-01-02T20:23:27.742-07:00New Year, New Sweater<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo copyright Espace Tricot on Ravelry website</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "lucida sans unicode" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Turtle Dove is a loose, dolman-style sweater with a turtleneck and a modern silhouette. It’s knit from the top-down with optional short-rows to raise the back of the neck slightly. The entire sweater is knit in the round so there is no seaming at all! There are two options for finishing the body - a simple rolled hem or a twisted rib split-hem. Knit with Woolfolk Luft - this lovely pullover is light and warm and incredibly soft.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "lucida sans unicode" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">"</span> </blockquote>
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To begin this New Year, I started knitting the Turtle Dove Sweater by Melissa Clulow of Espace Tricot, a Canadian Yarn shop in Montréal, Québec. It is a beautiful, simple, elegant, warm yet light sweater made of Woolfolk Luft in color L9 (aubergine shade).<br />
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So excited about this. I haven't knit a whole sweater for myself since about 2010. It was a cotton sweater that stretched and ended up too big and I couldn't wear it. It took forever to knit because when I was working full-time, I didn't have the time and brain space for figuring out long complicated projects. Since my semi retirement in 2013, I've been knitting more and more, particularly for my family at Christmas.<br />
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In the last five or six years, I have focussed on accessories and feel that I am ready to move on to projects that are more involved hence, the sweater.<br />
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Because I get distracted when doing knitting row upon knitting row, I've created a chart that I will tick off at the end of each row and count my stitches as well to make sure I haven't forgotten an increase. Here it is for your downloading pleasure should you decide to knit the beautiful Turtle Dove yourself.<br />
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I think (hope) this one will be a success! I am always looking for stylish and warm sweaters for our Canadian winters and this one looks just right.Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-50779330594904996322018-05-24T11:14:00.000-06:002018-05-24T11:14:13.884-06:00Counting BlessingsIn the last two weeks, I have won two things! I enter draws whenever I can but I really do not often win something. Winning two things in two weeks is amazing for me. No, I did not win the house lottery in my town which could have been really amazing... but little winnings are really fun. Getting something desirable for nothing is a joy.<br />
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The first is a prize from my LYS (local yarn store) when you bring a reusable bag for your purchases in store, you get to enter a draw. I really wanted this prize for some Christmas knitting and lo and behold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0gbYZ4Hl1S1bWXTaqfste_Ua4s1OGegL1ZDh5GLgYrwchRqPytNTwVKUCn5YUM8uEwB3GB8EzH2qUAPVgFzRsmONSqc7d6_87Lon-UpH7XhqrpfustLugsZG1mb0Oe3ZOGUi8ryL4Rpx/s1600/IMG_8886.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1278" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0gbYZ4Hl1S1bWXTaqfste_Ua4s1OGegL1ZDh5GLgYrwchRqPytNTwVKUCn5YUM8uEwB3GB8EzH2qUAPVgFzRsmONSqc7d6_87Lon-UpH7XhqrpfustLugsZG1mb0Oe3ZOGUi8ryL4Rpx/s400/IMG_8886.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div>
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This is a kit by Blue Sky Fibers and I love it. Would like to knit the toque kit too... Maybe next year for a lucky Christmas knit recipient.</div>
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In fact, I have started some Christmas knitting this week. I knit for most people in my family who enjoy my knits and I also make gifts for my friends in France, babies...</div>
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This year, I have an Edmonton Oiler toque, two pairs of slippers made with the no-longer-sold Canadian Buffalo Yarn, hand warmers and two more toques to knit (one done).</div>
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My next won item is a cute decorative pillow I chose when my name was drawn for a door-prize last week. I got first pick, and this is what I got</div>
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Did I mention my husband has been in Romania for the last 9 days? It's like the universe is sending me "keep-your-chin-up" encouragements. </div>
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I would be lying if I said I wasn't missing him but this time apart has been rich in time-alone, and reflection and gratitude for having Vlad in my life. I miss him but my desire for him to have a great time visiting his cousins is greater. It's a very good place to be.</div>
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In the meantime, flowers are planted, shirt-ironing is almost done and so is work until the very end of October when I am fully back in the saddle.</div>
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This and the marvelous hot May weather we are having is making my cup run over...</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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<br />Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-20743211577115963192018-03-29T11:06:00.001-06:002018-03-29T11:06:38.908-06:00Mirabeau en Provence in Cotignac our town<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/55jc_dpMv_Q" width="480"></iframe>Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-57992972507351753042018-02-17T14:05:00.000-07:002018-02-17T14:15:55.323-07:00Dylan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dylan is Vlad's grandson from his first marriage but Dylan calls himself my grandson so I guess...<br />
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Dylan turns 17 at the end of April and he always gets very excited for his birthday. He is a great, great fan of the Montreal Canadians because his Mom was born just outside of Montreal and to him, that makes him part-owner of the team... certainly in terms of enthusiasm.<br />
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He loves to draw and does so on an iPad mini. He uses a stylus and he does a pretty good job interpreting people in these. He also loves Lego and has an enormous collection in his room which he keeps super clean.<br />
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For his birthday and because the past year has held many challenges for Dylan, I've opened a Go Fund Me Campaign. I have never asked for money from anyone in my life but this is a special case.<br />
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<br />Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-41603748967645170062018-01-06T12:28:00.000-07:002018-01-06T12:29:34.424-07:002018 IntentionsWelcome, 2018! My word for this year is YES as in yes to more life-affirming activities.<br />
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I've been giving this new beginning a lot of thought and I came up with categories of intentions (not resolutions). Here goes:<br />
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<i>1. Travel, this is the easiest one!</i><br />
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<ul>
<li>France;</li>
<li>Scotland;</li>
<li>Christmas in November at Jasper Park Lodge with my French reading circle;</li>
<li>A couple of trips north to see my father (who is going on 97)</li>
</ul>
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<i>2. Knitting and other creative projects (another no-brainer)</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Work on pencil-ribbed skirt by CYT</li>
<li>Finish Thrummed Mittens by RCY</li>
<li>Finish Anabella Cowl by CYT</li>
<li>Polka Dot Scarf by CYT</li>
<li>Grain shawl by Tin Can Knits</li>
<li>Champagne bottle candles</li>
<li>One Miss Maggie Rabbit by Posie</li>
<li>A few small knitting projects from my RCY Advent Box</li>
<li>French General Quilt before Christmas </li>
</ul>
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<i>3. Reading, easy street! I have committed to reading 15 books for another year on Goodreads. Amongst them:</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson</li>
<li>Simon Veil: Une vie by Simon Veil (now reading)</li>
<li>The Ladies in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck</li>
<li>Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NG</li>
<li>La bâtarde d'Istanbul by Elie Shafak</li>
<li>La mémoire du temps by Mylène Gilbert-Dumas</li>
<li>Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman</li>
</ul>
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<i>4. Good health all around (not so easy)</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Ride my our new stationary bike 3x or more/week</li>
<li>Weekly yoga</li>
<li>Keep walking outside when weather permits</li>
<li>Have a weekly fun outing by myself or with friends</li>
<li>Care less about what people think</li>
<li>Surgery for stomach</li>
<li>Vein clinic for treatments to legs</li>
<li>Maintain a strong and healthy back with exercises</li>
</ul>
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<i>5. Home Projects</i></div>
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<li>Laundry room redo</li>
<li>Downstairs hall wallpaper removal and paint</li>
</ul>
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<i>6. Important Events</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Tristan and Amina's visit in February (I will have my whole family around the dinner table!)</li>
<li>My 60th birthday</li>
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Please tell me at least one of your intentions for 2018 by commenting below. I would love to know what's on your list if you have one!</div>
Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-33324071751341571942017-12-14T16:57:00.000-07:002017-12-14T17:10:24.289-07:00HiatusI've been off since December 5th and that lasts till January 8th when I start teaching at the Uni. It's my little hiatus before 4 months' work, my biggest job. A lot of students this year and my schedule has changed from teaching twice to three times/week.<br />
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In the meantime, hiatus... Since I'm done with Christmas knitting, I am attempting to finish some rather long-winded projects. The Annabella Cowl (see sidebar) is lovely knit up with a blend of Alpaca, silk and mohair. The CYT pencil ribbed skirt - not even half done, it is knit entirely in a 2x2 ribbed pattern that takes for. e.ver! Then there are the thrummed mittens that I left unfinished last year that I have to figure out again...<br />
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I have two mini knitting projects from my River City Yarns advent box - some boot toppers and some wrist warmers... little Christmas trees and a pocket gnome that I will have to do needle felting for. Yikes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LU-m8CqK3ASMDw48ZWE01WJNHunoB94q4OVKwvZvjQx0I437VYJJ4ycwLrkM6-g7ec1AKDPH_GdUbHoGuvFtdHueUsCVE4Q0nt5pvXHWMRIzJ6YC0vKUA21ep-1NSCyXlabzJx935dYU/s1600/Keeper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LU-m8CqK3ASMDw48ZWE01WJNHunoB94q4OVKwvZvjQx0I437VYJJ4ycwLrkM6-g7ec1AKDPH_GdUbHoGuvFtdHueUsCVE4Q0nt5pvXHWMRIzJ6YC0vKUA21ep-1NSCyXlabzJx935dYU/s320/Keeper.jpeg" width="208" /></a>I am just finishing up the loveliest book called the Keeper of Lost things. A relaxing, funny, compelling story of the type that I love. A Motley Crue of characters reunited in a HOUSE, form a family of sorts and work out life problems together. A very humane and heart lifting story that is just right for the pre-Christmas season. There are goodness and evil, weakness and talent, mystery and mayhem as well as a ghost - all in a beautiful home called Padua somewhere in England<br />
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If you want to be entertained and not shaken and stirred at this time of year, this is the book for you.<br />
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On another note, on a recommendation from my sister and her husband, we have just finished watching a one-season series called The Halcyon. It takes place in a 5-star hotel in London during the beginning of WWII and it is filled with beautiful scenery, the rich and the not-so-rich, the naughty, the nasty and the nice. It also is my idea of entertainment. Although it is a drama, the good guys win enough times to keep the hope afloat. This series does not discourage.<br />
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Lastly, I have begun a series called: The Loch (see sidebar). You may or not know that I am a crime-drama aficionado and this one takes place on the site of the famed Loch Ness. Here's a Scottish ditty for ye<br />
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O ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road</div>
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An' I'll be in Scotland afore ye;</div>
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For me and me true love will never meet again</div>
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On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.</div>
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How does it come to be that a French-Canadian girl from western Canada knows this tune? Well, my Mama was a young woman during WWII and she learned all manner of tunes from the radio which she then passed on to her girls while getting the dishes done.<br />
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Scotland is our next destination triplet when we head back to France in 2018. Can't wait to see the Highlands, taste the whiskey, walk around Edinburgh and buy some yarn for myself and tartan for my son-in-law!Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-12820341759617981892017-11-27T20:54:00.001-07:002017-11-27T21:03:18.721-07:00Christmas KnittingEvery Christmas, V and I give the kids cash for Christmas and I give them something knitted. I get requests for hats a lot but this year, I made a couple of my girls some great mitts. The pattern is from Tin Can Knits, a Canadian company, and the pattern is called The World's Simplest Mitts. You can download this pattern free on Ravelry or click <a href="http://tincanknits.com/pattern-TCK-theworldssimplestmittens.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you can knit in the round, you can make these mitts. Although the pattern is simple, the yarn speaks volumes here. It's Malabrigo Mecha, 100% wool, gorgeous and plump. I added a pair of glove liners inside them to make these extra warm and versatile.<br />
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The woman's hat pattern I favor is Rikke, a free download on Ravelry. It is deceptively simple and has a little slouch. I have made a lot of people happy with these.<br />
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For the three men in my family who want knitted toques, I use my favorite <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/churchmouse-patterns-hats/products/boyfriend-watch-cap-pattern" target="_blank">Boyfriend Watch Cap by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas</a>, a beautiful yarn store on Bainbridge Island in Washington. This is a purchased pattern. I knit these out of Cascade 220 which is a reasonably priced yarn and they turn out really well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/churchmouse-patterns-hats/products/boyfriend-watch-cap-pattern" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image <a href="https://www.churchmouseyarns.com/collections/churchmouse-patterns-hats/products/boyfriend-watch-cap-pattern" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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When making knitted gifts, I try and make sure that the people I am knitting for are 'Knit Worthy'. This means that they appreciate the gift as well as the time it took to make it and they will endeavour to take care of the item. I also make sure that the pattern and color will please the recipient or else the gift will live its life out in the bottom of a basket somewhere at the back of a dark closet... a nightmare for any knitter.<br />
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This year, I will include with my knits, a single wash dose of Eucalan with washing instructions. I am on a mission to educate my family on the care and feeding of their woolly treasures.<br />
<br />Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-66058872750476104442017-10-30T15:15:00.000-06:002017-10-30T15:15:52.009-06:00What's up with Hygge?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I'm in the process of reading this little book. Did I tell you I'm back from France? Well, yes I am, and today, the difference in temps between our little town in France and where I live is a whopping 18 degrees... This gap will only widen in the days to come <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so I'm getting ready for it!</span><br />
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Hygge (pronounced hooga)<br />
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...is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life - or just be comfortable i each other's company - or just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.</blockquote>
Originally written in Danish, the translation is not the greatest and the author does seem to go for repetition but it has spurred me onto the mission of spending a happier, more contented winter. The hygge manifesto speaks to my soul directly and I want to make it my own. <br />
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I'm ready for # 4, 6 and 8 - I love the idea that, in the case of a gathering, tasks, as well as airtime, are shared. Let all the people have a turn to speak - and no drama allowed! Now we're talking hygge. The idea is to FEEL GOOD!<br />
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So in the weeks to come and, hopefully, throughout the winter, I will be adding to my list of hygge possibilities.<br />
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This past week:<br />
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1. A neat site I found where our <a href="https://www.narcity.com/ca/ab/edmonton/best-of-yeg/14-edmonton-coffee-shops-go-least-life" target="_blank">city's best coffee shops</a> are listed.<br />
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2. Soup, soup and more soup including Italian Wedding (made for our arrival by M.), Barefoot Contessa's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/winter-minestrone-and-garlic-bruschetta-recipe-1994490" target="_blank">Winter Minestrone</a> and <a href="https://cookieandkate.com/2014/thai-curried-butternut-squash-soup/" target="_blank">Thai Curried Butternut Squash</a>. Comfort in a bowl, mmm, mmm.<br />
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3. I've picked up my knitting needles again...<br />
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4. All caught up with GOT and Designated Survivor...<br />
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Any other hygge ideas out there? Please share!<br />
Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070188457937606864.post-31371976342868431692017-07-14T14:37:00.000-06:002017-07-19T14:49:33.941-06:00Vegetable Fairy Strikes Again!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z5tJnPTe_WeQdXos1uegzuhn9I3IE7qasMqT7rcW2fa466-zDMoyaibNu2QLlhD8-4AcosFpdZTWKk0_ygap0RwSiaaHOg5ctBZXisEA5hJkswMD5zvHsFsHKoluRrggLkjUNKSEpyiO/s1600/Freezer_Jam_300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z5tJnPTe_WeQdXos1uegzuhn9I3IE7qasMqT7rcW2fa466-zDMoyaibNu2QLlhD8-4AcosFpdZTWKk0_ygap0RwSiaaHOg5ctBZXisEA5hJkswMD5zvHsFsHKoluRrggLkjUNKSEpyiO/s200/Freezer_Jam_300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a>Yesterday, we went to my sister D.'s farm for a lovely lunch and a little trip to her magnificent vegetable garden for strawberries, raspberries, swiss chard, beets, lettuce, basil, parsley, cilantro and dill. No pics of these or the farm, so sorry I didn't at least take my phone to the garden...<br />
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Last night I made freezer strawberry jam with a product D. sent along made by Club House. Had the jam this morning on toast and it was beyond delicious and not too sweet. (1 1/2 cups sugar for 4 cups of berries.) I recommend the product, it's got a couple of unpronounceable ingredients but nothing really evil. I'm going to make the freezer raspberry jam today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vYqUfPeUrmga9Q1bcrH25-w25VsZje5Zp7pUdq25GchHFFcx0syuuiKf-pwqzPwA_4E1EZ1ANzCj2SX7S6RXVPjghobyQPUuLaVR_PUx-bTrlGzcEKvb6D8FxKAN1ejB-580cER2fpsS/s1600/garlic_scapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="295" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vYqUfPeUrmga9Q1bcrH25-w25VsZje5Zp7pUdq25GchHFFcx0syuuiKf-pwqzPwA_4E1EZ1ANzCj2SX7S6RXVPjghobyQPUuLaVR_PUx-bTrlGzcEKvb6D8FxKAN1ejB-580cER2fpsS/s400/garlic_scapes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image <a href="http://northarmfarm.blogspot.ca/2009/06/what-are-garlic-scapes.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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D also gave me her garlic scapes and with it, this morning I made garlic scape pesto with this <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/06/the-crisper-whisperer-what-to-do-with-garlic-scapes-recipe.html" target="_blank">recipe</a>. It's seriously good! <u>Very</u> garlicky tasting and green just like basil pesto. My friends Corey and Yann would love it.<br />
Going to be having it tonight with pasta and swiss chard. I'm roasting the beets on the barbecue now and will make a roasted beet salad with lemon and thyme dressing which I found <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/roasted-beets-with-lemon-thyme-dressing-recipe-2129358" target="_blank">here</a>. I love cooking from fresh produce and sometimes regret that I don't have my own vegetable garden.<br />
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Next week we are heading to Chicago to meet our son T.'s special girl. We look forward to hugging our boy and spending quality time with them both. This year, both our sons have a special girl and we are enjoying having more people at the family dinner table.<br />
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My cast has been off for 9 days and I am working every day to make it stronger. I finished knitting two hats this week and I've never been so happy to do dishes! I am going to cast on my first shawl this week and will have it as my knitting project in Chicago and in France later. Check out the pattern, it's called AGLEAM by Canadian designer Lisa Mutch. All photos are from her Ravelry page:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All images <a href="http://www.northboundknitting.com/shawls/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUmYF-EM9G4yilRJAs39y91HC7q1p4cpMuCFbe6z4yplsFf3aCdg85mS1OKAdroPCF9XeTMpOPSMq04adaHgv_gL73dLIWuKMJPd1CxStpJh7KM8xcNEeg1JuNV2DQQ71DZ-rT4FPuuqu/s1600/5_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="320" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUmYF-EM9G4yilRJAs39y91HC7q1p4cpMuCFbe6z4yplsFf3aCdg85mS1OKAdroPCF9XeTMpOPSMq04adaHgv_gL73dLIWuKMJPd1CxStpJh7KM8xcNEeg1JuNV2DQQ71DZ-rT4FPuuqu/s400/5_small2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CEo35H7G6sLyTvDiZA_81bjFaRKd5JtwyeGRgAsD3K0XGMMiuewPdQQhj4gpvbyKSsBmMo0S8SJpj_zVcPXeEJSfrSE8MMPTD3NSZk6mefhKcqXFSgRMraKUa5HkdaMhuJBl8JeHzpRL/s1600/DKShawl2_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CEo35H7G6sLyTvDiZA_81bjFaRKd5JtwyeGRgAsD3K0XGMMiuewPdQQhj4gpvbyKSsBmMo0S8SJpj_zVcPXeEJSfrSE8MMPTD3NSZk6mefhKcqXFSgRMraKUa5HkdaMhuJBl8JeHzpRL/s400/DKShawl2_small2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am making it with the same yarn featured in the pictures, it's called Metallurgy MCN by Northbound Knitting and is hand-dyed by the pattern designer. Check out my Ravelry page (link on the side bar) to see my finished projects.</div>
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I have been knitting rather simple patterns and I thought it might be time to do something different.</div>
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So glad to be making again.</div>
Stellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18230853680786907018noreply@blogger.com2