She said Yes to the Dress!

I had a wonderful time last weekend in St John's. Coming from NS where the finer things in life were readily available to me and moving to CB where it's meat 'n' potatoes and the necessities of life, the trip was an enormous tonic to my foodie soul. Sharing it with family was icing on my cake.

We 2 mums were with our two 20-something daughters, so we did our best to keep up, fueled by a big breakfast and a big supper with  coffee and water in between; but it was so exciting and fun that no felt hungry until we stopped each day. We did breakfast at Chez Cora and Rocket (where I also bought a delicious loaf of whole grain sourdough bread to bring home). We ate at Swiss Chalet one night and had an epic evening at Jack Astors another night: St John's is known for it's colorful row houses (left picture), and I was so tickled when I visited the ladies room to see that they'd paid homage to this with the toilet stall doors that I had to snap a picture to share (right picture).












We'd start each day with bridal salon appointments and end up in the malls mid-afternoon. I even managed to fit in a few hours at my beloved Value Village where I scored some treasures. I got to eat Laura Secord ice cream (pistacho/almond and double chocolate together!); and I got myself a Starbucks. I loved the ice cream. But surprisingly, I found that I could have done without the Starbucks and chocolate buttercream cake from Rocket; my months of eating healthy is helping me get over my sugar monkey. Hurray! (And don't worry, there are lots of other fattening, unhealthy foods that I'm still addicted to!) 

But OH! THE BRIDE! She tried on so many dresses; and each salon had a front runner. But #3 salon - Kathy Evans -  was the winner, with a gorgeous beachy, sparkly gown that came in under budget and, as my mum would say, "fit her like a smack in the mouth". Yes ...... I cried and so did her mum-in-law! I'll share some of the runner-up gowns here, but the winning dress is a secret!

 We celebrated that evening with pizza at our Air B'n'B and a bonding evening of hilarious board games as we raised a glass or 2 to a beautiful bride-to-be and a successful shopping trip. 

I loved this vacation weekend with it's over-indulgence, late nights and exhausting day-long trekking. But ohhhhhhhhh! How good to be back to regular meals and sleeping in my own bed. 

This weekend promises to be a sunny one here on the west coast of NL. And the weather man says there will be a turn for the better weather-wise next week with spring being here and summer on it's way! 

Fingers crossed!

Rabbit, Rabbit! and Sci-Fi

Rabbit Rabbit everyone.  Another month has passed and this steam-punk bunny is here to say "Not so fast! Before we get to November, tell me about how you spent this last weekend of October 2015, Sandy."  Well Bunny, I spent it with my daughter at Hal-Con Hal-Con, a sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention held in Halifax NS and run completely by volunteers.

Although I've always known I was weird, I've only just begun to realize I am also a bit of a geek ...... with my lifelong love of Doctor Who, my recent addiction to The Walking Dead and my ever-growing addiction to sci-fi. This was my first Hal-Con, but it sure won't be my last.

Here's Molly and I getting our own steam punk on with these gorgeous hats. A bit too expensive for our pocket-books, but they sure are inspirational for next year.

In spite of the fact that I really know nothing about gaming, my tour guide did; she would point to people dressed up and tell me what game they were from. I loved checking out all the vendors -- people selling furry clothes, chain-mail clothes, elven ears ($$$), jewellery, etc etc. I did buy myself some Tardis earrings, an earth-pic necklace and some books. But I mostly loved just viewing who (or what) was walking around and their own personal rendition of their favorite character; home made costumes abounded and it was fascinating to see what was used in their making! Also, every time I asked permission for a picture, they stopped and immediately posed.

On the left is a couple in steam-punk cosplay. (It was encouraging to see the different age groups.) And on the right are a cute couple of girlies from some video game; I saw them several times throughout the building, always carrying their trays of colorful cocktails. 

Dr Who was represented several times. This young man on the left is obviously a Tom Baker fan, Doctor #4, I believe. And on the right is King Renley from Game of Thrones (may he rest in peace).

This elf really impressed me. She made her own costume, wore a beautiful bow and home-made leather arrow case, had lovely pointed ears and a narrow little circlet of golden leaves round her head with a gem in the middle. Molly and I saw her at a panel we sat in on; she was right across the aisle from me. And while we were listening, she must have been hungry because I noticed her take out a green packet tied with twine. When she untied it, I realized the green were leaves and inside it was lembas bread -- just like in Lord of the Rings. Wow! Now that's dedication to the cosplay!


But in spite of the beautiful costumes and the variety of characters depicted, my favorite of the whole day was this most beautiful of all the woodland elves, my daughter Molly. Ya know, it's wonderful to find at my age that I can share this new-founded common interest with my gorgeous geekie daughter. 

The family that's cos-plays together, stays together? Yeah! It sure creates some wonderful memories.

We got to eat a couple of great meals together, and I got to go thrifting the next day before I headed home to once again become a responsible employee and mother to internations.  

But I've got a whole year to get a few costumes together for next year's Hal-Con. 

Have you ever been to a sci-fi convention?

Happy Mother's Day!

I did this once.  

She was about 9 months old; we had moved to a new town where I didn't know anyone; hubby was attending school on the other side of the province and boarding 4 nights a week; I had a head cold and just wanted to sit by myself for a few minutes.  But baby kept following me around and crying and wanting UP!  Well, we were both crying!

So, I got right in the middle of the playpen where she couldn't touch me.  We both cried for a few minutes.  Then I got out, and picked her up and kissed her and cuddled her and NEVER did it again.

Do I deserve a good Mother's Day?

You bet I do!  

I had no idea of how many years she and her sisters would get me back for that one.

Ahhhhh, but I adore my babies!

Another unwanted milestone!

This is the weekend I say farewell to these 2 wonderful girls:

(Elly (left) and Ayaka (right)

Ayaka's been with me for a year, and she's been a great house daughter.  Although I'm sorry that she's leaving me, she is only going to another part of the province; so I'll see her again which makes saying goodbye to her much easier.

But Elly been with me for 3 years.  That's a lifetime in teen years!  She was 15 year old when she arrived; she had little confidence in herself and could hardly speak or understand English.  She struggled the first semester with making friends except for the other Korean girl in school.  She would sometimes fall asleep in class and was unresponsive to her teachers -- 'cause she didn't know what they were saying or how to express herself.  Her idea of a spending spree was a trip to the Dollar Store and coming home

with a bag full of hair accessories and candy bars.  She never went out to the movies; she never watched English TV.  We'd go on day trips, and she'd sulk for the first 1/2 hour because she wasn't allowed to bring along her I-phone or Game Boy.  But I let her know in those first 5 months that if she was serious, then I was committed to helping her overcome the hard spots.  And she has rewarded me with her success.  

Over this 3 year period together, we've had lots of fun evenings full of card games and weird Korean snacks.  We've had fantastic day trips together where we spent too much money on clothes and delicious food.  We've had long, long talks about & boys & sex & the pain of having periods; about love & family & duty; about drinking & smoking & drugs; about education & travel & prejudice -- we've talked it all!   We've had some disagreements and gotten on each others nerves.  Her room is always a mess, even 2 hours after she's tidied; she never quite finishes cleaning the kitchen when it's her turn to do the dishes; and you can rely on the last of her laundry still being in the dryer when you go to do your wash.  The bathroom mirror is flecked with toothpaste and you have to wipe around the sink ('cause she's obviously almost drowned in it while she's been washing).  She spends too much time on the computer and, although she's respectful enough NOT to answer it, her phone constantly beeps and rings throughout meals.  When I ask her to do something, she'll do it ...... after a 3-5 min pause to let you know who's really in charge!  I love the way she's outspoken with her friends, 

even if her opinion differs from theirs.  I love how she knows her worth as a woman and will often tell other girls how they should be treated by their boyfriends.  I love how she'll always say yes to dessert (and how we are both going to cut back "tomorrow").  And I love how quickly she became aware of my tastes and how she's soooo generous and always buys me the perfect gifts.  She knows me very well ... and I her.  She has truly become my daughter!

She taught me so much about being not just a host-mother to international kids, but about being a better mother in general.  She has an amazing sense of humour and we always get each others jokes.  She helped to teach me to cook Korean and was always positive about every dish I tried, even the crappy ones.  And she taught me to re-think what I didn't like in my younger years because I may find it different now.  (And she's right!)  We share a love of adventurous eating, luxurious skin care products, zombie movies, shoes, dark chocolate, spicy foods and many other things. Neither of us will take guff from people, no sirree! As a matter of fact, she's a lot like "her mother".  

About the only thing I won't miss is her occasionally pouncing out from behind things and making me jump ... and cry.  Doesn't she understand how old I'm getting to be?

I'm confident that our goodbye isn't forever.  And if she gets accepted to the Canadian college of her choice, she could come home to NS for Christmas and/or I could go visit her in the big city more even more eating adventures.  

But how am I going to get through the next few months until I get used to life without her?  My heart is so full of pride and sadness.

Rabbit, Rabbit. Beware the Ice of March!

Rabbit Rabbit Everyone! 

When I awoke at 6:30 this morning, I could hear the click-click of frozen snow on the windowpane.   

A day all school children adore -- Snow Day!

And what a way to start March.   In like a lion, out like a lamb, I guess --- I hope!  

The roads were very bad; and it didn't stop snowing until just after noon.  So, it was a snow day for me as well.  After a 2 hour breakfast of tea and toast and reading "The Maze Runner", I spent an hour or so cleaning, followed by an hour nap, followed by another hour of tea and "The Maze Runner".  A perfect morning I'd say.

"Should I attempt to go into work now?"  I wondered

I'd have to get out of the driveway first!  And as pretty as it was outside, I contented myself with making lasagne and Thai meatballs and baking a cinnamon loaf.  

My God-sent, mysterious shovelling man (who's been showing up for the past couple of weeks) did not show today.  So, after the girls had been up for a while, we all went outside to shovel.  The temperature as perfect and we finished in less than an hour.

  

Thank Heavens for those little girls!      

Time for hot chocolate and cinnamon bread and more much deserved rest

BTW -- it's snowing again.  Oy vey!

I'm looking forward to the rain that's supposed to come tomorrow -- not only will it get rid of the snow but it's indicative of spring.  Spring people!  As I sit and sip, I muse in anticipation of sunshine and rain and little green shoots; of rain boots and jackets and umbrellas.  Yes, and even of being irritated at the deer eating my tulip buds.  Spring is coming! 

So, what's happening in your neck of the wood this first day of March?

What are you dreaming of today?

Spring arrived in a box!

I recently rec'd a little unexpected bonus money from my Mama.  Now,

• I could have gone thrifting ..... but I do that all the time and I wanted to do something special with this money.
• I could have bought $100 worth of good chocolate ..... and as special as chocolate is, I am trying to cut back.
• I could have put it directly on a bill like any sensible budget-conscious woman would do ..... but I follow my budget.
• And Mama did say "Buy yourself something nice".

So, what did this little woman do?  I went online shopping at this place ( http://www.replacements.com/)

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You know why I went shopping there?  They carry Petals dishes by Oneida which as some of you know I've been painstakenly collecting at thrift stores for the past 4 years.  I decided to order some pieces to make up a few place settings.



Yesterday, spring arrived in a box! 

Aren't those colors gorgeous!  It makes me think of Easter bunnies (and chocolate eggs!!).  I didn't even know the Light blue color existed until I found their website.  The one color not featured in it's own solo shot is Cobalt blue and not black as it looks in the compilation picture.  All I'm missing to complete this 6 pc place setting is a Light blue bowl and a Marigold yellow dinner plate. 

And I know my food will taste so much better when I serve my guests on these pretty dishes.

   
The package only took a week to arrive from NC; and they did the best packing job I've ever seen.  I highly recommend Replacements Ltd.

Meanwhile, feeling sad and lonely on the plate rack are the lone pieces waiting for companions. 

I'm hoping that the thrift store gods will continue to smile on me and I'll be able to find some more pieces.

Either that or another financial windfall!


Those of you on the US Eastern seaboard, we're expecting tonight what you're getting today.  I've battened down the hatches and have a stockpile fit to withstand a siege.

Stay warm and safe y'all!  

Autumn Family Play Day!

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The Fall sunshine brings out the little girl in me, and I have to go outside and play. Saturday was the perfect day -- what with it being sandwiched between rainy weeks!
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I dragged my little foreign girls out of bed before noon (what a rotten Mom I am!), and we set off to see what will probably be the last of the Autumn leaves and just hang together. They were so enthusiastic about it! Picture this: dark little heads on their hands, sleepy narrow little slits for eyes, staring morosely out the window thinking of I-pods and laptops and pillows (none of which were in our car!) And Mama next to them singing along with Katie Perry and Usher and trying to engage them in character-building aka geographically educational conversation:
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"Oh! Look at that one! So red!"

"Ohhh! So pretty!"

"Ahhhh, orange, gold and red - all in one tree."

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Not once did I ask "Are you having fun?" Not once did I tell them "Someday you'll be glad you saw colorful leaves in Nova Scotia." No ... I just did what I was supposed to do and treated them like I would my own kids. You know what I mean, right? "We're having a family day and you're coming and you're going to enjoy it! Understand?!"
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There were moments they liked a lot.
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And they thought Lunenburg was pretty. Eating lunch at a little cafe perked them up and fueled them for walking up and down that hilly little town as Mama continued to chatter cheerfully about this historic thingie and that historic thingie. (They did like the Dollar Store.)
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I may have picked up a slightly 'Please! No more!' vibe from them when I dragged them around historic Mahone Bay and into my favorite shoe store. But by then, I had long adopted the stance that someone should enjoy this beautiful day ... and it might as well be me!
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By then, it was time for beverages and dessert at Joanne's Market. Blueberry New York and Peanut Butter Toblerone cheesecake revived us once again. They enjoyed that..
But their eyes really lit up as I said we'll head home now. As we slipped off our shoes in the foyer, I thanked them for coming along and said "It was a fun day!" They smiled at me and dragged their exhausted little bodies upstairs.
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Yes! You know you're the mother of teenagers when you have an "Enforced Family Bonding Day". Thank goodness these ones were too tired (or polite) to whine like my own used to! And I trust that, just like my own, these girls weren't scarred permanently and will actually remember and treasure these days.
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After all - it is a cultural adventure!
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10 Rules for Being Human

This is a little something I came across the other day that was just too good to keep to myself. It should be printed out and passed on to our children when they reach adolescence; and it should periodically be re-issued. (As well as being tucked into our own inbox every now and then!)
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Enjoy!

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Ten Rules for Being Human
by Cherie Carter-Scott

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life."

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work."

4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.

5.Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."

7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

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My advice?

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• Enjoy being a human.


• And don't be too hard on yourself ..... you're only human!

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September Beach

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It was a beautiful afternoon to head to the beach with my international babies. Elly (in the middle) invited Eunjin (left) last spring when we went; they both loved it. It was Mariana's first look at the Atlantic Ocean; she dipped her toes, but then was afraid to even walk in the waves because it was just a tad cooler than the waters off the coast of Brazil where she lives! Yup!
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I, on the other hand, loved the water. Sure it was a little cool (read cold) when you first went in; but once you were knocked over by a large wave or two, it felt much warmer. Actually, it was so glorious! Large, foamy waves for body surfing, and then a beach chair and a good book for drying off.
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We got ice creams and walked the boardwalk and back around the beach. Man! It was just what I asked you for September!
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Back home while the girls showered, I lit a candle outside and sat with a glass of sangria in my salty bathing suit encrusted happiness with sand in all my nooks 'n' crannies and my wind-blown winged hair. Dinner on the deck was delicious -- home-made barbequed burgers flavored with parsley, cumin and a pinch of basil & chili powder and fresh corn on the cob slathered with oodles of butter and salt. Ahhhh!

And September -- corn on the cob wasn't even available here in August.
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So, who's a good month now?
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Thanks September! Can we do this again real soon?
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