Tis the Season

I was listening to the radio, switching in and out of attention on the babble the goes on between songs, when I was struck by the following report: They asked the Santa Clauses to stop ringing their bells downtown because it  was irritating pedestrians.

Really? That's what irritates people? Christmas bells? Not mufflers? Or car horns? Or bus brakes? Or the stench of exhaust pipes? Or the exorbitant holiday "sales"? Or the line ups? Or people bitching about the weather and pretty season sounds?

What's next?

Christmas lights? They hurt the eyes you know if you stare at them too long. Or children's voices? They can be high-pitched when they're excited or laughing. Heaven forbid their joy and the beauty of the season interfere with people's cell phone conversations or shopping frenzy of consumer gluttony.

I'm weird. The thing I look forward to most is the get-togethers filled with holiday cheer and seasonal good will, the Christmas songs, the winter drab being taken over with lights and bells and tinsel, the children buzzing with anticipation. I love the smells of baking and specialty coffee and snow in the air.

What happened to Joy? Peace on Earth? Good will toward all? Including the silenced Santas.

Today, Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting prompt is: "What do you wish to transform?"

I wish to take the Grinch and Master card out of Christmas and transform it back to the magical, loving, sharing, joyous season it should be.

Come Get Your Love :)

Happy Holidays my dear ones! :)

The hectic part of the holidays is over! Whoop! The preparations continue. With holiday tunes playing, and a mug of coffee with Bailey's, I will wrap the gifts and ponder my blessings, which are many.

My thoughts turn to the lovely friends I have made in the blogging world, and because I won't have time before Yule to visit all my favorite blogs and send them love, I will do so here, and in no particular order.

• Dear Tracy from your lovely land of Seaside Enchantment, may the holidays wrap you in the love of your wonderful husband and your lovely children; and may their love carry you through the fantastic years to come. Thank you for bringing the simple enchantment into our lives through your blog. :)

• Dear Kate from Lens.Us.Together, may your life be filled with the beauty and wonder that I find in all your stunning photography, and may the closeness you have with your dear ones nurture you throughout all your days. :)

• Dear Jane from Painted House 52, may you find the connection with your little ones, especially your daughter; may your blossoming and passionate love with your husband grow stronger every minute; may you find your unique path to fulfillment in every aspect of your being! You are a talented, beautiful, strong woman! :)

• Dear Suzie from Suzie the Foodie, may you find oneness with nature and the welcome in your surroundings; may health pump through your body, and your soul soar in joy; may the love you have with your husband entwine you in wonder; and may the joy you find enrich your heart and soul and carry you through the challenges. Thank you for the awesome recipes, the grounded wisdom, the magickal discoveries you bring!

• Dear Connie from Dirty Footprints aka Creative Juicy Life, may your creative juices flow in their unstoppable power, and fill the world with the awesomeness that is you. May you bask in the love that is in your life and may it carry you to more juicy adventures. Thank you for sharing your soul and art with us. What a priceless gift you give. :)

• Dear Rosebud from For the Love of Beads, may you and your dears ones enjoy abundance, health and love; and may the beauty of your wonderful bead creations decorate the world like you ignite the imagination with your gorgeous creations. :)

• Dear Boho from Bohemian Mom, may you and your Hatchling know solace of hearth, steadiness of income, health, and of course a new car; may the love you have for each other become a shining beacon to all those around you, because you are truly an inspiring, powerhouse! You are a gem amongst the rocks, and don't you forget it! :)

• Dear Maithri from The Soaring Impulse, may the world be flooded with your lovely spirit, your endless giving, your inspiring footsteps. You bless all those who come in contact with you with your generosity, your compassion, your humor and your loving intention. May you be blessed with all that and more :)

• Dear Jamie from Jamie Ridler Studios, may your holidays be merry, filled with love and gathering. May the abundance of wisdom, and wishes, and the inspiration that you shower on us come back to you tenfold. You are love, Jamie, and it's an honor to know you. The happiest of holidays to you, Justin, and your dear ones. :)

• Dear Shannon from Original Bliss, may your steps take you on the path that you most crave, the path of fulfillment in every sense. May your incredible strength shine your way through the many changes in your life. Your artwork and your words have fertilized my mind and heart and soul. May you enjoy the wondrous love you share with your amazing husband and most talented children these holidays and forever. :)

• Dear Michelle from Dolls-n-Art, may the holiday festivities carry you throughout the year, surrounded by your love and loved ones, filled with creative abundance and success. I truly enjoy your dolls and your art. Your uniqueness is undeniable! :)

• Dear Shell from Swanofdreamers, may the magic you weave through your stories and dreams envelop you with love and possibility. May your path be fulfilling and your days filled with joy. You bring a smile to my face every time I visit your blog and you visit mine. Thank you :)

• Dear Judi from Mindmists, you are a superhero in my book, with your cargo pants, unique style and delicious humor, you rise above all situations like a shining star. May you find your love, may health be your constant companion, and may joy weave through your days like pixie dust. :)

• Dear Serena from Serena Lewis, may the love you filter through your spectacular art and photography, the caring you show with your every visit, the joy you share with your every word, carry you and your loved ones through the days and fill them with the magic that is you. :)

• Dear Paula from Happysnappy, may the laughter and humor you share with us be endless, and nourish your life and your creations. You are a ray of sunshine that lights the path for all of us. Thank you! May the holidays bring you, your wonderful husband and your amazing children much joy! :)

• Dear Dia from Vestella's Vale, as the wisdom of your words guide us, as the beauty of your harp enchants us, as the deliciousness of your discoveries enthrall us, so I wish for you every day of your life. The happiest of holidays to you and yours! :)

• Dear Tabby from I Choose Bliss, may the bliss and love you spread through the world, with your words and actions, motivate everyone to follow your lead, and make the earth a better place to live. To say you are an inspiration, is to make a huge understatement. I admire you beyond what words can describe. Much love, health, abundance and wonder to you, your incomparable husband and your lovely Princess. :)

• Dear Rebecca from The Difference a Year Makes, may your holidays be merry, may health wash over you and your husband, may that which you seek float to your doorstep. :)

• Dear Caroline from Whimsical Whispers, may the zen in you grow stronger like a light that can never be extinguished. May the wonderland that you share with us through your photography be your permanent residence. May love color your every moment, and wash it with the beauty that you bring! :)

• Dear Rowena from Warrior Girl, You're a Warrior Mama, Now, may your seeking soul find its pot of gold; and as the flying girls bring us to magical new lands, may your artwork be prosperous and abundant. May your novel be published; but most of all, may the love you share with your family be endless. :)

• Dear Kim from Queen of Arts, may the love you spread through your art and your stones multiply and come skipping merrily back to you tenfold! May the zest with which you greet life be eternal. Happy holidays to you, David and yours! :)

• Dear Tori from Tori's Path, may you continue to grow into the independent and wonderful woman you have become. You've come a long way honey, and I am so proud of you. Much accomplishment, fulfillment and joy I wish for you and yours. May life be as tasty as your culinary creations! :)

• Dear Molly from Her Speak, may the fluid, funky, flourishing spendiferousness that are your creations continue to flow through you and into the world. You bedazzle us with your abundant creativity like no other. Happy holidays to you, your Muffin and your loved ones. May stardust scatter on your path. :)

• Dear Pen from The Penny Has Dropped, may you and Cam know the peace, love, abundance and joy that you richly deserve. May your path to enlightenment be wondrous and fantastical, like your photography, your art and your words. :)

• Dear Dawn from Today and Everyday, may you continue to exude the tranquillity, peace and happiness that flows out into the world with your words, and creativity. May happiness settle in your very being permanently. :)

• Dear Pamela from A Touch of Inspiration, may the holidays be filled with fun, love, family, deliciousness, and discovery. May the path you seek glow brightly before you so that you may enjoy the new adventure. Health and abundance to you and yours :)

• Dear Rebecca from Just a Thought, may your amazing talent find lucrative recognition, may you be healthy and may love bind every moment of your experience. You are truly one of a kind who has ignited the imagination of many. Best of luck to you with POD and your endeavors, and the happiest and healthiest of holidays too! :)

• Dear Kara from Mother Henna, may your path to self-fulfillment be abundant and joyous; may the guiding light that you flood into the world, shine a glorious way to your own path. Your artwork and your words touch all of us in so many wondrous ways! Thank you :)

• Dear Holly from Your Mother Knows But Won't Tell You, when I think of you, I think of Goddess Mother. You open your arms to the world and embrace us with love and wisdom, with laughter and joy. May the world embrace you with the like and so much more :)

• Dear Linda from Vulture Peak Muse, may health flood your limbs, muscles, veins and pores and give you the energy of the sun. May love be your comforter. May the beauty of your words, your incomparable art, and photography and your potent words spread through the world like fireworks :)

• Dear Gemma from Gemmashouse, may the shining star at its zenith guide you like your art brings stars to our eyes, your words stellar power to our souls. May the holidays and every day be filled with love, health, and exciting discovery. :)

• Dear Tammie Lee from Spirithelpers, like your sparkling photography, your stunning images, your soulful poetry that brings such wonder to our eyes and hearts, may you be filled with the joy and wonder and beautiful love they bring. :)

• Dear Danette from The Drawing Board, may the new road you have taken bring you much discovery, creativity, joy and love. May you find the beauty that you bring to the world. :)

• Dear Jenn from Jennerosity, may your unique point of view, your manifold talents, and your amazing perspective flourish; may the holidays and every day bring you love, health and prosperity. :)

• Dear Steve From Color Sweet Tooth, as an explorer of image and color, an adventurer of experience and joy, a traveller of many wondrous paths, you have given us amazing perspective. May every day be a glorious adventure filled with laughter, joyous surprises, fulfilling love and splendid creativity. :)

• Dear Anna from Hoboj a Basa, as you fill the world with beautiful music, may your life have a soundtrack of love, creativity, abundance and exploration! :)

• Dear Kavindra from Lisa's Soul Getting Shinier, may your every day be filled with the uniqueness of your expression, the warmth of your compassion, the wisdom of your seeking, and the love of your intention. :)

• Dear Robyn from Tales of Inglewood, may your days be lighter, and you find the enchantment that your garden holds in every aspect of your life. You are truly magickal; may that magick fill your world. :)

• Dear Allison from Creative Positive Spin, like the childlike joy of your hooping may your days be filled with delight, exploration, health and most importantly love. :)

• Dear Breedale from Perpetually Changing, as you tend to your growing, healthy, love-filled family, as you find your unique path, may you be filled with joy my friend. With joy eternal.

And if I have missed any one of you, it's not intentional. I can sit here for days thanking each and every one of you for all the joy, wisdom, inspiration and love you have brought me. May your lives be filled with these; and no matter what challenges life throws your way, may you find the strength, humour and companionship to deal with them.

Blessed be everyone and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :)

Don't Just Sit There!

Nine more days and my Vacation begins!

LORDIE!

This past weekend went by in a haze as I was mostly feeling under the weather and moderating my rest with other things I needed to do, like grocery shopping and laundry. I had the chills and a headache kept coming and going. I was expecting it to go into full-blown flu/cold, but I got no other symptoms. I guess I am just drained. So I napped a lot...

You have to re-energize somehow!

I had a delightful chat about Juicy Creative Life with Connie of Dirty Footprints Studio which you can listen to here !

It was absolutely lovely to talk to Connie. She is brimming with life and warmth and openness! I am so completely honored to have shared the unveiling of her new name and concept for her radio show and her blog! Connie rocks it like there has never been any rocking before! :)

I'm at summer school right now, and though I would love to hang in the lovely blogosphere, duty calls.

And in case you forgot, Monday is time to DANCE! Sing along with me..."do a deer..."

ENJOY!





I love the clapping at the end and that so many bystanders got into the act.
Have a great week everyone! :)

And the living is easy...

One thing I love about summer, is everything becomes more relaxed.
Stress melts away.
The weather is beautiful, even when it is raining.

I love it all!
Longer days.
Lovely breezes.
The sun.
The lush greenery and delicious scents of summer.
The patios.
The barbecues.
The back yard get-togethers.
Sitting on the porch in the evening.

Even during a garbage strike.
Even if I am working summer school.
Nothing seems to get to me.

So when someone complains about the weather (you will find those any season), I smile and say, "It's not snowing. It's not dark at 4 pm."

I can open up all the windows and let summer into my home.
I can go out in flip flops.
No boots. No coat. No layers.

You gotta love it!

And you know what else there is to love?

Monday and Dancing!
And do I have a treat for you! Enjoy! :)



How adorable is he?
Shake it babies! :)

Feed the Love

(click to enlarge)

This mosaic represents this week's wish.

1. Creativity, 2. Happy Girls Under a Rainbow, 3. Friendship, 4. I guess this is love, 5. Study of a small girl with a prize Scottish terrier dog, c. 1935 / by Sam Hood, 6. The Kiss, 7. Alegria!, 8. Welcome to wonderful Vancouver 2010, 9. Holidays Timetable

Happy Canada Day
my fellow Canuckers!!

A hundred and forty-two years ago this wonderful country became official. This country that epitomizes self-effacing humour, a zest for life despite the elements, or even because of them, an immense and unique creativity, an acceptance and celebration of diversity, a commitment to global peace-making efforts. And let's not forget hockey, despite the fact the Stanley Cup hasn't made it north in quite some time. Oh! And Tim Horton's coffee. All Hail to the Crack King of Java!

What makes this day even more special is that it falls on the weekly celebration of wishes, hosted by the effervescent, ever-gracious and lovely Canadian, Jamie Ridler ! Today, Jamie asks us a timely, as usual question:

"What do you wish to nurture?"

So today, with Tim Horton's coffee steaming at my side, I ponder, and the answer comes willingly, happily, bounding in like a satisfied puppy from a day of frolicking at the beach.

I wish to nurture all that my country stands for.
I wish to nurture creativity,
collaboration,
diversity,
friendship,
compassion
and embrace the world with love.

I wish to nurture the smiles
and glow
on people's faces as they accomplish something
they thought they couldn't.

I wish to nurture the warmth of camaraderie
like a steaming cup of hot chocolate on an icy day outside.

I wish to nurture the sparkle of a perfect sunny day
like clinking glasses on summer patios,
toasting life and all its rich possibilities.

I wish to nurture people's success and discovery.
Nurture the child-like wonder and amazement that we seem to lose as adults.

I wish to nurture clasped hands in support and humanity.

I wish to nurture love.
Unconditional,
joyous,
accepting,
giving,
compassionate,
creative
love.
One that buoys
and strengthens
as we move forward
into a future filled with possibilities.

Yeah baby. That's what I wish! What do you wish to nurture? Speak up!
And join the ever-growing circle of Wishcasters here!