The Evolution of Friendship

When I was 16 I met my BFF. As teenagers, we were inseparable peas in a pod that gravitated towards the eccentric. We loved Ashley MacIsaac, Dr. Suess, MC Escher and shopping at Value Village. Ha. When I think back on the adventures we had, I have to laugh.

Unfortunately, as the years pass, we don't see each other as often. Daily phone calls are replaced with sporadic email check-ins and weekend adventures have become afternoon coffee talk. Living in different cities hasn't helped.

When Karla Ann's mom offered to babysit Madilyn so we could take off for some cross-border shopping, we jumped at the chance. It was like old times as we set off in the Beetle on our mini road trip. Where else would we have dinner but at Olive Garden? It was always a favourite on our shopping trips to London. Especially the bread sticks!

What a great time we had... outlet shopping and catching up. Despite our infrequent friendship, Karla Ann knows me inside out. She will forever be my kindred spirit. Thanks for the memories friend.

Cancer Sucks

Last week, I grabbed my mail from the box as I was leaving the house. I was on my way to work and sifted through it while in the car. It contained the usual junk mail, a bill from Bell and a fat envelope from London Health Sciences Centre. The week before, I had signed up to be a Change Bandit for Children's Hospital and I assumed this was my information packet. I stuck my finger in the corner and slid it along the edge to open it. As I read the letter that was included, I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me.

The letter was from the Cancer Genetic Clinic at LHSC. Because of my family history, my family doctor had recommended me. I read and re-read the letter during the red lights on my way to work. They would like me to complete a family tree with as much information as I know about cancer in my family. Wow, how did cancer make its way into my family? It still seems so foreign to me.

The process is, of course, voluntary. This caused me to pause and wonder if it was something that I wanted to pursue. However, I determined that I want to be as proactive as I can be, so I will be completing the packet of info and going from there. It just caught me off guard arriving in my mailbox, as unassuming as it did.

Growing Up and Growing Old

I wish that when I was a kid, I realized just how good I had it. Footloose and fancy free. My biggest responsibility was practicing piano or doing homework.

As you get older, you acquire more responsibilities which leaves less time for fun. It's an unfortunate reality. However, I've decided that worse than growing up is growing old.

I have watched the steady decline of my Grammie's health recently. She is still rather independent but relies more on a cane (and subsequently a walker) and requires more assistance from her family and friends than she did before. I can see the frustration on her face and hear it in her voice when she wishes she could "trade in her legs for a good pair". How discouraging it must be when your body fails you. In your mind you can feel like a 20 year old but the reality is that ankles swell, knees get stiff and organs don't work as efficiently as they once did.

Visiting Grammie used to mean that she might take me somewhere special or I would get a treat. Now I take her somewhere special or bring her a treat. Slowly, the tables have turned. We both still enjoy our time together but it is a different role I play now.

This weekend we attended the Victorian Tea at the Moore Museum. It had been on the calendar for months and we had the perfect day. Beautiful sunny skies, a lovely afternoon at the museum my Grandad worked so hard to establish and we finished off the day with french fries by the river. I loved our day together and I know she loved it too. Just as a kid I would anticipate Grammie taking me somewhere special and eagerly awaiting the big day, it is now her turn to be taken out for the day.

I hope you take the time to appreciate the seniors in your life. Spend time listening to their stories, encouraging them when they get down and don't forget to take them out for a special day now and again.

The Iris

At this time of year, I love to walk through the neighbourhood and see the beautiful irises towering over the other flowers. The combination of their height, deep colours and ruffly petals make them my favourite!

For my birthday this year, my thoughtful brother gave me iris bulbs from his garden. I thought the gesture was sweet and didn't realize until this weekend that irises are his favourite too!

For the past few weeks I've had a couple of iris nubbins just waiting to bloom. I waited patiently and each day would check but they just didn't seem to want to burst forth. Finally this weekend I was graced with my first bloom. Thanks to Mark & Debbie Reddick who brought those bulbs last year to my house warming!

Victoria

Last weekend was my whirlwind trip to Victoria. As mentioned previously, we were presenting at the CEP Media Council. A ten hour trip there and back with 40 hours spent in Victoria...exhausting! But the scenery was great. What a beautiful city. Here are a few of my favourite pics:

Mamma Ellen

Today is Mother's Day. A day set aside by the greeting card companies and flower shops to honour our mothers. That sounds jaded. Don't get me wrong, I play along and get sentimental on this day, but when you have an amazing mom...you should honour her more than once a year!

I happen to have an amazing mom. I'm certain there are many out there that feel the same way about their own mom, but you can write about her on your own blog :)

My mom is the most selfless person I know. She is constantly doing for others and without herself. Her caring and nurturing personality made her an ideal nurse and all of her co-workers at "the Haven" (Twilight Haven and then Meadowview Villa) called her Mamma Ellen. As a kid, she knew how to: fix anything, proofread English papers, create amazing science projects, how the song you were practicing on piano was supposed to sound, and counsel you through whatever trial you were going through.

She instilled my love of music firmly within me. She sang to me before I was born and never really stopped. We would sing in the car, around the piano, at church, in the kitchen...well, you get the picture. Our repertoire of songs and lyrics is so extensive that many times a word will trigger an outburst of musical spontaneity.

My mom encouraged me in whatever venture I set out upon. She has been my biggest and unfailing cheerleader and her enthusiasm doesn't diminish!

The past several years in my family have been trying. She has had 2 daughters battle cancer, a sister-in-law (this term does not do justice the relationship between Mom & Peggy) also battle cancer and an extended recovery and transitioned her own mom from her home of 60 years to a seniors apartment. She has been a rock throughout all of these challenges because she knows the people she loves need her to be. In addition to the emotional support she has been nurse, medical translator, appointment scheduler, shuttle service, babysitter, hand holder, shoulder to cry on, prayer warrior, decision maker, peace maker and encourager. I am amazed at how she has handled the curve balls thrown her way.

So, here it is. My Ode to My Mother. Happy Mother's Day to my very favouritest woman. Thank you for all you do, all that you are and most of all, for my middle name :)

Thoughts on dads, weeds and memories.

Thank goodness for Dads. They really come through when it comes to projects around the house, don't you find? Since becoming a home owner last year, my Dad has been most helpful. In fact, I think the house has become a bonding agent for us.

This week he helped me out with my pathetic lawn. Somehow weeds have overtaken where the grass should be and it was looking rather ragged. I think it actually bothered Dad more than it bothered me, so we made a date for him to come and help me get it under control.

We worked out a system where he raked and I pulled what was left. Of course, we picked the hottest day of the year to do this...and it was humid. Hard work but fulfilling once we sprinkled on the grass seed and stretched out the garden hose to water.

At one point it started to rain. Not intense, but a gentle rain. In those moments I was transported back to when I was a kid and picking up rocks or pulling weeds with my siblings. We would squeal with delight and start to sing "it's beginning to rain rain rain" when the rain started. It meant we could quit and head for the house.

It's funny what triggers a memory and the things that are actually stored in your memory. The rain didn't last this week and we got the job done. Now I just need to wait to see little green shoots appear on my front lawn!

Thanks Dad! You're the best.

PREZI-riffic

For the past several months, I have been working on a presentation as part of a sub committee of my union (CEP). The committee had been formed in the fall to research and compile a white paper on the effects of multimedia/social media on journalism. My co-worker Scrappy is chair of the committee and brought me on board in February to design a presentation and website to display their findings.

The process has been such a great experience that is outside my every day duties at work. Originally Scott had been compiling their information into a Power Point. When I saw it, I had one word: Prezi. If you have not experienced a Prezi, you should check it out here. It's a pretty slick little piece of software for presentations. Once I showed Scrappy the demo, he was convinced. We have spent many hours perfecting our little Prezi and I must admit I am happy with the results.

In addition to building the Prezi, we have deposited our research and resources onto a website. And, as a value-added bonus to the web, we interviewed local tech analyst Carmi Levy about the current and future state of journalism. All shot on my iPhone and edited with iMovie, I am quite happy with the result. And, since I couldn't save our Prezi onto the website we whipped up a PowerPoint that contains the same info and is downloadable/viewable on the web.

So, everything culminates this weekend in Victoria at the national conference. I'll be making a mad dash there and back but looking forward to seeing the final product and its reaction.

Tradition

I'm gearing up for this Saturday's annual town-wide yard sale day in Petrolia. I'm not sure when it started but it's been around as long as I can remember. Not only is it fun to wander around town, sorting through other people's junk in search of a treasure...but it becomes a social event. A reunion of sorts. I have attended with old friends, new friends, and family. I particularly remember the year Lisa bought a thigh master or when Sue & I stayed over at Connie's just days after finding out Madison was joining the family.

Hope the weather holds out this year because, after all, when else can you buy a hot dog from a stranger on their front lawn at 8am?

Cowgirl and Hopscotch

I have previously blogged about adventures with my friend Laurie Lane and also of my love of country music. Last night they collided in an evening of great fun!

It seems like ages ago that I heard of Alan Jackson coming to the JLC. He's always been one of my favourite country artists, so naturally I wanted to go. I knew exactly who to ask to accompany me! Laurie is also a country girl at heart and enjoys some good foot stompin' music.

We started the evening at The Works on King Street. It is just steps from the JLC so it was really busy. But, that just gave us lots of opportunity to catch up. Laurie is one of those treasured friends and when we get together, it's equal parts roll on the floor laughter and honest-to-goodness heart to hearts. 

The Works is a pretty fun place to eat with a unique atmosphere. Lots of interesting things on the walls and their serving style is also cool. Our meals came in a metal cake pan and our drinks in a glass measuring cup! Delicious food and lots of hilarity from Ms. Lane. She noted that while I had my cowboy boots on, the most country she could rustle up were her "hopscotch shoes". I'm not sure why she called them that but it hit me as very funny.

Last night confirmed the special spot I have reserved for country music. The long and lanky Alan Jackson sauntered on stage and sang most of his #1 hits. I sang along with almost every word. I particularly liked it when the camera shooting for the overhead screens showed us a close up of his boots while he tapped his toe from side to side.

Someday, Laurie and I plan to hit Nashville to take in the Grand Ole Opry. It may take us years, but it just seems like something we need to do. Thanks Laurie for a great night out!

The Stats

As a nerd at heart, I get my kicks out of reviewing stats from my blog. I like to see how many people have visited and where they are from.

One of the trends I have found most amusing in recent months is that the most hits I get from google searches is for Carpenters Christmas Portrait. I blogged about it back in December while contemplating Christmas music. Surprisingly there are a lot of people that google that CD. I'm curious. Why the interest in a Christmas CD in February, March and April?

The other big hit I get from google is for "boobies bracelets". This is not surprising to me after writing about the corporatization of breast cancer here.

Other runners-up for top searches include: Connie's of Petrolia (my sister's restaurant), Fanshawe student card, Jian Ghomeshi and Scott Lightfoot (who knew?).

Capturing A Moment In Time

I have always been taken with the art of photography. I couldn't wait to get my very own camera when I was a kid. It was with guarded enthusiasm that I clicked the button. You see, back in "the day" cameras were loaded with film (which cost money) which needed to be developed (which costs money). It could take a few months for me to finish off a roll of 24 exposures and drop it off at the store for processing. Three days later you could return to pick up the prints and hope for the best. It was a gamble what they would look like until you opened that envelope.

As a teenager, I bought my first SLR camera and took a 6 week class at Clouse Photography in Petrolia. Film and processing was included so we were encouraged to snap away. It gave me a chance to be creative. I loved it!

Over time I forgot some of the specifics I had picked up about F-stops and aperture and the camera stayed in its case more often than not. I favoured the convenience of a smaller point and shoot. Then digital came to town. It was inevitable that I make the move. After all, it was much more convenient and just think of the money you could save on film and processing!

The progression continued with the move to a digital SLR and now an iPhone. An iPhone, you may consider a regression, but it's the social integration, convenience and ease of use that makes it essential. Once I discovered Instagram, I was hooked. Instagram allows you to do a few quick edits to your pictures and immediately post online. It's fabulous. I started following a fellow Londoner on Instagram recently that was posting under the hashtag #ldnviews. All photos of London and all great art. I was disappointed that I missed the art show but apparently there is one coming up in the fall. All using an iPhone and Instagram. Cool!

Some people just have an eye for photography and it shows. My friend Scott is phenomenal at looking at things from an interesting angle, seeing things from a different perspective and then capturing it. I'm still trying to figure out if you can develop that talent or if it's one you're born with. I will continue on my quest...

Kim-dred Spirits

There are few times in life where your path crosses that of another that offers the kind of friendship I share with my friend Kim. This week I realized just how much I miss her.

It's been nearly two years since Kim moved to Winnipeg with her family and this week drove back to Ontario for their spring break. When I answered the door and saw my old friend, it was like pulling on my favourite sweater on a cold day.

Kim knows me. She knows my story, my back story and the story of my family. We haven't been the best at keeping in touch but we instantly picked up where we left off. We can laugh and we can cry. When it was time for her to leave, I was sad... but also realized just how much I love my dear friend.

Pink Washing

This weekend I watched an eye-opening and interesting movie. It's called Pink Ribbons Inc. and as you can guess from the name, it explores a phenomenon labelled "pink washing".

In the past 15-20 years companies have been capitalizing on the colour pink in the name of breast cancer. You have certainly seen these items in various stores...everything from a pink hammer, vaccuum cleaner or food products with a little pink ribbon on them.

When you stop to think about the money that is raised each year for breast cancer research (or just cancer in general) it is mind boggling. From selling these pink products and donating a pittance to research (usually 10 cents or so) to the various runs and walks in support of the cause, millions of dollars are raised and donated to research.Why then, is the risk of getting breast cancer increasing rather than decreasing? In the 1940's ...the chance of a woman getting breast cancer was 1 in 22. Now the risk is 1 in 8.

I can understand the draw to participating in the walks/runs. Survivors and their families feel empowered and a sense of belonging. It would be very easy to get caught up in the hype that inevitably accompanies these events. But, I ask you to stop and question just where the money is going. Only 5% is going towards research on prevention. It's interesting that so much money is being spent on research to find a cure for something that we cannot prevent. Very little, if any, is going to support those that are directly effected by the disease. To me, it is unthinkable that someone can be diagnosed and sent on their way with little more than an appointment for chemotherapy and a free wig. This is a life changing moment for these women and they need support. They need someone to talk to about so many aspects of what they are about to go through and they need direction in regards to what resources are available to them. And they need resources to be available to them.

What is certainly puzzling is companies that "support" breast cancer with these campaigns but also sell products that are known to be linked to the disease. Avon, and Estée Lauder have pink campaigns and yet they sell products that are hazardous. Check out websites like this one for more info.

The colour pink was chosen for this cause because it is associated with comfort, feminine, soothing, warmth, tender and affection. People get a warm fuzzy feeling when they support the pink ribbon campaign. However, there really is nothing comforting or affectionate about getting a breast cancer diagnosis. Consider seeing this film or at the very least, think twice before you purchase a pink ribbon product.

St. Patrick's Day Hangover

Today is the day after St. Patrick's Day and I cannot believe the aftermath we are dealing with in London. St. Paddy's revellers in the Fanshawe College area got completely out of hand last night with what started as a mattress burning in the street and ended with a CTV news truck overturned and torched and 11 people being arrested.

I tuned into the story about 1:30am on Twitter. I had been "unplugged" all night and before heading for bed, I checked my email. Some of the tweets that were popping up on my screen caught my attention and as I started to read more of the story I was shocked and disgusted.

Following up on the story today made my stomach turn. As I watched the visuals of people hurling 2x4s, beer bottles and anything else they could get their hands on at police while dancing around a burning vehicle in the street, it made me question where society is headed. These types of destructive mobs have popped up recently in Vancouver and the other London. These people are not even protesting an oppressive government or abusive power...they are simply self indulgent, privileged and ignorant.

Why do people of this generation feel they are entitled to act however they desire with no consequences? It is time for people to take responsibility for their actions and grow up. I sincerely hope that anyone caught on camera (or otherwise identified) are charged and reprimanded appropriately.

PS...

I forgot to mention that I ran into Dolly Parton on our road trip. I had to get my picture with her...she's one of my faves!

Road Trippin'

Yes, there has been a hiatus in my blogging. Sometimes life gets a little busy and blogging doesn't find it's way to the top of the priority list. Last week I headed to the sunny south for some fun in the sun with my sister & co. I did check my email while I was there but made a conscious effort not to sit on the computer the whole time. That meant no social media updates and very brief if any replies to email!

Anyway, after spending a week in Florida we spent 2 days traveling the highways and byways of the US of A. I'm not sure why, but there is something about the "road trip" that is so appealing to me. Passing through major cities and we noted all they are known for and sang songs associated with them. (WKRP in Cincinnati, Nashville Cats and Midnight in Montgomery were all sung on this journey)

One of the stops on the trip home was in Montgomery, Alabama. What a beautiful city! The reason we stopped was to see where Martin Luther King Jr. lived. It was a bit challenging to find (come on Montgomery, better signage needed for such historic landmarks!) and it was closed to the public while we were there, but it was a moving experience. I saw where they marched from Selma to Montgomery and imagined what it was like that day. I saw the church where MLKJ was the pastor and just up the street I also saw the house where he and his family lived. I would love to return someday when I can spend more time exploring.

Also on the way home, Connie and I kept seeing signs for places we visited on family vacations when we were younger. One sign in particular made us both burst out laughing! The Mammoth Caves in Kentucky was an excruciating afternoon with the family where we wandered far beneath the earth looking at stalactites and stalagmites. The proverbial light at the end at the tunnel was the "snowball cafe" where we were going to have lunch. LOL...the snowball cafe ended up being styrofoam bowls of chili served at picnic tables. We still lament the Mammoth Caves so when we saw the sign on the highway he had to snap a pic. Unfortunately it was at night so it's not the best but we needed to capture the memory.

Do you enjoy road trips? Have fond memories of family vacations? Share in the comments!

moments

As promised Peggy and I recently spent the day together working on her quilt. At this point it's not so much a quilt but rather 12 squares of embroidery. I wasn't quite sure how to embroidery when I got there but it didn't take long to pick it up.

We had such a nice time chatting and stitching our needlework. Yes, I realize this makes me sound like an old biddy ...but for an afternoon, I was! We stopped for lunch when my cousin Esther showed up with buns and sandwich fixings. Peggy had a little cat nap while Esther and I watched Whitney Houston's funeral. Well, I was watching and embroidering!

Little moments like these spent with people we love are the best moments in life. I hope you have many of these!

Who Is Paul McCartney?

This question popped up on my Facebook feed this morning, linking here. (please excuse the ignorance and use of profanity) I'm assuming this transpired during or following last night's Grammy Awards.

It's a little shocking but also disappointing that (I'm assuming) young people today would not know who this legend is. I experienced something similar when using my Paul McCartney Starbucks card. I handed it to the teenager behind the counter and he looked at it and said "Oh, there's some guy on your card. Weird, I've never seen that one." I responded with "Some guy? That is Paul McCartney." He gave me a blank stare and proceeded with my order.

As you well know, I'm a big fan of McCartney so of course I'm appalled. But even so, I think there is something to be gained from knowing a little bit of pop history. I grew up in the 80s/90s but I still know a lot of music and TV shows from the 70's 60's and beyond. Without those pioneers, we wouldn't have our current pop culture. I think it's more than simply remembering the "good old days"...especially for me. I don't remember those days, but I certainly appreciate what happened in those days. I hope you do too :)

Cultivating Memories

I've always known that I'm a sentimentalist. I tend to attach sentimental value to things that hold memories for me.

In the past few weeks, I've been feeling sentimental about, of all things, farm machinery! Yes, it's true. Melancholy for tractors, combines, ploughs and augers. Let me explain.

Last Father's Day my Dad announced to us (his children) that he was going to retire from farming. He had been contracting different jobs out over the past few years and decided now was the time to call it a day. Farming is definitely hard work and Dad wants to enjoy his golden years as a retired man. Not semi-retired. This announcement knocked the wind out of me. Farmer and Dad were always synonymous in my mind. I couldn't imagine him not working the land.

Winter is a pretty quiet time for farmers and the notion had left my mind for the most part. Until, that is, I was asked to help with some photos he wanted to post for selling his machinery. I really can't explain it, but I was so sad when I thought of the shed being emptied of its contents. It's not like I ever use this equipment myself but the fact that it was being sold for someone else to use... well, it bothered me. I asked Dad if he felt that way and he was very matter-of-fact about it. He wouldn't be needing the equipment so of course he would sell it.

Time moves on and things are constantly changing. The great thing about memories is that you will always have them. They can't be sold or shipped out. My Dad will always be a farmer in my mind, whether he's driving a combine or not.