Moments -D36; Volleyball Stars

Yes, it is true, there are such things as volleyball stars.  I know, most people wouldn't even have that register (really volleyball "stars"?), but it's true they do exist!  (Unlike, say, Unicorns!)

I've always wanted to invest in a beach volleyball net, but with too many other responsibilities on my plate I didn't have the time to play as often as I'd like to justify the expense.  This year though is a different story.  This year I will have ample time to spend on the beach setting up big spikes and digging out balls.  I'll be able to share my love of the game with many others.

Today I picked up my very own beach volleyball net & accessories from Canuck Stuff.  That was a moment in itself!  But the bigger moment was meeting Mark Heese.  He's a Olympic bronze medalist for Canada.  He was incredibly sweet and helpful and I didn't make the connection of who he was until after I left the store.  Funny how things happen sometimes!

So today's moment is a nod to our Canadian athletes.  I respect the amount of time, energy and passion that they must have to become Olympians.

Meeting a Canadian Olympian made me smile today.

Moments - D35; Bunnies

If anyone out there is a Buffy fan, well, really, all I’d have to do is leave today’s post with the title.

But, since I assume not everyone is a Buffy fan….

Today’s moment was brought on by a little furry friend.

Today I helped a very dear soul move some of her stuff from an old home to her new home in a new city. She’s going to be much further away now and for this I am a wee bit sad. But, I’m also quite happy for her to stretch her wings and find HER path.

After we had arrived to her new home, unpacked the cars and settled in for dinner….we noticed a wee rabbit in the backyard. For me, it was a sign that this was right for her. Seeing her excitement at the rabbit, seeing her thrilled to take a picture of her “backyard bunny”, it all clicked together.

The moment of knowing this is the right path for her.

To many more exciting moments for my dear friend.

(a very blurry picture of the bunny)

Moments - D34; Waxing Moons

Today was a busy, bustling day at work. It was productive and fulfilling. But today’s moment that stopped and made me smile, the moment that had my heart warmed was when I looked to the waxing moon….tonight 62.2% visible (yes, there IS an app for that!).

The moon has always held a special spot in my heart. It offers me comfort in knowing that loved ones can see what I see. I know, that even if we are apart, we are connected by this vision. This moment typically calms me and I take an extra long moment to reflect upon this knowledge.

A moment of connection - beyond space.

Moments - D33; Greetings

Today was my newly aged (6 years) nephew’s birthday party. I arrived with my brother to the Loblaws cooking party a little later than the rest of the party goers. My two nephews were already seated at the big table and as I walked in they both looked up and hollered out to me. ”Hi Aunt Jen” - it was perfectly synchronized even though they were at opposite ends of the table.

Yes. That moment warmed my heart today. I enjoyed every moment I spent with them at the party (making pizzas and decorating cupcakes) and then later at home playing some games.

Heart warming moments.

Moments - D32; Sunburns

Today was a day filled with many smiles and contentment for me. After all, I was on the beach playing my favourite sport for nearly 4.5 hours. It was a gorgeous day - partially cloudy, not to hot and a wee breeze. Perfect in so many ways.

But, that’s not the moment I want to share. The moment that brought a big smile to my face, was post volleyball as I was sitting eating an early dinner/late lunch. At some point, during a sip of my “Dirty French Canadian” cocktail, I scratched the back of my knee and what pain shot through me. Low and behold, I had forgotten to put sunscreen on the back of my legs. BOTH were quite sun burnt.

Oh yes. I had a good giggle in that moment. In fact, I’m sure it will bring giggles for the next couple of days as I share the story.

Fun, silly moments.

Moments - D31; Friendly Bathroom Spider

I haven't seen my resident bathroom spider for days, possibly even weeks before I saw her again this morning. What a happy, delightful moment I had when I noticed that not only was she still with me, but that she had grown nearly twice her original size.

And then, something horrific nearly happened, she climbed down from the ceiling an into the bathtub as I was showering. There was a moment where I had lost her. Fortunately, after clearing the shampoo from my eyes, I was able to collect her from the bathtub and place her safely on the vanity. Phew. Disaster averted. What a roller coaster! ;)

A silly spider moment, but I really love my spider friend. She's been with me since I moved into my new apartment back in February. Hopefully she'll have her fill of summer bugs soon!

Moments - D30; Sharing Moments Across the Miles

Today I shared a few important moments with someone special even though she is a 5 hour drive away.

It's the ability to share thoughts and moments nearly instantaneously. It's being available for those you love and offering a shoulder to cry on (or in this case an ear to listen...well, actually an eye to read!).

I'm glad I have such special relationships in my life. I'm fortunate.

A moment with a friend. A moment to be a sounding board or offer a needed boost.

Yes. I do love those moments.

Moments - D29; Colds and Working Out

I have had a cold since last Monday.  It knocked me out flat for three days and I still have a lingering cough.

I gave up my workouts last week - I was simply too low energy and sick to consider pushing my body.

Today, even with the lingering cough and low energy I decided to push it.  I was fearful that I'd fall into a coughing fit as our instructor pushed us hard with the aerobic portion of our workout tonight.

MUCH to my surprise, I was perfectly fine.  I may have been a little slower than normal and a little less competitive to be done quickly and in perfect form, but I didn't have a coughing fit.

It was when I was pushing out my 110th push up that I realized just how resilient we can be.  Even though I'm not 100% I am still able to accomplish quite a lot; it just took the ability to get past the fear of failure and some patience with self.

Now really, this kind of realization can be applied to may instances in life, not just post cold.

I love those moments where you are reminded how strong you can be.

Moments of strength.

Moments - D28; Tennis Anyone?

Today I played tennis for the first time in years. I've never been a good tennis player as there is simply too much of a badminton player in me and the technique of hitting a ball versus a birdie are incredibly different.

However, today, I managed to have a lot of fun playing tennis. I EVEN managed to not hit the ball outside of the tennis courts. THIS is a first for me and made me smile!

So - today's moment: Trying something old with a new perspective. You never know what might become of it.

I think I'm going to really enjoy the tennis courts this summer. In fact, I'm actually looking forward to it.

A moment to believe that you can learn!

Moments - D27; Cards & Laughter

One thing I always loved as a kid was the amount of board games and card games my family & I enjoyed.

It is a pastime that, to this day, I love to share with friends and family.

Today was a morning filled with giggles and cards. And hey - since I happened to win the game of Canasta, that doesn’t hurt either….does it? :)

A moment I love. A moment to share.

Moments - D26; Bird Baths and Baby Spiders

Today was a day of conflicting emotions. It was a gorgeous day, unexpected for May 2 - 4 weekend. We went shopping at a greenhouse for the annual plant buy. The emotions were conflicting because I love spending time with my parents and I love gardening. BUT....and this is the catch, this is something that I loved to do at my home. Build my own gardens to be lush and beautiful for the summer. It's the first time I had a pang of sadness for my home. (It was sold back in April.) My gardens would just be starting to show-off and it would be time for me to add the little annual accessories.

Yes - I miss my gardens. But there will be other gardens. Dare I even dream, better gardens.

Once that sadness passed, I had my hands in the dirt at my old home - the one where I grew up. As I sat under the 36 year old maple tree (where every September my Mom took a picture of my brother and I before we started school) I watched the sparrows playing in the bird bath. As I watched, I could feel the calm set in. THIS is what down time is all about. Watching. Appreciating. Enjoying the world around you.

Then I had an inch worm join me in my chair. That was fun! I took a few pictures of him! Here's one.

And later, exploring the gardens, we came across a web of baby spiders. Very cool, and very interesting to watch.

Yes - these are the moments that I love. Watching the leaves rustle in the whisper of a breeze. Laughing at the birds play in the water. Cheering on the inch worm to it's next big jump. And being amazed by the hundreds of spiders.

Moments of my wonder of the world around me. So much more meaningful to me than lamenting the past.

Moments - D25; Roads less Travelled

Today I travelled from my new home town to my old home town. Being the long weekend, the traffic on the highway was atrocious. So feeling somewhat adventurous and in no rush to get home, I decided to ask my GPS for an alternative route minus the "freeways".

I soon found myself winding up an incredibly steep road up the escarpment. It was gorgeous. A slow drive up through the newly leaved trees, an array of green and maroon. The tree lined curving road went on for a good 5 minutes, it was so lovely. So calming and pretty.

Once up the "mountain" I found myself amoungst vineyards and orchards. Then the terrain changed to farmland and I was fascinated by the dirt (or dust) devils in the fields. I saw four of them in my travels home. I haven't seen these in YEARS!

Once home, my day was filled with laughter love and fun conversation. We were unexpected joined by additional family.

It was a day of new experiences, old experiences and love.

Moments to share and remember.

Moments - D24; Black and White NOT!

There are people in the world that will insist that the world around them is full of defined things or moments.  In fact some believe that their path is predestined.  That answers are black or they are white.

I am not one that believes this.  I celebrate the many, MANY shades of grey that surround us.  I celebrate the unknown.  Discussing the unknown and analyzing the same.    For without shades of grey, how are we ever to know what is black and what is white?

And, for the record, while I believe we all have a purpose in life, I also believe that our path(s) chosen are not predestined.  We have choice on how we find and share that purpose in life.  This is the grey.  Choosing a path can be grey.  (read uncertain!)

It’s like having a great relationship with someone.  ANYONE really.  A parent.  A best friend.  A lover.  Answers are never simply black or white - after all there are two (or more) perspectives in the mix.  I believe this amplifies the many shades of grey between the extreme answers.   BUT - without this grey matter I think things between people would be quite boring.  There really wouldn’t be much to discuss or learn.  It’s truly the grey that brings us depth of understanding another soul and what their heart holds.

So I say - “Bring on the grey.  Celebrate the grey.  Question the Black & White answers offered because there is often much more going on beneath the surface.”

A moment shared from deep inside my soul.  Grey.  Celebrate it.

Moments - D23; Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

You know, when I was a kid my Mom would make my brother and I tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner from time to time.  It was always a favourite of mine.

I forget sometimes just how much joy something so simple can be.  Today, since I was home sick again, I made myself tomato soup and grilled cheese.  The ooowwweee gooey goodness of the grilled cheese (old school grilled cheese with Kraft slices and a slice of tomato in it) complimented my organic basil tomato soup.  It brought me back to a warm childhood memory AND it satiated me.  What more can a girl ask for on a beautiful spring day, stuck inside sick?  Yes - the oooooweeeeee gooey goodness of grilled cheese and tomato soup.

A moment to smile.  A moment remembering past days.

Moments - D22; Rainy Mornings

Today I had to stay home from work again.  My cold worsened overnight and I certainly don’t want to share this with the folks at work.  Fortunately I can (and do) login and work from home….in bed….in my jammies!

My window was open overnight to enjoy the warm spring breeze….and I awoke to the beautiful music of a light rain.    I didn’t even open my eyes.  I just lay there enjoying the moment.  As I rolled over and dug in a little deeper into my duvet the rain became a downpour.  I could hear the rain beating upon the window and the ground below.  It was a beautiful sound.  A smile upon my face as I fell back asleep.

A beautiful moment to remember and share

Moments - D21; Foliage

Yes - that's right.  Foliage.

I see you scratching your head.  Pause.

One of my favourite times of year is when the trees no longer are bare.  They are no longer with bud.  It's that magical moment where within a day they seem to go "poof" and be full of foliage.

Today was that day for me.  It felt like all the trees in my neighbourhood exploded with their leaves today.  It's a magical moment.  And one I look forward to every year.  

Moments - D20; Hot Hot Baths

Today I had a hot hot bath at the end of my day.  Being home sick, I feel fortunate to be able to have hot hot baths whenever I want/need one.

Hot hot baths.  A luxury really.  One that helps with achy muscles and stuffed up heads.

A moment to pause and reflect and appreciate.

Moments - D19; Random Roads

Today was laid back relaxing kind of day spent with one of my dearest friends.

She's  been going through some intense life changes, but as she finds the tools she needs to better process through those changes I've seen her confidence build.  It has been soul warming to see this process.  I am proud of her.  I believe she will find her path and walk it with pride.  I feel that time is coming soon!

Today we spent some time in the car.  We were going to check out a festival, but it seemed underwhelming and over populated due to Mother's Day.  So, on the fly, we decided to go for a drive.  We had a direction, but no real purpose or path.  We were not bound by time or desire.  It reminded me that sometimes in life we need to set aside expectations and just walk the path.  (Or in this case drive the path!)  She and I enjoyed our 1.5 hr drive from one city to another.  We experienced things we wouldn't have otherwise experienced had we not followed random roads on our journey.

It was a reminder - a moment to share and remember.

A moment to remind us to let go of plans and expectations.

A moment.

Moments - D18; Death & Baptisms

Today started early for me - 4:50am. I was on a train to Ottawa leaving at 6:40am. Coffee in hand, I fully intended on sleeping on the train. Two hours into the trip and the train comes to a halt.

There's been a tragic accident ahead of us. Someone trying to run across the tracks was struck and killed by the train heading to Toronto. How incredibly sad. Overall we were delayed by 2.5 hours by this incident. Long enough for the woman sitting behind me to miss the baptism that she was headed to. Life and death. Present. The cycle of the world us ever present today with me.

It was a big reminder to live everyday to its fullest. To be true. To be open.

Death and Life.

After a day of relaxing and catching up we were sitting on the balcony enjoying the spring air. The clouds were a stunning swirl of colour, layers and textures. The sun breaking through and its rays bathing the sky in warmth. It was a beautiful moment. And in that extended moment, I thanked the universe for all that I am fortunate to have in my life. For today, someone's family is mourning. I am fortunate. I am surrounded in love and light.

Moments to reflect.

Moments to remind.

Moments - D17; Lost in the Music

Today’s magical moment was born out of an evening of music.

Music is special to me. I’ve always related to music throughout my life. Every milestone in my life has sound associated with it. Some are songs that I love to listen to over and over, and others can be painful to sit through.

That’s the beauty of music. It can transport you to another time; for me it transcends time. I can listen to “More than Words” and I’m 18 again, on the dance floor with my first love. I can listen to “New Orleans is Sinking” and I’m at the best concert I’ve ever been to in a Best Western in Pennsylvania when I was 25. I listen to “Leavin’” and I’m fighting with myself to stay or leave my husband (now ex) 7 months ago.

Yes - music is an integral part of my life. And tonight it was sharing Big Wreck’s music with my best friend who just happens to be a HUGE HUGE fan. We danced. We sang. We completely zoned out to the music. It was an amazing evening and having had the opportunity to really zone out and dance….yes, that was a beautiful thing. It’s been too long since I felt such abandon to the music. I am thankful to have had this moment.

Another chapter in my musical memory.

A moment to remember. 

Moments - D16; Hidden Treasures

Today’s  magic moment:  Finding something you didn’t know you had!

Yes - this moment brought an insanely large grin to my face.  I found, in my new car, a compartment near my visor for sunglasses.  I didn’t know it was there.  I never looked that closely before.  BUT, since it was a sunny day and I had my sunglasses on I played with my visor….and accidentally opened this magical compartment!

Sweet!

A silly moment to remember!

Moments - D15; Lilacs and Rainbows

Today was a great day, but today’s magical moment isn’t the amazing concert that I went to….no, no no. That would be too easy. (And it was pretty incredible, I sang my heart out!)

Today’s magical moment isn’t the two beautiful souls that I shared such an amazing evening with. Nope. Too easy.

Today’s magical moment was walking home from the bike shop. The air was clean from the fresh spring rain and slightly perfumed with lilacs. Every step…every breath I enjoyed. I smiled. I paused to appreciate the beauty of it.

AND that magical moment was quickly followed by seeing a VERY subtle rainbow on the horizon. So subtle that I wondered just how many others in their rush hour drive paused to notice the sky and its beauty.

Moments.

Pause.

Breathe.

Repeat.

Today, tomorrow and always.

Moments - D14; Forgiveness & Breathing

Forgiving a deep grievance is never an easy task.  I honestly believe that people don't typically intend on hurting others.  I believe that most of the time grievances are born out of fear.  Fear of action.  Fear of inaction.  Frozen.

In my opinion (should anyone care to hear it!) is that there is too much fear in our world.  We fear failure.  We fear success.  We fear others and worst of all, we fear ourselves.  We fear looking at fear dead on.

I am a being that likes to recognize fear.  To analyze it and to question it.  This does not mean that I am without weakness to its painful grasp, for I surely am.  But I believe in love and light and sharing that love and light AND accepting that love and light from others when I am so fortunate to receive it.

In the past month, I have had several deep grievances thrust upon my being.  I don't fault the souls that fell victim to their fears, if anything I am saddened by the loss of love and light in their lives.  I forgive them for their actions.  I forgive them for their inactions.  I know these were born out of fear and not of malicious intent.  I forgive them....and I mirror back to them love and light.  May they find their way through the darkness that envelopes them.

As I have processed through some of these grievances I have learned the importance of breathing.  Of stepping away from the fear that can grip you.  Pause.  Breathe.  Repeat.

A couple of long exaggerated breaths can give a soul a wondrous change in perspective; the fear dissipates and you are filled with love and light.

Pause.  Inhale.........E X H A L E........

Repeat.

Yes - it is magical and so deliriously simple.

Moments - D13; Beyond the Veil

Today's moment is brought to you by a co-worker. 

Yesterday and today was the CONTACT Portfolio Review.  Tonight was the announcement of the winner of the reviews...and a bunch of us from work went to see the wares.  

This lovely co-worker of mine is quiet spoken and customer service centric.  But her real passion is photography.  She finally found the courage to share her portfolio with experts in the field.  Today, seeing her with her work was a moment to remember.  She was exhilarated.  She was alive and her passion shone through.  It was delightful to see beyond the work colleague and to her true self.

It reminds me to embrace my passions.  To believe in self.  To share my own art with the world.

A moment to remember.

A moment to share.

Moments - D12; Tacos

I know.  I know.  It IS a bit crazy to say that tacos are a special moment.  But in order for you to appreciate this point, a little background is necessary.

1)  I love tacos.  I love making all types of different tacos.

2)  I love Mexican food in general.  The hotter the better.

3)  I LOVE LOVE LOVE tacos.

4)  I love surprises!

Tonight I met up with a couple of friends for dinner in their new condo.  They've been in their condo for 2 weeks.  They wanted to cook.  Who am I to say no!?  When I arrived, I had no idea what was on the menu.  And then....after the tour of their newly set up apartment it was revealed.  IT WAS TACO NIGHT!  WOOT WOOT.  Best surprise ever and what a beautiful way to end a lovely busy weekend with two of my bestest friends.

Yes.  I had a little piece of heaven tonight with the overload of flavours.

I am thankful for surprise tacos.

It's a moment I will remember and appreciate.

Moments - D11 - A gaggle

Today's special moment was brought to me by a gaggle of geese.  Actually, I think it was a family of geese more than a gaggle, but that's just semantics.  Maybe someone knows the difference if there is one.....

Anyway!

My moment presented itself post volleyball tournament.  We had lost 8 out of 10 games.  I had fun, but it's never fun to lose more than you win.  But, when I arrived at my car, I found a family of geese sitting behind it.  As there was a fence in front of my car, this meant that I was unable to move my car until they decide to move on.  

They were adorable.  Mom, Dad and at least 8 goslings.  The goslings were wee and bright yellow.  Mom & Dad were watching over them as the babies nibbled away at the pebbles in the parking lot.  As I approached, M&D started hissing at me.  I just spoke softly and gently to them and they all started to walk away.  I'd talk and take a few steps, they'd hiss and take a couple of steps away.  The entire process of getting them away from my car took a good 10 min.  But, it was a cute 10 min.  I enjoyed those 10 minutes greatly watching the group work together.

Cute factor for today's moment.

A moment to remember.

Moments - D10; Flexibility & Moon Rises

You know, I'm the type of person who likes to plan things.  I've always liked to plan ahead and ensure that I have time to do everything I need or want to do.

Recently, I have struggled to be this way.  It's been more about spontaneity and going with the flow.

Tonight was supposed to be a BBQ with a girlfriend of mine.  Instead we went shopping for a dress (or two).  From a laid back BBQ evening to one filled with giggles and crazy dresses and fun dresses.  It was great.  Not what I had anticipated, but quite fun none-the-less.  And ya....I was hoodwinked into buying a few baubles myself.  How could I not.  What fun.  A cute dress.  Sexy shoes.  Yes... a moment to appreciate the ability to go shopping and to buy pretty things.  I am thankful for this.

And then as we were leaving the store, my girlfriend and I paused to soak in the beauty of the moon rising.  It's nearly full tonight (99.7% according to my app!) and it was BEAUTIFUL nestled on the setting sun sky.  Wisps of  pink and orange clouds caressed the moon as it rose into the sky.  Beautiful.  Oooooh how I love the moon.  I love to watch it.  I love to dream with it.



Thankful.  Beautiful.

That sums up today's moment(s).

Moments to remember.

Moments - D9 - Storms

Oh how I love rain storms.  How I love lightening storms.

I love to sit and listen with my eyes closed.  I like how the music of rain drops tickles my ears and how the flashes of light can be seen beyond my closed eyes.  My senses seem to be heightened....I am lost in the storm's sights and sounds.

Oh how I love a good rain storm.

Moments where you close your eyes and just live in the moment.

Moments - D8 - Sunsets & Surprises

Today’s moment was brought out of a day of darkness and difficult moments.  It was a challenging day.  It was a day that I wouldn’t want to relive and I was happy when it was over.

But, even so, there was a special moment.  A moment where my worries and concerns were explained away and relief set in.

Things at work have been particularly challenging the past 5 months.  We’re under resourced due to a loss on the team.  Everyone is feeling the pressure to keep up.  Yesterday that came to a head with the lack of communication and assumptions.  My surprise:  An apology for the process and pains.  A commitment to me and my department to take care of us.  It was a sigh of relief.  It could have been much, much different.  I am very thankful.

And then, yesterday waiting for my girlfriend to pick me up for our post-Booty Camp comedy adventure I stopped and smiled at the sky.  It was 8:30pm.  The sky was a pretty pink with wispy clouds.  It was beautiful.  It was serene.  It was a moment to pause and reflect.

Both moments to remember and share.

Moments - D7 - New Wondrous Foods... and MANY moments!!

Today has been a special kind of day.  It's been filled with many magical moments.  I can't just choose one to share.  Why should I?  So, what I AM going to do, is share the ones that stood out and list some of the others.  I don't know why I was so flooded with moments, but hey, I'm going to love them all!

So - the first magical moment:  A loving email from a dear friend of mine.  She reminded me of being a light to others and how inspirational that can be.  It warmed my heart and it was a beautiful way to start my work day.

The second magical moment:  Another email from another friend.  She's been finding a new path.  SHE IS ON FIRE!  And she reminded me that I helped to keep the spark alive.  This filled my soul with such happiness.  She is an amazing women and I am CERTAIN she will find her path again.

And then the day brought moments of smiles.  Being told you are beautiful and kind and generous will do that in a day.  I don't know why I was flooded with love, but I promise the universe that I will take this love and energy and amplify it back to those most in need.

The next kinda-cool-I-need-to-share-moment has to do with a new wondrous (to me!) food.  You may (or not) know, I'm a bit of a foodie.  I've tried many, many different things over the years.  I have never, in my time on this earth, had a fresh almond.  Today a co-worker introduced me to these furry, tart, tasty fruits.  The almond flesh is tart.  The almond "pit" is sweet.  It's DELIGHTFUL!  It's a short season (according to the blog I found about them), but I am hoping I will be able to find some at the St. Lawrence market!

How INCREDIBLE.  Really!  I never knew that such a thing existed!  They were delicious.  Here's a picture:

And better yet, I found this other blog that talks about them in great detail.  Please do go read about them.

Yes - a new foodie moment.  A lot of love moments.  My day felt complete.  But I was wrong.

This evening brought a connection of old souls and great discussions of the workings of the world around us.  An impromptu moment between an 8-year old and her Mom.  "Mommy - I love you"....just as I walked past.  A confirmation of fun plans for the weekend....and then a surprise visit.  I didn't have the productive evening I had planned for myself, but I find myself closing out my day with a warm glow from all the beautiful moments.

So tonight I pause and thank the universe for being so generous with me today.  I am thankful for all the beautiful souls in my circles.  I promise to cherish them every day with MANY more moments to share.