Moments D721: Penguins, Words, butterflies and believing

Tonight Arizona and I went to see Christina Perri at the Danforth Music Hall.  In a word:  WOW.  

Christina had BIRDY open the show.  I've never heard of this beautiful songstress before.  Incredible.  I'll definitely be hunting down some of her songs tomorrow.  Tonight, I want to write about the soul inspiring Christina Perri.  She brought me to tears.  Not once, not twice, but thrice in the near 2 hours she was on stage.

What an amazing big voice.  What an incredible presence you could feel her pain in the words she belted out.  You could feel the joy and the love and the fear.  It was a beautiful set of songs and in just under a week of having her latest album "Head or Heart", I've already fallen in love with a couple of her new songs.

The first song that brought me to tears was her new song "The Words".  It's a song about new love about being raw, and real, and going deeper.  Why the tears?  I remember that moment.  That moment where I realized I was deep, deep in love.  It was raw, and real, and scary.  "The scariest part is letting go."   So very true.  Letting go, trusting.  Believing.  Believing you deserve love.  Believing you can give love.  Trusting that this time, this time you won't fail at the rest of the puzzle because as beautiful as love can be, it's only a piece of the bigger puzzle of a healthy, functioning relationship.  And it's scary to let go and dive in.

Near the end of the concert, Christina sang "I believe",  also from her new album.  Again, the tears came, for who hasn't felt the pain of losing themselves?  I know I have.  A few times.  (Um, you did read the paragraph preceding this one....right?)   She dedicated this song to the audience.  Noted that there were surely those of us in the crowd that may not have been having the best of days, or weeks, that she was going to fill the room up with love and surround us with it.

Eerily familiar.  And I found myself taking a step back and really absorbing the energy of the crowd and sending out to BFF (she's sick!), Heini (for obvious reasons) and to EQ (because I love him!) - redirecting all that beautiful energy.  

The emotion of her words are raw, add in how passionately she plays the piano and voilà:  magic. A snippet of her lyrics:

‘Cause I have been where you are before
And I have felt the pain of losing who you are
And I have died so many times, but I am still alive

This is not the end of me, this is the beginning
(Hold on)
This is not the end of me, this is the beginning

And then she had the audience join in chorus.  Much like this live version on Youtube.  How incredibly powerful.  Arizona and I were in section A.  Our task was to sing "This is not the end of me, this is the beginning."  Very apropos given the journey I've had over the past two years.  The audience at the Danforth Music Hall great and much more into it than the video online.....we actually sang the band off the stage and kept it going for quite a few repeats.  It was such a beautiful moment....tears rolling down my face and all.

During the encore, she played one of my favourite songs from her first album.  "Penguin"  It's more a cute fun song about soul mates.  It's always choked me up.

It was a beautiful set of songs, performed by an extremely talented young lady.

Moments just feeling the music and lyrics.

Moments soaking in all that beautiful, loving energy and sharing it out again to those in need.

Moments D699: Milestone birthdays

Today my niece turned 19.  I remember holding her when she was only hours old in this world.  She's grown into such a beautiful, vibrant, loving young woman.  I am one proud aunt.

What an incredible milestone.  I remember mine fondly.  My Big Sis took me out on my 19th birthday.  My first drink, a fuzzy navel. Lame.  I know, but still memorable to this day!

While I'm a proud aunt, but I'm an old aunt.  Twenty-one years separate my sweet niece and I, so as much as I would have loved to join her at a bar for her first drink, starting the evening at 10 pm on a Sunday night really wasn't in the cards for EQ & I.  Instead, we offered to take her out for dinner before her birthday outing with friends and cousins her age began.  Of course, we went to her favourite restaurant: Grazie.  (How could we not?)

Little did my sweet niece know, but my Big Sis, her hubby and her other daughter were going to be there at the restaurant already.  Big Sis & her hubby had the day off and were able to drive into the city for a surprise birthday dinner.

I warned EQ that there would be tears.  We weren't disappointed!  As we walked into the back room, my niece saw her family and instantly sprung tears in her eyes.  Mom, Dad & sister were all teary-eyed.  I love when a moment is so filled with love that you just burst!  This moment, with the first hugs of the night, was just such a moment.

Perfect really for a milestone birthday.

Moments celebrating a milestone birthday.

Moments celebrating family.

Thank you for the round of shots Grazie - a nice touch for the birthday girl.

Moments D688: Gifts Shared

Today was an incredible day.  It was a day poised to be a celebration love.  My younger cousin married the man of her dreams.  What a celebration it was with the perfect Jamaican weather.

But, today wasn't all about young love.  It was about family.  It was about friends.  It was about appreciating life; reflecting on the past and dreaming of the future.

And while I wasn't ready for today's moment, the gift shared with me today was the most beautiful gift I've ever received.  And with the sharing of this gift, a feel a new tradition was born as well!

EQ shared a unique birthday tradition with my family tonight.  He was introduced to it while travelling in Ecuador years ago.  The premise is this:  Instead of sharing physical gifts with the one celebrating a birthday loved one shared stories of what gifts (physical or otherwise) the birthday person has given them that either touched them deeply or inspired them on some level.

And just like that, after dinner, EQ orchestrated a discussion of gifts shared by the birthday girl to each family member at the table.  What an incredible journey that discussion brought!    From the adventure of a lifetime, to ancient stories featuring a Christmas ornament, to lighting up a room and teaching compassion.   What a journey indeed.  It was a tear-inspiring moment, so much so that my dear Big Sis couldn't participate for she was too choked up to do so.  Beautiful.  Simply beautiful.

It was, by far, the most memorable, touching birthday present I've ever received.

I believe this is a new tradition that shall be instituted in my world.  Yes.  That seems fitting to who I am and how I see the world.

A present for the moment today, and a present for moments of celebration to come.  How's that for digging deeper?

Beautiful!

Moments celebrating family, love, and life.

Moments relishing gifts shared...and shared again.

Moments D670: Family Dinners

This afternoon I headed to Welland so that I could watch my nephew in his hockey tournament.  Typically such a visit is quick and I don't have much of a chance to really interact with my brother, SIL or my nephews.  I join them at the arena, spend some time with my SIL and younger nephew and then we all go our separate ways.  As fast as it is, I am always willing to make the drive, when I can, to cheer on my oldest nephew in the sport he loves.

As I sat enthusiastically cheering on my nephew (playing centre these days) I wondered where he would be in 10 years time.  He's only just turn 10, so there are many paths yet before him.  Will he still be playing hockey?  Would he push himself hard to ever make it to the Olympics?  (What can I say?  I have the Olympics on my brain!) Or, will he be more focused on learning?  Of course, I haven't any answers, but there was that moment today where I was pondering where he might go with his love of hockey.  (And boy-oh-boy does he love his hockey!)

While watching my nephew play is best was a heart-warming moment, the real moment today was a surprise family gathering.  The entire family was coming back for dinner after the game.  Not only my brother and his family, but my Big Sis and her family.  There was 11 of us in all.  What an incredible dinner it was.  Our food was simple, but perfect for the occasion and something we "kids" all love.  Spaghetti and meatballs with ceasar salad.  The dinner table was filled with fast moving conversations, silliness with my nephews and silliness with my "nieces".  Lots of laughter.  The only thing missing was my love.  (He's in California right now.)  I think we all missed him tonight.

I was so very happy that my Mom offered to pull this impromptu dinner together for everyone.  I may have only been in Welland for 18 hours, but I managed to see all my peeps.

That was pretty incredible.

Moments appreciating the effort Mom puts in to pull us busy kids together for dinner.

Moments loving and appreciating my family.

Moments D658: KD - also known as MAC n CHEESE

Tonight was another night in the books.  After tonight, I have only one more night to cram three chapters worth of tax knowledge into my tired brain.  I pushed hard and I persevered through some challenging twists and turns.

But I didn't do it alone.

No.  Tonight EQ sat with me and quietly read.  His presence and calm energy was very welcomed. But the best part, the part that is my moment today was that he made me my favourite "I-am-studying" dinner.  K-D.

Of course, I came to learn that K-D has no meaning to EQ.  Kraft Dinner is what we Canadians know it as.  But to those south of the border, it's known, not by the brand, but by what it is "Mac n Cheese".

No matter what we called it, I called it damn good! 

Not only was it done up special (with a touch of love!), EQ took the time to spice it up a bit.  The attention did not go unnoticed and I had to Instagram it before I even took a bite!

Yes, that's right.  Bread with oil & balsamic as a side with a coriander garnished K-D plate.!

It was heavenly!

Moment appreciating the simple dinners.

Moments being surprised that it wasn't so simple after all!

Moments D634: Expanding Circles

Tonight EQ & I met up with Cherry & Kailua for a late dinner at an old restaurant in the beach under new management.  Brussels Bistro.  While the four of us enjoyed the delightful fares of the restaurant over a three hour dinner, that isn't the moment I'd like to focus on for today.  (Though I was pleasantly surprised and recommend the restaurant!)

No, today's moment comes from my circle of friends expanding tonight, with EQ.  This a moment that I've been eager for since October.  I like Cherry & Kailua's easy nature, I love the way they love each other and I had big hopes that the four of us would have an amazing evening together.

We did and that is today's moment.  It happened.  An amazing evening with new friends.  But that's not much of a story, now is it?

As EQ and I made our way to the restaurant, I knew EQ was nervous.  To make matters more challenging for him, where we were seated, there was a very loud table of guests right behind us. That's never a good thing when EQ struggles to hear on the best of days.   I forged ahead and caught up with Cherry & Kailua post Christmas & New Years events.

Dinner was not rushed, which allowed us a lot of time to simply enjoy one another and our stories.  As time passed, the energy shifted and I could tell EQ felt more at ease.  No longer was the conversation simply an exchange of questions and answers, but a fluid give and take of thoughts and ideas.

Just after our appetisers, as we awaited our mains, I realized that Cherry & I were chatting while Kailua and EQ were chatting.  That for me was the moment that made me smile.  No longer was I trying to orchestrate the conversation to keep things fluid, but we has split into two engaged mini conversations.  Brilliant, right?

By the time dessert arrived, we had dug into an even deeper conversation; a fairly controversial discussion about performance enhancing drugs in the world sports.  Interesting, challenging and enlightening are adjectives that come to mind.

YES!  A great conversation with wonderful people.

Not only did I enjoy the evening, but EQ did as well.  Yes, sometimes it's good to open  up your circle and allow others in.  I'm so very happy to have made that decision earlier for tonight, it was great to see my circle expand.  Our new friends, Cherry & Kailua.

Moments enjoying dinner and conversation.

Moments realizing that this is a friendship that will grow.

Moments D633: Welcome Back - Part II (and three)

Tonight was my first night back to playing volleyball with my competitive women's team in 6 weeks.  I was nervous.  Afraid to be rusty or worse, a downright drag on the team, I arrived a touch nervous for the games ahead.

I changed with some of the other girls in silence.  While they too had taken a 2 week break over the holidays, they had all been back over the last 2 weeks.  I was definitely the odd (wo)man out.

A quick warm up with a girl I've played with outside this league and I was starting to feel back into the swing of things.  A little rusty, but the cobwebs were quickly being shaken aside.

Before I knew it our first game started and all nerves left me.  It's been awhile, yes.  I haven't seen these girls in a long time, yes, but I was ready to dive back in.  And dive in I did.  (Over and over again.)

We had our full roster tonight.  Seven players for a game that only needs 6.  I was one of the lucky two that didn't sit for a full game.  I offered.  The captain didn't want me to sit because I was playing so well.

DANG!  How's that for being away for 6 weeks?

Not bad.  Not bad at all if I do say so myself.

According to one of my teammates, it must have been all that California vitamin D.

Maybe so.

Four (winning) games later and I was feeling relieved that I "hadn't lost it", revived, and damn hungry.

Moments diving back in.

Moments feeling at home again.

(and part three) - EQ and I ventured to a nearby Vietnamese restaurant that we visited back in October.  "Jenny" recognized us as we were seated and welcomed us back.  Our second time ever in the restaurant.  That was a very sweet welcome.  Looks like Thursdays nights will be Vietnamese dinner nights for awhile.

Moments D629: Christmas in January

Today it was Christmas all over again.

No, not all the crazy hubbub that comes with Christmas proper.  No, this was an overdue Christmas gathering with my "sister" and her family.  My parents, EQ and I met them at the restaurant they chose.

Shortly after we arrived, and pleasantries were shared, my "sister" explained that dinner was on them.  This was our Christmas present this year because we were so darn hard to shop for.

I watched her as she spoke.  She was a little nervous as she played with the bracelet on her wrist.  I then notices that she was wearing both pieces of jewelry that I gave her for Christmas this year.  (YES! That's right, I managed to have my act together and left presents for her and her family before I went to California for Christmas!)    Too cute.

I was quick to share with her that this was the best Christmas present ever.  I explained that we all have enough STUFF, that for me, it's much more important to spend quality time with those I love.  Add in some delightful food and drink and voilà!  Perfection.

In the end, we all felt that way and the hours spent together are a testament to that point.  How so? We planned on having dinner early so EQ and I could get back into Toronto before it was too late. Four hours later, we were still very much enjoying deep discussions and laughter over a table of food and drink.

Laid back, full of love.  What more do I need?

Maybe one extra hug before getting into the car and heading separate ways.

Yes, it was a perfect Christmas present.

Moments with family celebrating the holidays.

Moments recognizing what's most important.

Moments D627: Chaos to Calm

Today was a hectic day. Work was a buzz with many new contracts and new paths to investigate.  It's like the rest of the world awoke and they all had questioins and opportunities to be discussed.  And, of course, the year and push is on.

Ad to that the fact that today was our last day in California and by the time the end of the day rolled around it felt quite chaotic.

We had to head out and run some errands after work and we intended on grabbing dinner before 8pm.  My only request:  Mexican for dinner.

In the end, the fact that the restaurant we originally found to make that happen was terribly slow to seat us worked out to be a small favour to us because as we sat in the waiting area, we realized that we had forgotten one vital stop before we were ready to enjoy dinner.

In the end, not only did we get our errand checked off our list, we ended up closer to home in our well loved Mexican restaurant.

Sometimes a shifting chaotic swirl can create a new unique outcome.

I kinda love that.

Moments working with the chaotic energy and feeling it sort itself out.

Moments finding yourself in a familiar world because  you did "go with the flow" of energy.

Moments D619: Send over the heat

Tonight EQ and I went to dinner with a few of his skydive students.  One of his students and his wife arrived here just today from Vietnam, home for 2 weeks visiting.  Today's moment is inspired by this couple that I only just met this evening.

After dinner, EQ's student's wife was cold.  Surely after 13+ hours of travel that will happen.  As the others shared stories within their sport, I discreetly watched the couple.  They are still newly weds and it was fun to watch as hubby put his hand on his wife's shoulder and started humming and shaking his arm.  A few seconds later, he said, "...I'm sending you heat. Can't you feel it?  You are now warming up."

So darn cute!   So worth being today's moment.

Moments sharing stories over food (one of my favourite pastimes!).

Moments enjoying a couple's "almost" private moment.

Moments D599: Game-play-talk

The energy today was strange.  The full moon is definitely on its way. Strange questions.  Stranger answers (or worse, non-answers).  I was happy that it was Friday, even if I did work late.   But believe me, it felt damn good to put it all aside and focus on my family this evening.

That said, I was worried that my energy levels would be low as my day was so taxing.  But as shortly after my very excited parents arrived, their energy was easily transferred over.  I was grateful that it worked out that way!  Why?  Because we had a big night planned.  Dinner and a card game!

Dinner at Don Jose's was delightful.  Two delicious lime margaritas for me, two delicious strawberry margaritas for Mom, and two delicious mango margaritas for Dad.  Too bad we didn't have a bottomless drinks like EQ's pink lemonade!  We luxuriated over our food and drinks for nearly 3 hours.  It was a perfect dinner.  Lots of laughs, some serious stories, challenging questions to answer and taking a moment to catch up EQ's server-friends.   We were stuffed both with food and love by the time we left the restaurant.

But though our dinner was fantastic, today's moment was really about sharing one of our favourite family games with EQ.  Bohnanza!  We have (seriously!) proliferated the awareness of this game....far and wide.  From friends of family, to friends-of-friends.  It`s a quick game to learn, and a ton of fun to play.

And so, the four of us played a round of Bohnanza to close out the night.  Having not played many games (cards or otherwise) EQ was cool to the idea.  My parents, on-the-other-hand, love this game.  And so, we gently encouraged EQ to give it a go.  In the end, so many laughs.  And the quote of the evening: "you are useless to me."

And you know what?  EQ used the line once or twice too!  Haaa HA!

EQ may have been a touch shocked at "game-play-talk", but 'tis our family way.  We laugh, we poke, we may even tease and cajole, but it's all in the name of the fun.  Yes, even competitive me.  I may poke a little more, but it is still only for fun.  (I promise!)

If you haven't played Bohnanza, I suggest you give it a go.  It makes a great hostess gift too!

Moments enjoying family time on a Friday night.

Moments digging into an old game with a new player.

Moments D597: Italian Servers..... not

Today felt like an incredibly long day.  Getting up at 5:30am after going to bed late last night, was a bit of a challenge!    After finally making it through the day,  I was very much looking forward to our dinner with friends. 

Which ended up being a touch delayed.   Oooh tired soul.   You can make it.  Right? 

When our dinner reservation finally arrived,  I was happy to enjoy a few appetizers as we waited for the last of our guests, who were running late. 

And then things started to get a little strange.   Strange questions.   Wine coming and then being taken away. Extra servers coming by.  Yup.  Spidy-sense was on high. 

And then I had three people coming out of the kitchen with a tray with the wine.   I wasn't sure why.   I noticed that the gent holding the tray had a big white ball hat down very low on his head.   I couldn't see his eyes.   Then I noticed my Mom standing beside this "guy".  And it hit me.  That's my parents.   My parents have flown into California.  They were here in front of me!

After a while lot of laughs, our wine was opened and poured and we toasted friends and family. 

What a wonderful, beautiful surprise. 

Moments when family randomly shows up for dinner.   

Moments realizing they flew 3000 miles to do so!   Awesome. 

Moments D572: Parking Ticket

Why on earth would I list a parking ticket as a moment that made me smile?

Well, it's a good tale.

Tonight EQ & I met up with Archie & Comic Guy at Arizona's place for dinner.  She had a dinner party to spend some time with EQ before he heads back to SoCal.  Arizona had her best friend join us, so we were a table of six enjoying a delightfully home cooked meal.  We spent the entire evening swapping stories followed by much laughter.  It was, truly, a perfect evening.  

Those of us who drove were somewhat concerned at getting a parking ticket.  (After midnight, in most areas of the city, parking on the streets requires a permit.).  We thought we would play it safe and said our goodbyes around 12:15 am.  When we walked up to the car, it was plain as day that a ticket had already been issued.  {sigh}  The ticket, for $30, was issued at 12:08 am.    

For the briefest of moments I paused and a thought flickered.  EQ & I would have easily spent more than $30 going out for the tasty dinner that we enjoyed tonight.  The fact that we were able to enjoy the home cooked, love infused food prepared by Arizona at the cost of a $30 ticket seemed highly under valued.

And so, I smiled as I pulled the ticket from under my windshield wiper.  A good deal after all.

Crazy?  Ya maybe.  But life's too short.

Moments flipping perceptions around.

Moments finding the silver lining.

Moments D569: Taco Wednesday & Life

Tonight I missed out on a work event so I could spend the evening with my niece and EQ.  It was the first time my niece was able to meet EQ.  We've rescheduled this dinner twice already from "Taco Tuesday" to this Wednesday.  Unfortunately my girl, newly in university, has been busy with her schooling (I can relate and don't really miss that!), so while Taco Wednesday doesn't have as nice a ring, it was a most amazing evening and well worth missing a well received work event.

Honestly, who knew that Taco Wednesday could reveal so much about life lessons!

As the three of us sat at the dinner table, the subject of life (as big as that is) was tabled.  Deep discussions ensued and I believe that for each of us we had a moment of revelation.  We each shared a story that was deep and fraught with emotions (fears, disappointments and most importantly hope).

After dinner, with EQ & my niece deep in discussion, I made myself a little scarce and busied myself by cleaning up dinner.  The two of them comfortably lingered at the dining room table, while I enjoyed being the proverbial fly on the wall.  It made me very happy to listen in on their conversation and to realize that they were enjoying one another.

The best moment of the evening was while I was driving my niece home.  Not five minutes in the car and she was telling me how much she liked EQ.  How she enjoyed her conversation with him and how he made her think about things. She commented on how much fun he& I must have discussing things as he's very supportive and yet, at the same time, offers up other perspectives on things.  She chatted for some time about how she enjoyed the conversation.

I kinda loved that.

Moments with family exploring life.
Moments seeing your niece as a beautiful, vibrant, strong young woman.

Moments D537: No Turkey Thanksgiving

Today I had two of my dearest friends join my Mom, Dad & I for dinner. What an incredible evening it was as we swapped stories and ate way more food than we should have.

Proof:



(you see the containers STACKED....right?)

Today's moment hit me when I paused and looked around the table. Here it was Thanksgiving Weekend and I was suddenly very thankful to have friends and family with me today.

It didn't matter that we weren't having the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. We were supping together and sharing our lives with one another. That's what mattered most.

I am thankful to be able to have a fancy table to eat upon.
I am thankful to be able to fill said fancy table with delicious HAKKA food.
I am even more thankful that I have friends that are comfortable sharing an evening with my Mom and Dad.
I am even MORE thankful to have such cool, loving parents.

A good start to my Thanksgiving weekend. No doubt.

Moments pausing to be thankful.

Moments appreciating what I have, and who I have in my life.

Moments D486: Heini's Birthday

It's official.  We have a new tradition for Heini's birthday!

Today, obviously, is Heini's birthday.  Tonight, as we have in many years past, Heini, her OBFF and I went out for dinner.  This year, not only did we repeat the restaurant, we sat at the exact same table.  I do believe this is a new tradition in the making!  Libretto has (arguably) the best pizza in the city.  (I personally feel that Queen Margherita Pizza holds that title, but who's to argue with the birthday girl?  After all, she is a connoisseur of Margherita pizzas!)

Two moments of our evening filled with incredible food, a swap of life changing stories and the celebration of Heini come to mind and it's these that I will share with you as today's moment.

The first, we always get Heini a little something for her special day even though she always insists on no presents.  Personally, I can't help myself.  She collects pig "stuff"  and all year round I see cute pig related items and I inevitably pick something up for her.  It's always silly, but it also, always brings a smile.  (Isn't that the point of celebrating a friend's birthday?  Smiles & love?)  Tonight as I handed her the gift bag, she felt it.  Then she saw it.  Squeals of delight ensued as she pulled the fluffy pink fur from the bag.  "Piggy" (yet to be named) was the star of our evening, second only to, of course, the birthday girl!  "Piggy" sat at the table with us for the entire time!

And then OBFF handed Heini a bag 'o cupcakes.  More squeals and a decision made that we would skip dessert at the restaurant in lieu of enjoying the cupcakes.  Fast forward post meal.  We were outside, thinking of a nearby park to visit to sit and enjoy the cupcakes.  Instead we decide to use the hood of my car as a table!

What silly moment that was.  We had passerbys look at us like we were crazy!  Our reaction?  We giggled.  We weren't sure if it was the sight of watching three "mature" women eating cupcakes from the hood of a car, or that "Piggy" was sitting beside the cupcakes.  No matter why, we loved that it made people stop and look and laugh.  We were happy to share the moment and a smile.

"Piggy" was also the star of this moment.  Check it out!

Moments being completely silly!

Moments sharing in the radiant energy of birthday love.

Moments D305: Late Night Dinner

Today was a day filled with reading my textbook and typing out notes. It was a day to push hard because I had a very exciting evening and morning planned. I worked hard right to the end and though I had a bit of a speed bump to slow me down, I still managed to make it to my BFF’s at a decent time.

But, instead of diving into dinner, we dove into cheese and wine and caught up. I love those moments. Who cares what time it is. Who cares if I’ve had “real” food. I have REAL conversation.

I don’t think we ended up making dinner until 10:30pm. And it was good, actually it was GREAT, but honestly, I barely noticed the food. I was so engrossed in our conversations. We had side-bar on side-bar and “hold that thought” to start another conversation.

I love those moments. They are some of the best and definitely the most memorable. To besties, and noting that you are having a dinner so late at night, but that you really didn’t care.





Moments with your girlfriend.

Moments losing track of time.