Moments D704: 22 Quotes

When I woke this morning, my niece had texted me a photo overnight:

That is her dorm room at university.  And all those little papers on the wall?  Those are quotes I stuffed into her highschool graduation card.  There were 22 quotes in fact. Each and everyone are on the wall beside her bed.

Wow.  How truly incredible.  That was the best warm fuzzy I've had in a long time.  What a fabulous way to start the day!

Moments knowing that loving your family is reciprocated.

Moments waking up the a warm fuzzy.

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 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 D604: Music as a bridge

Today was filled with a few magical moments, from a long, LONG hot shower to melt away the last of yesterday's grime to learning about the "love bubble".  (And believe me, learning about the love bubble could be a blog post on its own!)  But today's moment comes the most special of moments that found me today.

Tonight EQ & I went to have dinner with Tree and her husband and my moment comes from an unexpected tender moment while we were visiting with them.  But before I share that moment, I want to take the time to share the naming of Tree's husband.  Over the time I've spent with him, more and more of his personality has shone through.  The people, the places, the reputation he has, all tie to the name that I found to best encompass his energy.  Baldr.  A Norse God representing beauty, innocence, peace, and rebirth. The brave, shining one.    It's perfect in my very biased opinion!

So, back to my moment with a little history to fill out the story.

Tree & Baldr have their 14 year old niece living with them. As with any big life change, there have been challenges along the way with their niece staying with them.  Fortunately, Tree & Baldr have been shining their light ever so brightly on their niece to help her find her own bright path in life and from what little I know of the bigger picture, I can't help but feel deep in my heart that they are making big steps forward with her.

As for their niece, I've met her on a couple of occasions now.  She's a bright, engaged and aware.  Truly an old soul in a 14 year old temple.  I shouldn't have been surprised at what happened just before dinner, but I was.  Pleasantly so.

The tender moment was inspired by a Pink Floyd concert t-shirt that Tree & Baldr's niece was wearing.  EQ immediately connected with her speaking the universal language of music.  Within seconds they were swapping music preferences and stories related to music.  This was no quick, light conversation.  It went on for some time.  I just sat and watched and enjoyed the energy exchange between the two of them.  Both were fully engaged and nearly oblivious to the rest of us mulling about the table.  I was mesmerized.

It was a beautiful moment.

And then our delightful homemade veggie curry dinner was ready, and the magical musical moment dissipated into good positive conversation amoungst the 5 of us.

Moments connecting with a younger generation through music.

Moments enjoying friends and their family.

Moments D588: Screaming tires

Tonight was the long awaited P!nk concert with my BFF, Big Sis and my niece. We had an early dinner at an area favourite, which, surprisingly, ended up being the best part of the night.

Why the best part you ask?  Well, that's really two fold.  Unfortunately P!nk's performance tonight was not stellar.  To P!nk's credit, I think she wasn't feeling well.  Given that likelihood, she performed brilliantly as she actually did all of her acrobatic stunts.  But, there was no encore (which was brilliant back in March when I saw her) and she had her backup singers sing quite a bit for her.  Disappointing.  So that's first reason.  

That said, here's a decent picture from the concert.    See - P!nk is way up in the air!

The second reason?  Well, that's because I had three pretty awesome ladies at the table with me and we had a lot of fun sharing stories over a delightful dinner.  We even talked, at length, about my grandma who had passed away this past weekend.  It was incredible and, at moments, quite deep.  Had we not had tickets to the concert, I think we all would have enjoyed sitting around the table for the rest of the evening, sharing drinks and stories.

So my moment today.  It's not dinner.  After all, I'm trying to be somewhat unique and interesting here!  No, today's moment was when we were leaving the parking garage after the concert.  The four of us tucked into BFF's Volkswagen, curling up the tight corridors of an underground parking garage, with traffic from the concert all around us.  

Cue the crazy girl driving a standard car that wasn't (likely) hers, up a ramp and directly towards us.  

But first:  Why crazy?  Well, we don't think the standard car was hers as it looked like the guy in the passenger seat was out cold and she was one nervous nellie!  As she took her foot off the brake, she immediately began to roll down the ramp.  You could see the panic in her eye.  We watched in horror as she eventually rolled back into the car behind directly her with a crack.  Thank goodness for bumpers!  

She rolled down the window and asked the guy behind her to back up because she wasn't comfortable driving a standard.  Blocked in with a car behind him, there was no where for him to go.

How did we see and hear all this?  Well, we were at the very top of the ramp waiting to go around the next corner.

And then the crazy girl gunned it.  The car comes squealing up the ramp. 

Right. At. Us.

Big Sis screamed.  And then screamed again louder (just in case we didn't hear her the first time) that then prompted my niece to start screaming.  BFF was looking for options, be we too were blocked in with no where to go.

Me.  I stared on at the scene with mild amusement.  I didn't think she was going to hit us, but here she was with the car screaming up the ramp at us.

And just as quickly (and loudly!) as it happened, the crazy girl slammed on her brakes with a squeal and stopped about three feet from us.

The four of us broke out into laughter.  

A second after our laughter erupted, the traffic ahead moved and we turned the corner.  

As traffic continued to merge into the exit lane, we never did see the crazy girl and the standard car again, but we could hear her squealing the tires around every inclined corner.  

The four of us laughed nearly all the way home about the silly moment.  

Sometimes, it's the strangest things that can bring a smile and create a conversation. 

Moments watching someone push outside their comfort zone.

Moments enjoying the silly reactions and conversations that we found ourselves in.

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 D539: No Turkey Thanksgiving Part Two

I spent today with four of the most magical people I know.  Today was about spending time with my Aunt, Uncle and their two beautiful girls who call me "Aunt".

Huh?

Well - that's because my aunt is actually more of a big sister to me.  Being only 8 years older than I, she and I have spent many, many hours together and ridden through many life changes (hers and mine!) in the near 40 years that I've been on this planet.  

Today, after a 7 day stretch at work, she and her family were insistent upon having a low key day.  (Who could blame them!) My Aunt made me a deal:  The only way I was allowed to come over was if I was okay with couch surfing, TV-watching, drinking and puttering.  Duh!  OF COURSE, I was in!

In the end, I helped with some yard work (strangely enough, that was a task of tying back grasses that actually came from the flower pots present at my outdoor wedding 10 years ago.  Amazing to see just how beautifully they have grown!)  and I helped fold laundry.  Comfortable and casual.  

As we sat outside drinking in the warm fall sun and sipping our Jack & cranberry, we caught up.  As time slipped by, we shared stories of the past (nearly) two months.  Much has changed in both "families" (me a very small family!).  As always, insights and opinions were shared both ways.  It was a beautiful afternoon and one that I will not soon forget.

For dinner, we met up with my Mom and Dad for a VERY laid back Thanksgiving dinner.  The seven of us piled into a van (driven by {gasp} the eldest non-niece!) and made our way to Swiss Chalet.    There we had one of the best "No Turkey Thanksgiving dinners" ever together as a family.  

So, while this year's Thanksgiving was anything but traditional in terms of the food eaten, one thing remained a constant - I was very thankful for the most awesome family that I have in my life.   I promise to never take them for granted.  

Moments enjoying a lazy day with your "sister" and her beautiful family.

Moments being thankful and realizing just how fortunate I am.

Moments D493: Graduation presents come alive

Today was the day my high school graduate niece and I have been waiting for!  Tonight was her graduation present come alive.   What better than a graduation CONCERT for a grad present from her (favourite?) aunt!  

On tap:  Rozzi Crane, Kelly Clarkson, and Maroon 5.  What an incredible concert and better yet, what an incredible evening!  Rozzi has an incredible soulful voice.   And, I'll publicly admit, I'm a Kelly Clarkson convert.   She had me when she walked out in a pretty girlie dress and BARE feet.   Not only that, she was amazing....very personable and interactive with the crowd.  And her voice?  Holy smokes.  Amazing. I had goosebumps a few times during her performance! Maroon  5 was also fantastic.   They were much more grounded and real than I expected them to be.   All in all, honestly, one of the best concerts I've been too all year!  The concert itself was almost worth the trouble I had getting the tickets.

The payback came because it was all about the evening with my niece.  Watching the beaming smile,  listening to her sing along to nearly every song.   So. Much. Fun.  Yes,  definitely worth the trouble getting the tickets.  

As we left the concert and walked through the CNE grounds, we stopped and picked up a couple of pieces of pizza and shared a drink.  What a beautiful night filled with song, dancing, and laughter.  It was a night that will always be a special moment in my heart.

Moments celebrating a milestone.  

Moments creating a memory for life.

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Moments D333: My beautiful "niece"

Today my "niece" turned 18. I remember holding her when she was just a day old. She has matured into a beautiful, emotionally strong, intelligent, kind and generous young lady. Ah, the passing of time. Where does it go?

Today's moment is celebrating her.

When I wrote her birthday card (and for those that know me, know that I love to write a lot of words in my cards) I was a little verklempt. My heart sang with pride and joy for having such a beautiful soul in my world. She has inspired me over the years for many things and she has given me much love.

So today, amoungst the chaos of (YES I GOT THEM!) trying to get P!nk tickets for her return concert in November for a group of us, dealing with a lot of homework and some emotional stressors, I pause to truly celebrate and reflect upon my niece.

I can only hope that she always remain true to herself and her dreams. That isn't the easiest path to follow, but it is the most rewarding. All I could do was to let her know that I'll always be here for her, no matter what path she chooses. And, of course, I reminded her about just how darn special she is to me and how she has given me so much already in her mere 18 years of gracing this world.

I can't wait to see what she tackles in her life. This one - she's a spitfire!

Moments loving your family.

Moments realizing you are very lucky to have them as family.

Moments D309: Concerts and Cameras oh my!

This evening I spent at a concert with my 17 year old niece.  I found myself in a sea of young adults, some of which were most certainly still going through the last stages of puberty.

It was an amazing moment to share with my niece.  We laughed at the pushing crowd (pushier than my hardcore rocking Soundgarden concert goers) and we conspired about flying elbows and gum being dropped in hair.  Of course none of that happened!  But we giggled about it in whispers.

And as the concert progressed to the most popular of songs by Imagine Dragons, the sea swarmed with cameras and smartphones recording the songs in their entirety.  For me, that’s a disconnect between the “here and now” and “capturing a moment”.  A moment isn’t the entire concert - it’s snippets of it.  I realized years ago that being caught behind a lens all the time takes you out of the moment.  A moment that becomes a memory in and of itself.  Is it nice to have a couple of pictures to jog your memory?  Definitely, but I don’t want to relive entire moments through image.  I want them to be deep within me.

The disconnect between self and the world around you.

Are we now more interested in being connected with others through image instead of absorbing the moment within?  Hmmm.  A question that puzzles me.

Instead of being annoyed or upset that I could no longer see the stage and band through the sea of arms and cameras I closed my eyes and listened.  I listened to the intricacies of the band.  I listened to the people around me and their reactions to the music. And, I danced.  Quietly.  By myself.  For me, that’s absorbing a moment.  Taking it all in.  And for me, I will always fondly remember this night, not because of the band, but because it was such a treasured time to spend with my niece.

Moments connecting.

Moments going deeper than the world outside.

Moments D234: Playing with Dolls

Today was a busy day, but the best smiling moment was when I had an opportunity to sit with a new 8 year old friend. Today being the first time I met this lovely girl, I never thought we’d get along so well, after all there are many children that are shy at this age.

But not this vivacious eight-year old. She shared her cheer jumps with me (it helped that I had a friend that once coached a cheering squads, so I knew the terminology!) and then, once she opened her highly anticipated gift, she felt I was okay to share her new McKenna doll with me.

What a treat that was. We tried on each of the outfits she received along with the doll and we even did McKenna’s hair. It was quite cute and sweet to have shared that moment.

It took me back in time, to a place where my “nieces” were once this age. Back further in time to when I’d sit and play with my dolls only to get bored of them and then find my brother to crash up some GI Joe things.

Yes it was a good moment with much depth.

Moments in the present and new future.

Moments in memories.