Moments D727: Ishtar (prounced Easter)

Today was Easter and, like most families on this long weekend, a chunk of mine gathered to enjoy dinner together. Unlike those celebrating the religious holiday of Easter this weekend, my family simply celebrated life and family.

I suppose that's what we've always done come to think of it. It's not so much about the religious holiday, but about family time.

Today we had rambling discussions about religion, life and death. Interesting given that today is Easter Sunday. But today's moment was when EQ shared the concept of Ishtar with my parents. Oh, that was a funny moment. Ishtar, is a Sumerian, East Semitic Akkadian, Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of love, war, fertility, and sexuality. There are theories that Easter has roots in celebrations of Ishtar, afterall What do eggs and bunnies have to do with a ressurrection?

The comment didn't linger long before my Dad smacked my Mom's forearm and said, "How long have you known this and been withholding from me?"

Of course, we all fell into giggles as we watched my Mom's face turn from pink to a bright glowing red.

Celebrating fertility and sex - yes, that would make Mom blush.

Moments enjoying time with the family.

Moments sharing silly theories and lots of laughter.

Moments D726: Home Cooked Goodness - worth the wait

Today EQ & I planned on a lazy day and then to head to my parents to enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend with family. The Plan: Head home after dinner.

My Mom, on the other hand, had other ideas and she can be very persuasive. Her expertise: she great at finding good reasons for us to join them earlier. (How can you blame her, it's been over a month since we last saw them and the last couple of weeks I've been very MIA studying for my final.) In the end, how could we really say no to a home cooked meal when, afterall, "we have to eat something for dinner"?

And so, we headed out earlier than we had anticipated.

I am so very glad that we did.

The drive out was beautiful as we enjoyed the end of a pretty spring day.

And today's moment really was an amusing one. It was dessert.

Many moons ago the four of us were talking about desserts and at some point the topic turned to how incredible my Mom's pumpkin pies were. To date, EQ has never had the pleasure to enjoy a slice.

Tonight that changed.

After enjoying a very full meal (read that's two platefuls of home cooked goodness), my Mom asked if we were ready for dessert. I could see that EQ's eyes were half glazed over from the big meal he had eaten and I chuckled to myself in anticipation.

He didn't realize it, but I had warned him earlier that my Mom had made something special just for him.

He didn't make the connection, until he went to say no for dessert.

I watched the scene unfold:

Mom: "Are you sure you don't want dessert? I made it especially for you."
EQ: "Oh. [Pause] I'm so full.
Me: "What have you been asking for for months?"
EQ's eyes light up. He pushes his not quite finished plate of potatoes aside and says "Why didn't you tell me sooner. I'm done. I'm ready for dessert."

It was very, VERY amusing.

After his second piece of pumpkin pie, he turned to my Mom and said, "Yes, worth the wait."

Moments tweaking plans to make it home in time for a home cooked meal.

Moments sharing a surprise for dessert that was "worth the wait".

Moments D687: Zip & Drop

Today started much the same as yesterday.  Slow to rise, lazy breakfast and a stroll along the beach.  This afternoon, however, it was a much different story!

Five of us headed to Mystic Mountain.

What an afternoon it was!  We tried a little of everything!  We walked through and read up on some of the local history from the museum at the top.  We ran the bobsled track (a couple of times!) and, all five of us, ran the zip lines!  Yes!  That's right!  All. Five.

So, while I originally thought today's moment would be seeing my Dad dive in dance with the locals at the museum (seriously, what a gut laughing moment we all loved!) the real moment found me while we were out on the zip lines.

Why that moment?  Well, that's because my Big Sis went out on a limb.  Literally.  And she's afraid of heights.

Not only did she survive the 15-20 minute chairlift, but she agreed to ride the bob sled and experience the zip line course.  (Did I mention she's afraid of heights?  Oh.  And she doesn't like rides.  Too fast.  Too scary.  And fast corners?  Yup.  Even scarier for her.  (um. Helllloooo!  A bobsled course? You know that there are corners on those tracks, right?  And....that a bobsled moves pretty fast?)

And yet, she did it.  All of it.

But it wasn't until we were suited up for the zip line course that she realized that there was a free fall drop on the zipline course.  "A WHAT?" she said.

Yes.  That's right.  A freefall drop.  Where they lean you out in your harness, over the edge of the platform and drop you to the one below.  Tethered of course.  Through a pulley system.  Easy!

She went white when we told her.

And then, she bravely followed us to the first zip line.

She screamed through the first line and while I didn't see her before she began the next line (there were too many people between us!), I didn't hear her scream on the second line.  I think she must have enjoyed it on some level!

And then we came to the free fall drop.  EQ and I had officially been separated from my parents and my Big Sis.  I couldn't see how she was doing.  Was she enjoying herself?  Was she scared and just pushing through?  I wasn't close enough to give her a squeeze of encouragement if she needed it. I found myself nervous for her. I hoped it wasn't too scary for her.  I could only send her some energy from the back of the pack of people.

And then I heard her scream.  I knew that in that moment it was over.  She had dropped from one platform to the next.

Phew!

When we finally caught up again, EQ & I pumped her for her thoughts on the experience.  While she wasn't as ghostly white as she was when she found out about the free fall drop, she was pretty shaken.  But, beneath that nervous laugh was a look of accomplishment.  She'd never admit it (stubborn 'ol bird!), but I think she secretly loved it and was proud of herself for taking the leap.

I know I was damn proud of her!  For her joining the family in Jamaica.  That was a big step for her.  For risking possible embarrassing family moments.  For agreeing to step even further outside of her comfort zone and try something extremely new.  Never before had I known her to try something so scary and challenging for her. She's pushing her boundaries.  I'm proud of her for doing so.  On all points, today's moment only highlights how far she's come.  A free fall from a tree.  So incredible!

Moments watching a new experience unfold.

Moments feeling proud for steps taken forward by those you love.

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 D650: One more episode

If only life were like that.  One more episode.  One more chance to see you favourite characters again.  Oh what many of us would do to have one last episode in life.

Today was a quiet reflection of that idea.  Today EQ and I met up with my parents post their recent Disney cruise with my brother and his family.  It was so very good to see them and to catch up.  There never really seems to be enough time though.  The afternoon flew by and before I knew it EQ and I were back on the highway heading home.

During that short 45 minute drive home, I was supposed to be reading my textbook.  Instead, blaming the dwindling light of the early evening sky, I suggested that we spend the time talking.  Okay, okay.  I lied.  I didn't suggest anything, I actually insisted that we talk instead of us sitting together in silence for the drive.  (Is that bad?)  I could see and feel that something was on EQ's mind.  The energy was pouring off him.

And so we dove in, as we normally do, and before long we were at the heart of it.  Without going into the intimate details, the heart of it was:  fear of change.  When you think about it, we're all afraid of change on some level.  If only we could take some of those fears of change and spin it into a new perspective.  That said, today's fears were a little more primal and deep and it wasn't until much later that I realized this.

We had been home, I had done some reading for class and we were about to snuggle in for the rest of the evening when today's moment hit me.  It happened just as EQ and I realized we had one more episode of Sons of Anarchy to watch for the season's finale.  It was silly, but we had a mini-celebration over the news.  Just when we thought we would have to find something else to watch we were instead able to dive into one more storyline with our favourite characters.  Woot!

Silly, right?  And that's when it hit me.  It's a silly comparison, but one that I think many can appreciate.  The fear of change is like reaching that last episode.  It's the uncertainty of a new chapter (or novel).  It's leaving the past behind with only the future ahead.  Will the next season be as good?  Will you like the characters that remain?  Will you grieve the loss of characters from the last season?  So much uncertainty.  Often, with a good story line, we the audience want one more episode to luxuriate in.

I think we do that in real life too.  One more moment.  That night that you never want to end.  That morning you slap snooze on your alarm clock for just a few more minutes of sleep.  Those last moments with a loved leaving to head home to the other side of the country.  Those moments telling a loved one that it's okay to let go, that those behind will always remember them.

One more moment.  Without really acknowledging it, we have mini-celebrations all the time for finding one more moment.

Today, I acknowledge it aloud:   I am going to celebrate the episode(s) that I'm in because I am simply not ready for the last episode.  I know it will come, in one area of my life or another.  Right now however, I am going to be more present and enjoy and celebrate the episode that I'm in.  I know when the change comes (and it will) I know I will be looking for one more episode, one more moment to celebrate.  I won't be able to stop that natural wish, but I do know I can celebrate a little sooner and be present today.

Moments connecting strange dots together.

Moments reflecting upon the amazing circle of love and light I find myself enveloped in.

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 D613: Takes a chillin' and keeps on swimmin'

Okay, the title of today's blog is not nearly as catchy as "...takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'...", but it gets my point across and it makes me laugh.  That counts, right?

Today my parents, EQ and I spent part of the day snorkelling in the waters around Nassau.  Only a three hour tour (no joke!) as our day in Nassau was a short one.  That didn't stop us from enjoying a cooler, partially cloudy day in the water surrounded by many, many, brightly coloured fish of all shapes and sizes.

Me - I was chilled on the boat ride out to the reef.  Absurd.  I know!  That said, it wasn't as warm as it had been in days past, the sun wasn't hot on our faces because of the coming and going clouds and I was a touch tired and drained feeling this morning.  All a good combination to create a slight chilled feeling.

That chill was not going to stop me from snorkelling today.  No way, no how.  I was ready for the promised 60 minutes in the water and come hell or high water I was going to enjoy every single second in the water.

I was not disappointed!  It was incredible.  I honestly wish I could share a snippet of my video with you, but I haven't had a chance to process the videos I took just yet.  But boy, oh boy did I have fun!  I chased schools of fish.  I dove and was up close and personal with different corals in the reef.  For awhile, I simply floated in the waves and watched the marine life do their thing below me.

And I had goosebumps the entire time.  Yes.  That's right, as soon as I hit the water my body exploded into goosebumps.  I ignored them.  And I was good for about 45 minutes at which point I admitted to EQ that I was cold.  He nearly convinced me to get out at that point.  Instead, we swam off and enjoyed the reef for another 10 minutes or so.  

And then I was really, truly cold through to my bones.  My teeth chattered as I swam.  I found EQ, and told him it was time, that I needed to get out of the water.  We weren't the last to board the boat (darn it all!), but we certainly weren't the first either.  

My chattering teeth were with me the entire boat ride home.  I was curled up in EQ's arms, in the partial sun/cloud, covered up in two dry (now damp) towels and shivering.  I couldn't help but laugh.

I used to do that as a kid all the time.  Swim until my teeth started to chatter.  I haven't been like that in years.  It felt good.  I felt alive.  And I've made myself a promise.  In the next two years, I'm going to learn how to scuba.  It's been on my list of things to learn for some time and after the past two snorkelling trips, I'm inspired.  It's time to shuffle that up closer to the top of my "to do" list!

Moments ignoring body discomfort and focusing on the joy of nature.

Moments that take you back in time to relive younger days.

Moments D611: New Christmas Traditions

The first moment of my day was realizing that Santa found me in the middle of the ocean overnight!  I had a stocking of fun to open first thing.  That was followed by shared smiles between EQ and I as I opened his gift to me and he my gift to him.  All around that was a tender moment, broken by the flight of nerf darts shooting around our cabin.  (Silly, yes.  But aren't you supposed to be a little silly Christmas morning?)

But today's big moment was while we were snorkelling.  Yes, that's right, today my parents, EQ and I went snorkelling in St. Thomas.  Snorkelling on Christmas day.  How cool is that?

We saw sea turtles and reefs and lots of brightly coloured fish.  We were even visited by a large barracuda as we boarded the boat to head back into town.  It was spectacular, truly.

At one point I lifted my mask and snorkel from my face and said to EQ, "...this would be a lovely new family Christmas tradition.  I love the idea of snorkelling on Christmas day again!"

It was a great moment.  For my family, the holiday has never really been about the date.  It's about spending time with people you love.  And while I was missing some of my favourite people later today, I was also so very, VERY happy to have spent the day doing something I love (snorkelling) with some of the people I love! What a beautiful combination!

Moments breaking tradition.

Moments realizing that new activity could be a new tradition.

Moments D609: Memories of a little girl

After a day of many adventures, the four of us headed to the Jazz bar to enjoy a set of  The Bart Walker Band before calling it a night.  First, before I share my moment of the day, I have to say that Bart and his crew were intense and sounded amazing.  Please do go and check out his smooth and gravelly bluesy sound!

Today's moment arrived while the four of us were sitting, feeling the music and enjoying a glass of wine.  A young father and his daughter came into the bar.  They sat in the third row from the stage, just in front of EQ, my parents & I.  If I had to guess, the daughter was likely 7 or 8 years old.  She was a petite thing and was quick to sit and curl her legs under her and lean into her father as they sat down.

Dad wrapped an arm around her curled up body and held her close.  The two of them swayed to the music Bart and his crew shared with us.  It was a special moment for me because it brought a flood of memories back to me.

Daddy's little girl.  Even at nearly 40, I'm still Daddy's little girl and I remember moments that he and I shared just like this when I was actually a little girl.

I was a lucky child that way.  My parents took me places that some parents wouldn't dare to bring children. (as this father did).  I suppose part of the reason they were confident enough to do that is because my brother and I were (mostly!) well behaved children.

And so, as I watched that father and daughter sit and watch the band, I couldn't help but to think back to 32 years ago and remember when my own father and I enjoying music together.  Sitting beside him on the piano bench as he played piano, singing along to tunes in the car, and even starting up chants and jingles while in a restaurant!  We were a silly fun young family.

And you know what?  We're still a silly fun family.  Just older now.

Moments enjoying music with family.

Moments remember enjoying music and family 32 years ago!

Moments D608: Bad Breakfast Service - What?

Today was the first full day of the cruise.  Officially it was Day 2 of the cruise.  We agreed to start it off with breakfast in one of the restaurants with service instead of the buffet because Mom likes to be served.  (To be honest, who doesn't!?)

Well, weren't we in for a surprise!

The service was terrible.  Not only did it take forever to get our breakfast, but coffee refills were hard to come by.

Fortunately, the four of us were all so excited to be on the cruise and to plan out our day, that we barely noticed!  Instead, we dove deep into conversations and took the elongated breakfast time to plan out our afternoon and some of the days to come.  It was as we were doing so, that I realized that the bad breakfast service didn't even phase us.

Moments realizing that bad service won't ruin the day, though it would have if we had let it.

Moments focused on planning instead.

Moments D600: Fearless Parents

First of all - WOW.  This is my 600th blog post.  It's also an amazing blog post to share.  Today, my 65 year old parents went up in a plane and then jumped out for their first skydive!

Yes - that's right, they dove into the sky!

How more fitting a moment to share for my 600th blog post?  Incredible really.  I couldn't have planned it this way.  I love when significant things align.  For me, on some level, it makes those separate moments feel a touch more significant because they happen at the same time.

Crazy?  Perhaps.  But today, on a day when I'm crazy proud of my Mom and Dad for being so fearless and for being my most amazing parents, I'm also proud to have reached 600 blogs.  Two milestones in one day.  That's an incredible moment no matter how you slice it!

So back to my most amazing parents.  I have been teasing them about jumping out of a plane since July when I had my first tandem skydive.  Both of them were quick to change the subject at first.  Over time, they warmed to, "maybe one day".

And then they showed up to surprise me late this week for a visit in California.  Now, in EQ's territory, with the opportunity right before them, they could have passed and waited for "one day".  Instead, with a few gentle pushes (and a small exchange of - if we do this, EQ will do something else) they took the bull by the horns and rode it hard all the while smiling and laughing.  ('Tis the family way I think!)

They arrived right on time, bright eyed and eager to experience their tandem jump.  After reading every line of the waiver forms, my Dad was advised to speak to the most senior skydive person about his recent heart surgery.  He was advised by the drop zone to skip the jump as he didn't have a written pass from his cardiologist on this specific activity.  If Dad wanted to jump, he would have to sign an additional waiver to do so.  After some debate, my Dad simply looked at my Mom and said, well what do you think?  Her response was immediate:  "If you don't do it, you'll regret it."

And so, he signed the additional waiver.  (I'm not surprised, after all my Dad's feeling better than he has in many years after his heart surgery!)

I could tell that both Mom and Dad were a touch nervous on the ground as they suited up and readied themselves for the plane, but they were filled with big smiles and lots of laughter as they did so.  Each had an incredible tandem instructor, so I wasn't worried about that at all.  I knew that they were in good hands.

And then I watched them board the plane and fly away.  I had the briefest of moments of worry, after all, both my beloved parents were on the same plane, jumping out one after the other.  The thought passed as quickly as it came.

Before long, I could see them jump from the plane and I watched as their parachutes opened.  Cheering from the ground, I knew that they would have loved the freefall and the canopy ride in.  Now for the landing to go smoothly!

Dad approached the drop zone landing area first.  Fine form; he was definitely ready to land! Dad and his tandem partner landed without any issue at all.  With a slight hop, Dad was quick to smile and share the excitement of his jump with the camera.  And then all eyes were on the sky for Mom.

Mom came in last and at the time she was arriving, the winds had picked up some.  With a few skills turns, she and her tandem partner landed.  Thought it looked perfect, Mom crumpled to the ground after they landed.  From where I was, I couldn't tell what had happened.  All I could do was wait (and worry) to find out.

Before long, I could see she was on her feet, hugging & kissing Dad.  Hugging EQ.  All seemed well as they made their way back from the landing area.

When they were close enough, I joined them on the rest of the walk in.  The excitement was palpable.  They loved it.  All of it.  There was no best part.  (I asked!)  For Mom though, her motion sickness kicked in as they approached the landing.  She was a bit queasy when they landed, thus why she sat down when they first landed.  Phew.  Queasiness we can easily deal with!

So, did they have a great experience?  Here it is in  my Dad's own words:

Now to see if they'll jump for ALS this coming summer.  Any bets?

Moments that confirm just how awesome my parents are.

Moments being the proud daughter.

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 D598: Family Firsts

Mom & Dad arrived at the drop zone just as I finished working for the day.  Brilliant timing because EQ had just headed out to his next jump of the day.  We had the perfect opportunity to watch the skies for the canopies coming in - it was a bright sunny day, with not a cloud to be seen.  Easy to spot the plane, easy to see people leaving the plane.  Perfect for a first experience on a drop zone!

I could see the excitement in their eyes as they searched the skies for hints of skydivers and their canopies. In a moment, I fondly remembered my own first experience on a drop zone.  It was magical watching the bright canopies sailing through the bright blue skies.  While the shine of the experience has worn off some, I find it's still magical to watch the skydivers swoop & sail into their landings.  

For me, instead of enjoying the skies as much I would normally, I found myself watching and enjoying this new experience again through the eyes of my Mom and Dad.  They eagerly watched the sky for the plane.  Then for the skydivers leaving the plane and then, eagerly waiting to see the canopies open. They asked a million and one questions about the drop zone and skydiving in general.  I loved answering their questions about the drop zone and skydiving in general (what I could anyway!).  And when we finally saw his canopy open, it was fun to follow EQ's and track him all the way into the landing zone.  A special moment because I found I was very much enjoying them enjoy themselves.  Simply incredible to watch them soak it all in.   

Moments enjoying the excited twinkle in their eyes.

Moments experiencing a first for my parents.

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 D538: Honest Ed's

I have lived in Toronto since 1996.   Yes.  That's 17 years. AND.....I have NEVER been in Honest Ed's before.

SHOCKING.  Right?  I mean it's a local iconic building/store and I've been in the Bloor/Bathurst area more times than I can count.

And I've NEVER stepped foot into Honest Ed's.

Knowing that Honest Ed's is now up for sale, and given that my Mom, Dad and I were in the area for a show early, the three of us decided to go for a whirl through the store.

WOW.  What a moment!  Walking through this iconic space for the first time was a moment.  It was, as everyone describes it, a discount/flea-market-feeling store.  It smelled of moth balls (though not nearly as bad as I had expected it) and it had a ton of old Honest Ed`s memorabilia all around the store.  It brought with it a flood of memories.

For example:  I can remember, as a child, coming into the city for a show, or for a weekend getaway with my family, and we would choose between Honest Ed's prime rib place or his Chinese place.  My brother and I were always thrilled to look over the antiques in the restaurant or ogle at the gaudy artwork.

It was a fun moment to share the store with my parents.  Heck, we even found a few wares to buy while we were in Honest Ed's.  I purchase a couple of expandable wiener skewer for roasting hot dogs over an open fire.  Cool.  Right?  (AND I'm SURE my nephews will love them!)  My Dad, well, he managed to pick up two NBA jerseys for $2.99 each.  Sure they were 2XXL in size, but they are perfect as a night shirt.

So many weird and wild things in that store.  Now, knowing what I do, I might even have to make another trip over there when I have more time to browse through the store.

Moments when you do something unexpected because you  have time.

Moments finally experiencing a local icon.

Moments D478: Enveloped in Love

Today was a challenging day, after all, returning from vacation is never easy with a pile on your desk to greet you.  Today was no different even though it was only 2 days out of the office - much had transpired while I was away.

Without going into the specifics, suffice it to say that it was a lot.  A lot to process, a lot to understand and a lot to dig more deeply into.  I'll get through it, I always do, but that doesn't mean that I didn't feel beaten up today because of it.

But you know what happened?  My beautiful support group swooped in to help carry the burden and allow me the ability to vent, to process, to see other perspectives.  Arizona gave me much needed hugs, Mr. Ray of Light has promised to help out with the logistics and research that is needed, BFF sent much love & light to help push me through the day and remind me that I will get through it all, my parents offered up an interesting perspective (or two) as did my sweet EQ.

So much love and support in a blink of a day.  I am very fortunate to have the support system I have.  It made today that much more bearable.  Everything will be okay.  I believe.

Moments processing unexpected information.

Moments leaning into the support of your loved ones and finding peace.