Moments D178: Pumpkins Take2 - Pig Races

Today was a cool day that was threatening to rain the entire day. BUT that didn’t stop us from heading to the pumpkin farm in Fonthill that as well known for its fair-like atmosphere as much as its known for its pumpkins. Howell’s Family Farm a great place to spend the afternoon!

But the moment didn’t surface during the pumpkin & apple sling shot (OMG, so much fun and many smiles) nor while picking out the perfect pumpkin for myself (x2) and for a friend of mine. No, no. The best moment was the PIG RACES!



It was so much fun to see the pigs squealing their way around the mini-track. But the most fun and smiles were when the rain came and we watched the host & hostess of the races try to corral the pigs who stopped racing and started digging for worms. Oh my. So many giggles. So much laughter.

Yes today was all about the piggies!

Moments of silliness.

Moments in the rain.

Moments D177: Art & Science

Today one of my co-workers shared his idea with me about an art exhibition he’d like to put on. It boils down (if you can boil art down like this!) He wants to present an installation that will combine his love of art (he does everything from painting to music) and his passion for science.

I smiled with my soul listening to him detail out his exhibition. I immediately started to flip through my internal Rolodex to try and find someone that could help him with his dream. His passion. His drive. His vision. All very inspiring.

Moments to appreciate someone else’s dream.

Moments to share a love of art.

Moments D176: Costumes

Today was decision day. Am I going to stay home and reflect upon my year or actually go out and enjoy my favourite holiday this year? Last year where I was depressed and sulking and had bombed my marriage with our years of issues weighing too heavily on me. Is it necessary to take this special day and reflect?

No. I think I’ve done more than enough of that over the past year. And sure, I may have spent a lot of the year keeping myself busy and NOT thinking about it, but there have been plenty of moments to pause and consider my path. And so, I committed to myself to get out there and enjoy my favourite holiday once again. Baby steps though. I won’t decorate, but I will visit Church street on Halloween.

So, today’s moment is brought to you by Value Village. What a fantastic Halloween section they had set up. Wigs, hats, costumes (new and gently used) and makeup. It was Halloween heaven. Easily an hour later of laughing and giggling and sharing ideas, I had not one but TWO costumes to choose from. SO. MUCH. FUN!

I ended up with a raccoon and an evil fairy outfit….and after my shop at Canuck Sport for new volleyball shoes before, I could possibly reorganized bits of clothing to pull off a roller derby gal! Yes, my creative juices were flowing! Both of the costumes I went home with are quite cute. I think the raccoon outfit will be warmer outside while walking Church street….BUT the wig I have for the fairy is quite fun and drawing me in….

Anyway, it was a big day for me and my moment was the realization that I don’t have to reflect; instead I can start to rebuild the meaning of that holiday FOR ME.

Moments to make a decision.

Moments of being free.

Moments D175: Keyboards and Memories

This past weekend I unpacked my keyboard. It’s the first time it’s seen the light of day in over 8 years. (Shameful really, but playing took a sideline to school, work and life….) While I tinkered a bit over the weekend, I really didn’t have time to really play. Honestly it was more about a refresher on reading music!

Today, as I was waiting for my 8am appointment at home I decided to play on my keyboard. Before I knew it I was playing more confidently and nearly 60 minutes had passed. The sheet music I have isn’t easy, but I played these songs many MANY times years ago. It was interesting to see/feel my fingers get the flow again. Memories of playing on my Dad’s old upright piano flooded me.

My playing, after an hour, was still pretty choppy and nowhere near perfect, but that was the best hour of my day. Totally focused on music. Notes, melodies and timing. It was a wonderful breath of fresh air. I think I’m going to have to find time to incorporate a little more keyboard into my life again. I guess that means I’m going to have to find some current music sheets too, for I love to sing along.

I was happy that my 8am appointment went missing (she never showed - she thought it was tomorrow!). I had an hour of playing time to myself. Sure, I was 20 minutes late for work (easily made up by not taking lunch), but it was well worth it. Smiles and songs in my head to start the day.

Moments with music.

Moments revisited.

Moments D174: Tattoos and Tai Chi

Today started with a bang as I was running late from the word go!  (or in this case, when the alarm went off!)

It was a big day….big meetings and a test in school in the evening.  Top that off with supporting someone close to me on his bad day and it was was busy, bustling, hustling, juggling stressful kinda day.

And yet they were two moments that stood out to me.  The first was on the drive to work. 

Mr. Tai Chi hasn’t been in the park for many days now and yet I hope to see him every day I pass the park.  Today I was happy to see him in the park with his heavier jacket in, with a toque and gloves.   It was a fast moment as there was no traffic and I passed him in a blink. This made me smile before my day even started.

My second moment today was thinking about tattoos.  My “niece” turns 18 in March and is determined to get a tattoo to celebrate this milestone.   We have been sharing ideas back and forth for the past week and a bit.  It has been an interesting process and it has inspired me to think about my next tattoo again.

Today as I was copying and pasting (read boring and easy) and was thinking about my tattoo.  And as I ate my lunch at my desk, I played with some fonts for the four words that will likely find their way onto my body.  I find myself excited and wondering when it might happen.

Moments to re-visit an inspirational gentleman and his practice.

Moments to be inspired!

D173b: Kitty Update

Kitty is home once again.  Her dental surgery went...well, I guess it went well.  There were no teeth excised as they thought they would need to, but they did go ahead with the cleaning and polishing of her teeth, which will help with her gingivitis.  

It`s a good news/bad news scenario in that it was cheaper for me in the end that they didn't pull two of her teeth, but it sounds like her teeth are likely the reason of why she's not eating.

The vet made it clear to keep watching her and see what her behaviour is post surgery as there are no other indicators that there is anything wrong with her.  Her blood work & urinalysis were perfect, which means there are no signs of disease or infection.  

So, I watch and wait.  And see if we need to return to the vet in a week or so.

Fingers crossed, it was just sore gums.

Moments D173: Magic Number 11

Today was my 11 year anniversary with the company I work for. It came and went without notice for those I work with. On the one hand, and really the more dominant one, I'm quite alright (perhaps all right) with the lack of attention. I would much rather work hard in the background without the spotlight on me. However, a small part of me was saddened that no one person realized my milestone; after all who doesn't like to be recognized for their loyalty and hard work.

No matter though. It was just another day like any day before it and I was happy to have the time to focus on finishing up my big proposal for tomorrow’s meeting.

My moment today came to me when I realized that today the end of my 11th year with my company. Eleven is a special number to some with a vibration that is slightly more amplified than others. Called a “Master Number” in Numerology 11 is the most intuitive of all numbers and it is associated with spiritual awareness. Eleven brings an understanding and knowledge beyond the grasp of rational thought. The energy from an 11 can be avant-garde, idealistic, visionary, and cultured. Extremes to be sure. According to this website: ”The 11 walks the edge between greatness and self-destruction. Its potential for growth, stability, and personal power lies in its acceptance of intuitive understanding, and of spiritual truths.”

Wow! While 11 is not my life path or my expression, the energy of 11 was a part of my life this past year on a career level and partially personally (after all who’s career doesn't affect them personally?). And believe me, with everything that I've been through this past year, I've felt the potential for growth and for self-destruction. It’s been a tireless pursuit and balancing act. And yet, every step of the way I've managed to dig deeper than I ever thought possible. Perhaps it’s because of the energy of the 11 with me through this past year.

So today was a moment to pause amoung the chaos around me personally and at work to note that it’s been 11 years. I've had 11 years in the making with this company. I was green when I started here and filled with ambition and drive. I'm a lot less green, but I'm happy to realize that I'm still filled with that ambition and drive. That makes me smile.

So today I quietly celebrate my milestone. One where I feel I've manage to stave off self-destruction and ride the wave of growth.

I pause and give thanks to my mentors, my co-workers and all of my (many) business contacts. Each and everyone of you have helped me to grow in my career and in my life. (And yes, having a “9” for a life path means that I can be overly compassionate. But I genuinely do appreciate all that have touched my life, for each moment, each interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow.)

Moments to reflect.

Moments to appreciate.