New Respect for Quilts

I have a new respect for quilts.

Not just the design, the actual effort put in to make it.

They are really works of art!

My new found respect came when a friend of mine suggested I contact Victoria's Quilts Canada.

What is Victoria's Quilts Canada?

It is a wonderful non-profit, volunteer based company that makes quilts (for free) for people who are going through chemotherapy. 

How did this get started? *

It actually started in the US. A woman named Victoria Ann Morrison who was going through chemo told her best friend Deborah Rogers - who was also a  cancer patient - that she felt cold while laying in the facility to get treatment. After Victoria's death, Deborah remembered Victoria’s comment about being cold and wanted to do something. Since Victoria made so many quilts in her life time, Deb thought that this would be a good place to start. And she did :)

In August of 1998, Betty Giffin of Ottawa learned about this wonderful work and brought the idea to Canada. She started slowly, inviting a handful of friends to discuss the possibility of groups getting together to make quilts. In its first year, Victoria’s Quilts Canada distributed 16 quilts to people with cancer.

In 2002 and 2003, they expanded to include eight branches outside the Ottawa area. The non-quilting volunteer base grew to include more administrative help. As in the past, the number of quilts grew along with public awareness.

As with most non-profit organizations, they felt the financial pinch brought on by many world disasters, but the volunteers came to aid by developing innovative fundraising ideas.

Donations started coming in, more branches opened, more volunteers joined. 

From humble beginnings, they continue to flourish: more than 800 volunteers meet in 20 groups in Ottawa and close to 30 branches across Canada. 

Each month, they distribute almost 400 quilts across the country. FOUR HUNDRED QUILTS!

After contacting Victoria's Quilts to see if I could get one for my Dad, I received a wonderful email response. And about 2 weeks later, I received a package in the mail. It was a beautiful quilt.  It really took my breath away. This picture does not do it justice. You could actually feel the love and effort put into this blanket. And it really is warm! They sent a lovely card and prayer along with it. I was very touched by the generosity of this organization. As was my Dad. 

If you know someone who is going through chemotherapy, this would be a wonderful gift to them. All you need to do is send an email :)

Victoria's Quilts Canada

For my friends in the US, you can visit the US web site at www.victoriasquilts.com

*Source: Victoria's Quilts Canada website

Brrrrr!

From what I have heard, if you were to go to travel agency in Europe or Africa, the posters for Canada would be of a beaver standing next to an igloo. I have never been to Europe or Africa so I can't confirm.

But if this is true, I would understand! 

This is the weather as shown on my iphone weather tracker:

And that is without the wind chill.

Yep, it's cold.

Stay warm friends xo

For Today....

Outside my window...it is COLD!!! Minus 27. Winter can kick rocks.
I am thinking...way too much these days. To the point that I let it consume me. Not good for the mind.
I am thankful...for progress and the 4th floor staff of PMH.
In the kitchen...the steaks are marinating. Yum!
I am wearing...my jammies! Too cold to get out of them!
I am creating...a lot more scrapbook pages these days thanks to Jayne's Sketchapalooza class!
I am going...to kick the walking/running into gear. I can't let the weather deter me. Even if its a short walk, I have to get moving.
I am wondering...why people cannot respect others more. Even people who are supposed to be friends. Mind boggling really.
I am reading...The Pact by Jodi Picoult. Just started it. So far so good!
I am hoping...that the chemo continues to do its magic and we can rest easier.
I am looking forward to...more good things for 2013.
I am learning...that sometime what you see really isn't. Fascinating and disappointing all together.
Around the house...things are getting more and more organized and plans being made for changes.
I am pondering...a 7 day cleanse. Just pondering. Pretty sure I'm chicken shit to try it.
A favourite quote for today.. "You don't have to be great to start, you just have to start!" Perfect for me with the plans I have in my head. Time to start!
One of my favourite things...when my two pups snuggle together.
A few plans for the rest of the week...work, scrapbooking, checking out a friends new business venture and the pups are getting neutered. No more humping!
A peek into my day... I love them.

MEME Source: Simple Womans Daybook

Beauty

Everytime I look at this picture, I am filled with emotion.

And not just because it is a stunning picture of a beautiful bride.

It is who the picture is of. 

Could this really be the baby girl my uncle had to sneak me thru the labour and delivery ward at Peterborough Hospital because I was not yet 10 years old (too young to visit back then).

Is this really the little girl making "gully gully" noises with her soosie?

Is this the little girl who would make me arts and crafts?

Could this possibly be the young girl who taught me the marble game?

Or the girl who wanted to hold my boyfriends hand because he was cute?

Or make me dinner?

It is that girl. 

That girl who has grown into an amazing beautiful woman.

My cousin Pamela.

I was so honoured and proud to share her wedding day with her.

I still cannot believe that our little Pam is now a wife. 

A wife!

Isn't she beautiful??

  

Hello Monday - January 14, 2013

Hello Routine.....there were a few bumps, but it is nice to be back in the swing of things.

Hello New Running Shoes......time to strap you on and take the first step to a healthier me.

Hello sickness.......it was bound to happen. Just need to ride it through and drink plenty of fluids. 

Hello Buckleys.......you win. You taste monumentally disgusting and you are even worse in reverse. 

Hello Opinions.......with the recent actions of our school boards it has been interesting, mind boggling, frustrating and enlightening to read, see and hear all the different opinions. And there were many. I just wish during the debates people would have had some respect for the opposite opinion. 

Hello ScrapRoom.......so nice to be able to actually scrapbook as opposed to just "cleaning" it. 

Hello Deception.......a new show on NBC that I am certain will be a big hit. I look forward to tuning in every Monday night. My mondays just got better. 

Hello Monday.....You may not be my favourite day of the week and make me feel panicked but I still salute you as you set the tone for my work week.

Do you participate in Hello Monday? If so, send me your link in my comment section :)

Wordless Wednesday

Hello Monday....

Hello Monday is a Meme that I have seen around on a few blogs, in particular my friend Lee's brilliant blog. If you do not read her blog, do it! Lee found it on another brilliant blog that I am now happy following.
It's a great way to reflect on what your week has just entailed or what is coming up for the new week. I learn a lot about my friends busy lives this way. If you participate, leave me your link in the comments!

Hello 2013 - please be kind.

Hello Routine - now that holidays are over I am looking forward to getting back to our daily routine. I'm sure it will be bumpy the first few days. 

Hello Work - back to the grind I go. I have some pretty fantastic and supportive collegues who had my back the past few weeks. Time for me to get back to it. 

Hello Scrapbook Room - so happy to be getting my room organized so I can spend more creative time in there instead of just moving stuff around.

Hello Jillian Michaels - so happy to have you back on the Biggest Loser. This season I promise to not snack on chips and sweets while watching the show. 

Hello Sid Dickens - I am in love with your art blocks! 3 more to go and my wall block is complete!

Hello Projects - time to get going and get you completed this year!

Hello Move More, Eat Less 2.0 - I joined the amazing Cathy Zielske's class and I intend to learn from it, own it and document it. I can't wait to see the 12 month transition. 

Hello Feeling Scrappy Classes! - Jayne's fun and inspiring sketch class starts today! Good thing I started getting my scrap room in order. Maybe this time I can actually participate! It's not too late to join. Check out  Jayne's Blog here :)

Hello Monday - You may not be my favourite day of the week and you make me feel panicked. I still salute you as you set the tone for my work week. 

Have a great week friends!

One Little Word 2013

I had been thinking of my 2013 word for sometime now. Actually, I had been thinking about it since last year. I think I was looking too hard for the word. I needed the word to find me. So with everything that has gone on in 2012 - the good and the bad - I kept referring to the "journey" that 2013 will be. 

Hello. 

There is my word. 

JOURNEY

I will embrace this word regardless of what comes my way. The good, the bad and the ugly. 

I had registered for Ali Edwards One Little Word back in 2011 but I didn't actually do the prompts or course. I would have to look back to see what word I had chosen. So I will use the 2011 course as  my prompts. First task at hand is to choose the word. Choose it, Define it, Own it. 
Whoohoo! I am not behind in the class!! Yet.... :)

What is your word for 2013??

The Good of 2012

Now that I posted about my 2012 sucking large, like big hairy moose ball suckage, I realized I would be a total jack-ass if I didn't acknowledge that there was some good in 2012. Good that I am very appreciative of.

• The year started with my birthday being acknowledged by some pretty terrific friends. They all wrote sweet messages, tied them to balloons and left them all over the new house. I loved it. 
• Although it had us in a huge financial pickle, we have a wonderful house. We made it our home which is not something we did with the first one in Brooklin.
• We celebrated the lives of those we lost. Beautiful tributes. Seeing and feeling the love. While it was sad to lose them, I have to see the "good" in the lives they led and how much they meant to people. 
• Being a Sunday School teacher for my church to our 3-5 year old members. It is so heartwarming to see and hear faith from their perspective. So innocent and honest. 
• Celebrated Canada Day and being Canadian with our forever friends making it a tradition.
• Discovered Lovesick Lake. A place we will definately be visiting every year with our good friends.
• Celebrated a marriage of my beautiful and amazing cousin Pamela. I was honoured to speak (thru tears) at her wedding and witness so many memorable moments at one of the most important days of her life.
• Scrapbook weekends away with awesome friends.
• Meeting KISS and seeing them play with Motley Crue. Amazing. 
• Reliving the 80's with some more flashback concerts - Pat Benetar, Loverboy, Journey.
• Welcoming two adorable pups into our lives - one planned, one a rescue. Charlie and Dexter!
• I've met some new wonderful friends that I look forward to getting to know better.
• I've discovered new things about myself. And others. 
• We had many gathering with friends, lots of laughs that were needed.
• And the highlight of my year......My family was shown the generosity of my community and friends at a time when it was needed most. I have mentioned on numerous occasions how much I love and adore my friends and the community in Brooklin I live in. I cannot say it enough. I love them with my whole heart. 

And that is how I am going to look back on 2012. 

Goodbye 2012

2012 was a bad year. 

Even worse than my 2009 which I was sure could not be worse. 

Apparently 2012 was up to the challenge of defeating that. 

It's also the reason why I wasn't really blogging. In fact, I have been going back and forth on whether I should just delete this blog. I've decided to keep the blog and maybe use it as some free therapy. 

The reason?

 I am not a 100% sure 2013 will be better. 

But I will put forth my effort to make it count and make some changes. 

My last blog post had me questioning myself and whether I was looking at the destination or the journey. I was not enjoying the journey of my life. I was just waiting for the "destination" part to kick in. 

It didn't. 

I need to go back to being the "Journey" type girl and making the most of it. 

It will be difficult and challenging. 

Just like 2012 was. 

What happened in 2012? 

Selling our home over the new year put us in a financial bind, my Dad had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer and needed surgery, then my uncle Bob died, then Grandma died, friend of my Dad died - all within 10 days, illnesses, broken relationships, spirit crushing changes, you name it, the list just didn't seem to end. And it didn't end well either. 

My Dads cancer is back. 

It is in his lungs, kidneys and abdomen. 

It is so aggressive that they started an aggressive chemotherapy treatment within 4 days of the doctor meeting with my parents to tell them it had spread. 

I hate cancer. 

I hate what it does to people. 

I hate hate hate hate it.  

But we have hope, we have an amazing hospital treating my Dad and we have faith. 

So we are starting 2013 with this journey. 

It will be challenging no doubt, but we are determined to get thru it.

Let the journey begin....... 

Life is a Journey

There is a sign hanging in my home that says:

"Life is a journey, not a destination"

It is one of my most favourite sayings and I was thrilled when I found a print of it in Urban Barn.

It also reminds me of my Uncle Bob who would say something similar: "It's not the destination, its the journey"

He couldn't be more right. I miss him.

I've been looking at the sign quite a bit lately.

Wondering if I am actually enjoying the journey or just waiting for the destination.

I've always been a "journey" type gal but lately its been the destination. Which is why I have been so frustrated.

I assume.

What the hell am I waiting for? Why am I waiting? Why am I no longer just going with the flow?

Maybe it's because this year has been so full of changes - good and bad - and I expect more to come.

Maybe I want to control the changes coming our way, or maybe I am just impatient wanting them to be here.

Regardless, I need to go back to enjoying the journey.

I will continue to gaze at my print to remind myself to enjoy the journey.

And to think of Uncle Bob of course.

What about you? Are you a journey taker or destination seeker? Any words of wisdom?

Hello Monday

 The beautiful sunset view from the cottage we rented at lovesick lake.

hello lovesick lake. we enjoyed an amazing vacation with wonderful memories. Thank you.

hello laundry. worst part of getting back from vacation is the chores to be done.

hello sore back. clearly jumping on a water trampoline and doing back flips is not so smart at my age.

hello change. I will try to go with the flow. Try.

hello new dallas. I am totally hooked on this show! Love me some J.R!

hello new family member. i finally convinced Sean to get a dog!! woot!

hello isagenix. i was resistant at first but have learned to love you.

hello back to school. i am trying to not get overwhelmed with the "what needs to get done".

hello patience. hoping to not lose sight of you.

hello monday. i'm generally not a fan of you but you do give me a fresh new start every week. 

found this thru my wonderful friend's Jayne and Lee's blogs :)

what are you saying hello to on this brand new monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

8 Things Thursday

1. Summer heat - while I enjoy summer and the "nice" weather that is associated with it, I have to admit I am not a fan of this summer. I hate humidity and feel trapped in it, can't breathe. Why would I want to be outside in that?? Being over 35 degrees for the longest stretch is not nice weather in my opinion.
2. In two weeks, my hubby will be 40. I find it quite humerous that we find it shocking, as if it snuck up on us. I guess its a good thing for the spirit to think of yourself as being younger. Although it will not stop me from singing and dancing on his birthday pointing out that HE is 40 and I still have a couple years ;)
3. Pinterest - why did it take so long for someone to create this?? It is brilliant. The ideas, the inspiration, the laughs - so much time can be spent on that site.
4. Customer Service - is this a lost trait now? Stores, banks, telemarketers - all of them have been an issue for not only myself but friends I have spoken to. It is not something you find anymore. Apparently ignornace is a sought after trait when hiring people these days.
5. Chiropractic Care - a new experience for me. I always thought that once you see a chiropracter and get adjusted that you will ALWAYS have to see one. So I figured, why bother? Then my hip was giving me a hard time (maybe its the almost 40 thing ;) ) and a friend suggested I try it. What a difference! Not just my hip, but feeling like my body is being put back together! Added bonus - my chiro is quite handsome!
6. Crickets - I hate them. They freak me out. Wishing we didn't get Jonah the lizard that ate crickets. Mind you the one that eats mice is no better!!
7. Christmas - struggling with this holiday already.
8. 2012 - I can't believe it is half over. It started off rough. Ok, it sucked big hairy moose balls. But things are picking up. And I am hoping that 2012 ends on a better note than it started on.

What are your 8 things this thursday?? Leave me a comment with a link to your blog. Would love to read it.

Sketchapalooza 8

Need some plans for September? I have a plan for you! Join my wonderful and creative friend Jayne's Sketch class!!
If you have participated in her classes before, you know how awesome they are. And this class offers something a little different - DOUBLES!!
This all new sketch class will feature double page sketches! During this month long course you will be provided with tons of brand new original sketches along with both paper and digital examples of finished pages from our talented designers and digital templates will be provided (both PS and SBC!) This fast paced, exciting class is suitable for any level of scrapper and caters to both traditional and digital artists alike. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to get a lots of pages done and have a ball doing it!


Here is what you can expect during this class:

•A full five weeks of class running from September 1st to October 6th

•Detailed sketches made exclusively for you by our designers

•12 Double pages sketches plus several bonus single page sketches

•At least 26 total page sketches!

•Digital templates provided for each sketch in PS/PSE and SBC!

•Fabulous creative examples for each sketch in both paper and digital by our talented designers

•A private class forum with lots of support and friendly conversation

•A gallery filled with layout examples (in the last class over 450 pages were posted!)

•Self-paced class - do as much or as little as you like

•A PDF file including all the sketches from the class for you to keep for future reference (plus digital scrappers can use the templates over and over again)

•Prizes - who doesn't love a chance to win?

•Plus a few surprises :)

The cost for this month long class is only $25.00.

Ready to sign up? Just go visit the Feeling Scrappy website HERE

I hope to see you in class!!

Falling apart

Have you ever felt like your life was just falling apart?
Did it actually fall apart?
Were you able to pick up the pieces, or did it just consume you?
This is where I had been sitting for quite awhile - in the spot that life consumes you because you feel like it is falling apart.
No one ever said life was easy. We all get hit by life challenges and we generally survive them.
Eventually.
I've always taken the stance that things are not really THAT bad because I know somewhere out there someone else is suffering more than I am.
But when you feel like you are suffering the most, you can forget that about others.
Selfish? Maybe. But it happens.
There were days I didn't want to get out of bed, do my job, talk to anyone.
Closing the world out seemed like the answer at the time.
I realize now that my closing out the world taught me different lessons.

What did I learn?

I hate cancer. Immensely.
I hate hospital protocols.
I hate death.
I'm afraid of death.
I hate what happens to families when sickness or death occurs.
I hate feeling helpless.

What else did I learn?

That cancer can be given a hard fight.
That there are amazing doctors.
That we have awesome health care.
That there are wonderful people in my life.
That I should never lose faith.
That there are people who will help you pull up the bootstraps when needed.
That fearing death takes away my joy of living.
That it is ok to be mad. Sad. Angry.
And sometimes....selfish.
That life will always have challenges and I need to appreciate the lesson those challenges will teach me.
I have learned that when I feel like I am falling apart I need to be aware that the glue is not far away.

And most importantly......
...............I'm not alone.

Friday Fill-Ins - July 12, 2012

And...here we go!

1. For the first time, I ate broccoli salad - and I actually liked it!
2. The colossel water fight the kids and parents had on our street is one of my best memories of the summer so far.
3. My recipe for salsa chicken is one of my favorites because it is easy and low fat!
4. I will be thankful for our move to Brooklin for years to come.
5. It starts with a smile and patient heart.
6. Apple pie or warm fall scents is a fragrance I enjoy most in a candle.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing and reading, tomorrow my plans include a visit with mom and daddy and Sunday, I want to see Rock of Ages with Colleen!
Do you participate in Friday Fill-Ins? Leave me a link in the comments so I can check it out!
Happy Friday!

Tuesday Top Ten

Everyone has a bit (or a lot) of negative in their lives. Let's focus on the positive. What are your top ten things this week. Anything.
Here are mine, in random order of course:

1. A cancer free Daddy
2. New ink that I am in love with (pictures when healed)
3. Reading a great book that is really tugging at my heart strings and making me see things differently
4. Air conditioning
5. Mio - I hate the taste (if there is any!) of water. This helps and there is no aspertame!
6. Most amazing neighbours who are more than neighbours, they are my best friends
7. Orange and Yellow Gerbera Daisies delivered to my house
8. A husband who tries his best every day
9. A son who promises to always love his Momma
10. A functional scrapbook room

Broken Promise

So I broke a promise.
But its really not that serious.
Honest.
I said I would be a good blogger, posting more often.
Then my life fell apart.
Well, I felt it was falling apart.
Whoops. Broken promise.
I probably should have used my blog as a venting place, online therapist.
But I was just too deep in my pity party hole that I didn't even consider it.
Now things are picking back up.
And I do miss blogging.
Spewing my random thoughts, sharing my good times - its really the best kind of therapy.
And the cheapest.
So I won't make another promise, but hopefully my blog will get back to normal.
And hopefully I will still have followers.
If not, I will be talking to myself. Not cool.
So if you are still out there, thanks for being patient.
Love Char

For Today.....December 5, 2011

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is pouring rain and quite windy! Very gloomy and making me wish I was snuggled up in bed.

I AM THINKING ...that a full out family vacation will now be a yearly event after the amazing time we had at Disney and our cruise to the Bahamas. Would love to see Disney at Christmastime!

WE ARE LEARNING … or trying to learn that we cannot change the unchangeable. We need to learn how to take stress factors in stride and not let it consume us.
I AM THANKFUL FOR ... the amazing new friends I have met in my neighbourhood. It is truly fascinating how you can connect with someone and have such respect for them.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... time to make some stew!! It's been awhile and the weather is perfect for it.

I AM WEARING ... reindeer jammies and my ever-so-comfortable sweater from Old Navy.

I AM GOING ... to have my shopping done very soon! No more last minute rushing for this gal!
I AM READING ... Tell Me No Secrets by Joy Fielding. I am such a fan of Joy Feilding. How I find the time to read is beyond me.

I AM CREATING ... a lot of stress for myself. I admit it. I am a worry wart. There is so much on my plate that I need to learn to be patient and let what will be, be. Giving myself panic attacks in the middle of the night will not resolve anything.

I AM HOPING ... that our house sells quickly!!  And to the perfect family since we will be neighbours!

I AM HEARING ... the rain pound against the windows! It really makes me want to crawl into bed and just lay there listening to it. I love the sound of rain, hate what it does to my elbow.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... it is bare and clean! All to get it sold! You would never know that I am living here! LOL Some things I enjoy - like my bed being made perfect for the showings. What I hate is making the bed!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... Morph Starburst. I could eat them all day to the point of being sick. They are THAT good.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK .... hopefully more showings, movie with Jonah and some Christmas gatherings!

Enjoy your week!

Crazy Story

As you know, we moved to Brooklin just over a year ago.

The situation was very spontaneous, a leap of faith really. Hell, we put an offer in on the house before we actually saw the INSIDE of it. Our main goal was to get into the neighbourhood.

And we did it.

Now we are doing it again!!

I am so not kidding.

We heard on a friday about a house that was going up for sale.

Sunday, we put in an offer!

And the funny crazy part??

The house is TWO doors down!

TWO freaking doors away!

Crazy right??

The house is on the end of our townhome row. It is bigger and since we figure we will be here until Jonah finishes at this school, we might as well  be in a more comfortable home.

So now I am in "Sell the House" hell. I hate it. Love that my house is clean, just hate the stress of it all. People walking thru my house. Stress of wondering if it will sell before Christmas.

Hate it.

Keep your fingers crossed that the house sells!