Sunday, July 29, 2007

Introducing Zee

Before I go on, I want to introduce Zee...of Zee and Lee. (get on here Z!) She is not my alter ego, she is a real live person and is my closest, dearest friend. Her name is Grace and I have known her since grade 10 art class where she lent me her pencil crayons...she was a giving person even back then!! (this was like 25 years ago!!) I knew of her before then, but always saw her as a "miss Priss"....really quet, little white frilly shirts and bangs so long you couldnt even see her face. We have remained close thru the years, even after her numerous moves, we somehow stayed in touch. She now lives a little over an hour away from me but we talk everyday on the phone and see each other relatively frequently. She is my hero...the light in my life..a blessing....an inspiration...calming like cool water on a hot day...the wind beneath my wings (sorry Bette)...I wish I could be more like Grace...her name totally suits her! She sees the best in everyone and everything...the world through rose coloured glasses (meant in a good way, no sarcasm here). We have the greatest relationship....people think we are sisters....I would have a very difficult time in my life without her even tho I try not to be dependant on people. I tell her everything and she somehow understands and still loves me!! I think a relationship like ours is rare and I am so lucky to have it!!! We are Lucy and Ethel..Im definelty the one getting dragged into things by Lucy and her crazy ideas!!

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Avoiding plastic

Today at the grocery store I battled with my conscience and decided not to buy lemonade in plastic bottles even tho they were ON SALE and I really wanted them! I did buy a case of iced tea in cans however, justifying that it was at least better than plastic. I almost always say no to plastic shopping bags altho I havent totally gotten into the habit of taking my own cloth bags in with me. I'm working on it. I purchased some small Perrier bottles of sparkling water just so I can have the glass bottles (to reuse) as they seem to be converting to plastic as well. I have used a mason jar to take water in the car with me (ands its easy to drink out of) but this may be a difficult sell on the kids. So many things are just covered in plastic wrappings..its depressing! I look in my recycle box and wonder what is actually recycled, and what is just thrown in the dump anyway. The trick is to not but it in the first place!

Friday, July 27, 2007

Washing Dishes

From Thich Nhat Hanh Peace is Every Step......
"Once you are standing in front of the sink with your sleeves rolled up and your hands in the warm water, it is really quite pleasant. I enjoy taking my time with each dish, being fully aware of the dish, the water, and each movement of my hands, I know that if I hurry in order to eat dessert sooner, the time of washing dishes will be unpleasant and not worth living. That would be a pity, for each minute, each second of life is a miracle. the dishes themselves and the fact that I am here washing them are miracles!"
Now, how can I look at dishes as a chore ever again....I hope to project this message to my children as well....its so true...not only is it a miracle...but the fact that doing dishes means we had food to enjoy and hopefully will again, is a miracle in itself!
In the book Buddha Mom by Jacqueline Kramer, she talks about being a house holder. How nurturing and soothing it is to make a peaceful, joyful, home! If I spend all my time grumbling while doing housework, then its not love in the clean clothes or clean dishes or swept floor, its anger and resentment. Its also a job that needs to be done, so I'd rather set a positive example that it isn't drudgery..that there is enjoyment and satisfaction to be had.
The reason for this post and why I cant wait to wash dishes (insert sarcasm, but heh I am trying!!) is that I received the most beautiful package in the mail today from Zee. It was in a purple box with thoughtful quotes all over it (hand written) and inside was a lovely card with the most kind and considerate words that one could ever hear! She made me 6 dish cloths out of (I think) cotton yarn..off white...with flecks of color...I want to post a picture and MUST learn how!! She is such a considerate person to send me a home made gift!! I was so happy to receive it!! Nothing like a package in the mail!!! Thank you ZEE~

Friday, July 20, 2007

Why do I get so frustrated by my children?????

Why can't I just be calm?? Why can't they just willingly help out when I ask instead of being always in opposition?? Why can't I just smile and let it go..not caring whether they really want to help out or not as long as the job gets done?? Why can't I remember that this too shall pass and they are generally great, considerate, caring people?? Breathe......

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Keyboard Scum and Fireworks

Dh painstakingly cleaned the keybaord..behind every key, in every last nook and cranny..no more sticky keys...no more Stefanie eating at the computer!! I was contemplating buying a new keyboard but didnt feel good about buying something I dont need. This one is as good as new now!!
We went to see the fireworks tonite in Cobourg...Happy Canada Day! It was lovely sitting on the rock beach (my favorite place to gather small lake washed stones for my garden) and loads of people had little bon fires going, all down the length of the beach...we made a little one too, borrowing someones lighter and gathering little pieces of wood from the ground. Kate and Annie had a fun time together...Stef was away at a friends cottage. We got home quite late and the girls went right to bed. I havent stayed up this late in a loooong time!
Current favorite music....The White Stripes!! They are rough, edgy with a bit of blues and a touch of folksy Arlo Guthrie IMO..