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Canadian SweetheartCurl up on my cosmic porch swing ~ lay your thoughts down on my cosy space May 28 Pirates... and other nonsense
We saw Shrek III the other night at Silver City - it was hilarious! Loved it! On our way out of the theatre, the boys decided to get a refill on their popcorn before leaving, and considering the price they charge for popcorn, I agreed - marvelous plan - have at it, kids! As Spencer and his buddy barreled toward the counter, I trailed behind, taking in the decor of paper Mache sculptures that were dangling from the lobby's ceiling. I looked to my left to get a closer look at the sculpture of Peter Pan, when my heart was suddenly launched into a twinkling tail-spin of school-girl flutters! There, standing only a few feet away from me and Peter, stood none other than... Jack Sparrow! Yes indeed, it was him, the very one! Not a paper Mache either... nuh-uh... this was the real deal... right there in the theatre lobby! May 21 My little trooper
A few weeks ago, while preparing for the usual Sunday (and dreadful) job of cleaning the bathroom, a terrifically marvellous thought scurried and landed on a vacant little shelf of my mind. Just like that... there it was... gleaming and twinkling at me. It was one of those thoughts that make a parent stand straight-up, grin, and titter wickedly beneath their breath. <hee hee> I tiptoed down the hallway, casually peered into Spencer's room, and noticed that he was curled up in a lazy heap on his bed, watching television. Perfect. I grinned again... accidentally unleashing a faint titter as my brilliant plan unfolded seamlessly. I glanced at the cleaning supplies, back at the boy, back at the cleaning supplies... and thought... "Brilliant!" (Muah ha ha!!)
I called him over with a giddy wave of the hand, pointed to the bathroom, and announced, "You're 12 years old now, son... time to buck-up and become a man". I could hardly compose myself... this moment was right up there with Christmas morning, or finding that perfect pair of shoes on sale for half price! The look on his face was worth ten pairs of new shoes! You would have thought that I had asked him to clean the bowels of the sewer, or to disassemble a time-bomb. Naturally, he argued that he didn't know how... so being the helpful mother I am, I patted his back lovingly and assured him that I would teach him. hee hee In dazzling charade fashion, I walked him through each step, starting with the disgusting spots on the lino that would need to be cleaned and disinfected first... and playfully suggested he take better care with his aim from here on out. (hee hee hee!!!). Once I was sure that my little pioneer had been adequately introduced to the many foul and ghastly facets, I backed out of the bathroom delicately... smiled, wished him luck... and high-tailed it out of there, skipping and giggling! I figured I might need a buffer to drown out the occasional whining that was sure to ensue, so I quickly busied myself with untangling the gnarled-up cord of the vacuum, and fired that puppy up! I think I was actually floating as my faithful Kenmore ploughed across the carpet, sucking up the bits and pieces of god-knows-what. I deliberately took my time, making patterns in the carpet: checkers, stripes, random circles. I tried making a happy face, but the lines kept crossing over one another. *sigh* Then, as I was merrily going about making the perfect swirl in the carpet, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye... a distinctly familiar pair of knobbly knees. I turned around, looked up, and then immediately fell into a fit of laughter! In true Spencer-fashion, he accepted his mission, and took on the challenge like a loyal trooper... (See photos below). See why I love being a mom!! lol
Going off to fight the crime against germs... what a trooper. ;)
(I particularly love the gas-mask... aka... pillow case) haha!
Check out the ear-phones...
this is a must when fighting against pesky germ-villians. :)
Don't come any closer... I've got a spray bottle,
and I know how to use it...
(My mom just showed me how!) hee hee
Have a great week, friends! ((hugs))
x x x
May 12 Mother's Day
When I look back at the times my mother preached about this or that... and the equal amount of times I tediously rolled my eyes... I have to titter now, just a little. She had the last laugh... I just didn't realize it at the time. ;) I did everything I could to tune out the "by the way's" and the "you'll see's". I was so confident that she didn't know anything, and I knew everything. I was a teenage girl... self-riotousness came with the territory. ;) It was only when I became a woman, and even more so... when I became a mother, that I came to realize... damn, mom was right. Everything she said, all the lectures she preached, all the "by the way's" that she would craftily wave about my indignant ears... they were bang on. Bang freak'en on! Now, as a mother, I find myself sniggering when my twelve year old waves me off with a hasty hand, rolling his eyes no doubt when I'm not looking; sometimes when I am looking, if he's feeling particularly brave. I snigger because I know that despite his every effort to tune me out... the message is getting through loud and clear, whether he likes it or not. ;) Our mothers ultimately become our conscience, don't they? Even when they are clear of ear shot and would never know the difference, somehow their voices stay with us, lurking in the dusty banks of our minds... ready to snap us into shape when temptation comes a call'en. My mom had a few favourite sayings, and as I approach (reluctantly) into mother-of-a-teenager-hood, I have adopted a few of my own. My personal favourite is, "Someday you'll thank me for this". Love that one! *evil titter*. Another favourite of mine is "It's not my job to make popular decisions... it's my job to know when to say No... and this is definitely one of those times, sorry pal... deal with it". (Sometimes followed by a cheeky smile... sometimes not). Why, I do declare, just a few weeks ago I used this one! It went something like this: Spencer: "Mom, can I buy a bee-bee gun?" Me: (holding chest and arms raised) "Have you lost your freak'en mind??? Really... have we met???!!!!" Spencer: "Why not? Pleeeeease Mom? I won't be irresponsible, I just really want one. Pleeeease Mom? Oh PLEEEEASE!!" Me: "No, no, and double no!" Promptly followed by favourite saying #2... see above. ;) One other saying that I like, that isn't really a "saying" for Spencer, but more for me... is "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink". Sometimes I slip, and I need the reminder that we can guide our children the best we can, but we have to remember to give them the freedom to be true to themselves. My boy is not just a child... he's a person. He has feelings, wants, needs, goals, ambitions, interests... and they may not always follow in line with mine. (But he's still not getting no stink'en bee-bee gun!). ;) I think being a parent means being a roll model... to the best of our ability. I remind myself that if I want him to be kind, I have to show him kindness. To love... love. To listen... listen. To be fair... be fair. To be trustworthy... be trustworthy. The privilege of being a mom, and a daughter... has been all mine. So on this mother's day, I'd like to say... "Thanks mom, for being you... and for guiding me.. even still." And to Spencer... "Thanks for making it so easy, kiddo... I love you... more than infinity x what ever you say x that!" Ha! I finally beat him! (Inside joke, sorry). lol Happy mother's day friends, and may you continue to be blessed by your mother's voice ringing in your ear, and by the magic and wonder of being a mom. x May 05 Raymond (cute... yeah, definately cute)...
So, ever since Spencer's cousin got a Bearded Dragon (3 years ago), he's wanted one of these lovely and intriguing little creatures (from the outbacks of Australia). I wasn't against the idea of another critter in the house, but at that time, I felt Spencer was too young to commit to the responsibility that goes along with caring for a critter... and I have enough poop to scoop as it is... thanks. ;) He's brought the subject up a few times over the past few years, and each time... he's trailed away with the same long face and dragging heals... trumped again, but patiently biding his time. ;) *sigh*
Then... not long ago, I asked Spencer if he'd thought about what he'd like this year as a passing gift... and he promptly replied with "a Bearded Dragon?" *sigh* I hummed and ha'd... after all, he is twelve now... maybe he could handle it. So, in my infinite wisdom, I thought... "I'll put him to the test; we'll just see how serious he is". I laid out a few pain-staking conditions, and if he could follow through, then he could have the Beardie. Sounds fair, right? One of those conditions was that he had to share the responsibility of cleaning the bunny litter, and cat litter. (Bonus for me... talk about win-win). hee hee
To my surprise, the boy has kept his end of the bargain... not only that, but without complaint. (Anyone who has kids will appreciate what a gift that is in itself... "without complaint"... ahhh... music to thy ears). So, as time has marched on toward the end of the school year, I have been tucking the idea (and money) away... preparing for one more critter to come into our home. I would have a house full of critters if I had the room and money, so it didn't take me long to warm up to the idea, and begin pricing out the details like... tank, lighting, sand... stuff like that. (Which by the way... equals a small freak'en fortune).
Then, last week... after going to the cheap theatre (I think it has an official name, but that's what I call it... it's the best thing since sliced bread!), we strolled over to the pet store. We do this quite regular... movies, pet store... it's our thing. While I was chatting it up with an adorable black headed cacique (that's a bird), Spencer had quietly made his way to the reptile section. The next thing I know, Spencer is calling out and slowly walking toward me, with a Bearded Dragon sitting comfortably upon his shoulder... both looking most content. A nice lady wearing a green smock was trailing behind him (I think they were in cahoots)... she smiled... I smiled... Spencer smiled... (I think the Beardie even smiled)... I should have known something was up. ;) I asked her if it was okay for Spencer to be walking around with the Beardie on his shoulder. She smiled again, waved her arm and said, "Oh, this is everybody's favourite Beardie! He won't make any fuss at all, he's used to be handled". Smile... grin... smile. She continued to explain that of the three adult Beardies they had in the store, this one was the most agreeable... and that everybody simply loved this one. That's when Spencer chimed in and said, "We should call him Raymond!" (Like the show... "Everybody Loves Raymond"). The girl beamed and chuckled... brilliant! "Yes", she said, "from now on, that's what I'm going to call him... Raymond". I beamed and chuckled too... so impressed with his clever little spin, I slipped.. let my guard down... and stepped right into Spencer's sneaky and brainy little plan.
Now it had a name. Caving was inevitable. ;)
Naturally... I got swayed into holding 'Raymond'. He was softer than I expected him to be. I petted under his chin, and he closed his eyes as if to say... "Oh ya... that's what I'm talk'en about".
Naturally... I got further swayed into letting him crawl up onto my shoulder... where he promptly (as though on queue) snuggled his head under my chin, and hunkered down, snug as a bug.
By now... Spencer was playing it cool... but I could hardly ignore the smile that was stretched from one side of his face to the other. He petted Raymond's scaly-yet-smooth back and head, and said, "This is the one I want, Mom... I want Raymond". *smile... grin... smile*
*sigh*
So... 1 40-gallon tank, 3 bags of sand, 3 food dishes, 2 logs, 1 heat lamp, 1 ubv light, 2 light mounts, one basking rock, and one container of super-worms (gross!) later... Raymond is now sitting very pretty at this very moment... in Spencer's room. *smile* (No doubt, tittering at his own cleverness of how he wrapped one little boy, and one soft hearted mom around his scaly-yet-smooth little finger). ;)
I know the school year isn't over yet...
but who could blame me for caving? ;)
Incidentally, I posted some really cute pics of
Raymond and his side-kick. Go see!
They are in the photo album called
"Raymond the Bearded Dragon".
(Go figure). ;)
April 21 Tale of FictionHere's just a little smidge of a rough draft, of a story swirling in my head. ;)
A Tale of Fiction
The wind howled ruthlessly through the night, whipping its talons through the prickle hedge like a swarm of angry bees, stinging anything bold enough to stand in its path. Abby nestled deeper under the brush, pulling the soft moss up to her chin and leaned in closer to her brother, who was sound asleep. How he could sleep at a time like this was beyond her. She couldn't close her eyes without the same, horrifying image filling the darkness of her mind; she imagined the hateful wind ripping through the branches with its cold and gnarly hands... snatching her from her sleep. It was too unthinkable to think about... and yet she couldn't help but think about it. And the more she thought about it... the more she trembled.
Pepper, are you awake?" Abby gently nudged him, pressing her cold toes against the back of his leg.
The silent reply was almost as piercing as the wind. He couldn't really be sleeping, she thought. Only grizzly bears and humans could sleep at a time like this. She nudged him again, this time pressing her icy toes against his back with more conviction. "Pepper, are you awake?"
"No", he huffed, exasperated. "Go to sleep, Abby". Pepper turned onto his back, pulling his wing over his face.
Abby leaned in closer and pressed her cheek against his shoulder; she knew he couldn't have been sleeping. "Pepper, do you think the wind would quiet down if I sang it a song? Help me think of a song... how's that one go...? Hush little pixie, don't you cry..."
Pepper turned onto his side and faced her... his eyebrows squished together like two fuzzy caterpillars, which usually forced a giggle from her tummy... but her fear swallowed her giggles. He leaned in closer and pressed his nose against hers; it was cold, so she pulled away a little to watch his fuzzy caterpillars crinkle instead. "Abigail", he signed again, gently. "The wind can't hear you. Sometimes the wind just needs to stretch its wings, just like we do. 'Cept the wind makes more noise than we do... it can't help it. Think of it like the wind has a built in whistle that dangles from its toes and no matter what he does to shake it off, it just makes more noise. All you gotta do is stay under this brush with me and go to sleep, okay?" He grinned, "Besides, think how badly the wind would feel if it knew its whistle was causing you so much grief... you don't want the wind to feel bad, do you?"
His eyebrows returned to their normal place on his forehead. She sighed. "No, I don't want the wind to feel bad." She'd never thought of it like that before. "Okay... I'll go to sleep now", she whispered. Abby tucked her wings in tight and leaned in close to him. He was so smart; she wondered how he got to be so smart. No matter how afraid or confused she was about something, he always knew how to make things fit together just right.
She closed her eyes... but she didn't go to sleep right away. She laid there for a long time, just listening to the windy-whistle, and imagined riding on the back of the wind as it stretched its wings to far off places that she had only dreamed of... and she wondered how far her own pixie-wings could take her...
xxx How am I doing so far? Did it make you smile? xxx
I hope so! :) April 11 1
Oh woe-is-me... what to blog about... think, think, think...
...still thinking...
*crickets chirping*
I got nutten. *sigh*
I hope you are having a great week. I can't wait until I have some time to really dive into Bloggersville and visit my amigos! I can feel a silly story bubbling just beneath the surface of my fluttery wings... but alas... it will have to wait... sorry Pony. ;) The creative juices are simmering on the back burner at the moment.
Hmm... what could I write about?
Thinking again...
grinning....
making notes...
grinning some more...
Stirring the pot.... still simmering....
Are you dying with anticipation now? Muah ha hahahaaaa! ;)
*Sending big hugs your way... and sweet fairy kisses too!*
xxx
April 01 5
My friend Peggy started making hand-made teddy bears almost a year ago, and it's amazing to see how far she has come in such a short time... she's a total natural! Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of gushing over each and every one that has come to life by the hands of Mama-Peggy. You might say they have all been hugged approved by yours truly. ;)
Look at this cutie-pie! This one is actually for sale right now... her name is Sage. And yes, she has been hugged-approved. ;)
This little guy's name is Daniel... just look at that face! (Daniel has been adopted to a good home). ;)
This is Taffy... and this one has a very special place in my heart... because Peggy made her for ME! :) (How sweet is that?!). <big cheesy grin>
To see more of Peggy's endearing creations, click here. :) What a talent, huh?!
Have a great day, friends!
Oh hey... just so ya know, I'm not being a snob... I'm
just super freak'en busy these days, but I will
get around to visiting sooooooooooooooooooooon!
xxxx
March 23 4
Have you ever noticed that you're a different person with your kids, than you are with anyone else on the entire planet? I mean different in the best possible way... not in that grouchy, exasperated way. ;)
Yesterday, Spencer and I were travelling in the car, and we were getting up to such silliness... if we had been pulled over at that moment, the police officer would have definitely insisted on a search of the vehicle. lol There we were, just motoring along the freeway when Spencer (straight from the cuff) goes into the most amazing impression of Jerry Seinfeld. He was spot on... right down to the nasally voice and exaggerated hand gestures. I was simply blown away! I almost had to pull over because I could hardly see from laughing! He's a nut... and you would never know it, because he's only a nut around a few selective people. I'm quite privledge and honoured that I'm one of those people.
Now naturally, silliness is one of those contagious things of which I simply cannot resist... so before I knew it, I was doing imitations too, but I was George... and I did great! (Or so Spencer says... but he may have been humouring me... which is fine by me). ;) Oh my gosh... what a great memory.
*sigh*
x I love being a Mom x
March 14 3
Lake Primrose is gone, my friends! I mean *poof... gone*! One minute I'm gazing upon my lake-front parking lot, and the next minute... it's vanished! Between the time Spencer and I sat down to work on homework (and when I say we... I mean he), and the time we finished homework... the lake had been swallowed up! A big truck came by at some point during that time... I didn't see it, but I could hear it. I remember Spencer saying "This is a funny time for the garbage truck to be coming by". And me nodding with, "Yeah... hmph... now focus on your math, would ya?" ;)
Well... it would seem the "garbage" truck stole Lake Primrose from right under our noses! The nerve! *sob* Oh well, it was fun to use our imaginations, wasn't it? What'da say we all take a brain-break, grab our suits and towels, and head to the lake anyway. We'll drape our legs over the dock and let Mr. Sunshine rest on our shoulders for a while. We'll play frisbie and volleyball, and oh... does anyone have lawn darts? I'll bring the bubbly and goodies... who wants hotdogs?! Oh, Oh... I know... lets bring our tents, too! We'll have a cosmic camp out and tell silly stories around the camp-fire... WITH SMORES!! *Soooooo yummy!* Who's bringing the guitar? You cannot have a camp out without a guitar... that just goes without saying, right? *la la la la* Oh what fun!! Come on, come on! Let's go! *titters* Hey, incidentally... I didn't see Meatloaf.... plans fell through. However, my friend Peggy did go (she dragged her hubby... bless him). Sadly though, she said they left at half time. Poor Meatloaf dude - it would seem that the garbage truck isn't the only thief on the loose... "age" is playing its own hand at trickery... it stole poor Meatloaf dude's vocals! *sad, inevitable, sad, inevitable* Meh... such is life... poor guy, I feel bad for him. I guess we can't be rockstars forever, though. *sigh* But we'll always have paradise by the dash board light, right? Oh, and that other song... the slow song that goes something like "I would do this and this and this... but I won't do THAT". Does anyone know what "that" was? I could never figure that out... *ponders* Anyway... I hope you're having a swell week, friends! Oh, one more thing! Ash and Kerrie... I'm performing a special dance right this minute, in your honour. (Yes, I can type and dance at the same time... fascinating, I know - I'm typing with my one free toe). I'm doing my special funky-fairy-rain-dance, reserved exclusively for times such as this. It's not easy either, it took years of training! It involves holding the tongue just right, balancing on one fairy-wing, pin-wheeling my right arm and snapping the fingers of my left hand... while chanting "I'm a little tea pot, short and stout... tip me over, and end this drought!". If all goes well, you should have rain by the buckets any day now... have faith, sweet friends! ((huw-mongo hug!)). Okay, enough chatter...
who's coming to the lake with me? ;)
*splish splash*
March 10 2
Go for a swim, anyone?
Spring has SPRUNG! Yes indeed folks, that spectacular lake which is presently littered with vehicles, is in fact... my parking lot! Well, not MY parking lot... the parking lot actually belongs to Primrose Lane... you know, the owners of the building of whom I pay an outrageous amount of money to each month, in return for a comfortable place to hang my hat. In honour of the stellar upkeep of our building, I`ve dubbed the parking lot "Lake Primrose". *titters* I kid you not... when I ventured to my Rav yesterday (wearing Spencer's rubber boots) the water was threatening to seep over the rim of my booties! I must have been a sight to see... what with my dashing black coat, funky purse (from England), and big ole green, rubber boots.
Sexy. ;)
I have to say, I've always wanted to live near a lake. *sigh* And hey, I just took a peek out the window now... it's dark outside... the reflection of the street light is glistening ever so gently against the water... so peaceful. ;)
I'm parking across the street for now, until they either drain the water or add some ducks and a few benches.
Hope you're having a great weekend, sweet amigos!
Sure you don't wanna swing by for a dip?
*shudders... the water's cold!!* |
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