This title might explain it all, or it might not. I spent the long weekend out of the cit at James‘ parents’ house looking after their two dogs for the weekend. I really got to test myself this weekend when taking out Willy and Cassy together. That was a challenging, but fun task, as Cassy likes to pull, a good amount. Being that I am smaller than James is, I could get pulled over easier, but I didn’t. Go me!!!
I even got ready faster one day, so I took both dogs out. But mostly, I took Willy and James took Cassy. It was a team effort. I’m so glad I was able to spend a weekend out of the city, and help out at the same time. I honestly miss there already. Seriously. It’s as close to country as I can get, which is so awesome. All in all, a relaxing but productive easy weekend. One thing I’ve learned is for myself personally, if I get a dog, I’ll get a standard leash, instead of a retractable one’.
If I have a dog who runs, standard leash it is for me. That is what this weekend has taught me.
James and I, all in all, had an awesome weekend. We even went for a good walk early on the day we came back to the city. Such a refreshing visit though.
I’ve not sat down and written a blog in a long while. I’m organizing myself for what to do in my future. I’m also taking a course called Alpha at Eastgate Alliance Church. Every Thursday people come together at the church for it, as well as a free meal… a good meal too. It’s only happened for one week so far, which I joined. So awesome!!! What else is new with me? A fair bit. My friend snd I went to see a Ballet this past Saturday, which was good.
I’ve also been able to help my friend out, and she got me introduced to the gym, which now I have a YMCA membership, which is awesome, and I can use it at any Y. I love it!!! I switch between the /y in Orleans and the Y downtown. I have options, which I absolutely love. I’m so glad.
What I’ve been doing otherwise… resting from on and off migraines, which annoy me.
Good morning to all you blog readers. Apparently today is a random post day. Why? Because, why not? I’ve been up since 7am or so this morning and probably going to do some more paintings for Tactile Tapestry today. Also, if weather doesn’t suck, I’m going to do a few errands.
Just trying to think of what to paint today, though my boyfriend had a wonderful idea… dream catchers. I’m not usually an intricate painter, but it’s a good challenge. 🙂 I love challenges. I’m so excited to do a ton of paintings within this year. I also know that I want to do other artistic things.
Now to figure out where to actually make pottery, and not just paint it? I’ve gotta research that. That’s another project for this coming year. Let’s see what happens. All you blog readers, if you have other artistic ideas, comment and let me know!!! Oh yes, please do!!!
Maybe that’s something I can look into today while I wait for meds to show up…. hmmmm…. great idea.
Well, this post is going on and on, so I’m gonna stop for now.
So, still spending time with family, and now it’s Christmas Eve. Going to probably see more family after supper, which will be nice, since the last time I saw them was Thanksgiving. I’m so excited!!! Spending time with family always makes my Christmas, each year… especially this, and last year.
______________________________________________
Christmas morning still had one tradition the same, we woke up Christmas morning to the usual Christmas morning tradition, eggs, bacon and toast. I just had the bacon and toast, and both were delicious.
After breakfast, we got ready and headed over to see my boyfriend’s grandparents, whom in my heart, I consider them my own. We spent a bit of time there before heading back to continue with the preparations of Christmas dinner.
Presents were opened before dinner this year, to make sure everyone was going to be there. Family time works better when family can actually be there. 🙂
For gifts I got:
-Hair stuff (scrunchies, burettes etc.), and
-Pijamas
The final event on Christmas day was the huge feast. I ate turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes and carrots, along with a dinner roll. Oh my goodness, so good!!! Yum!!! I also had a homemade banana muffin for dessert, a very good idea to round out the meal.
______________________________________________
I’m so excited that I could actually be around family I absolutely adore for the holidays again. Due to my ups and downs with my hip, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it. As I sit at the kitchen table, looking out the balcony window at the backyard, I feel so wrapped up with warmth of a home and a family.
I’m so glad that I am surrounded by awesome traditions, little nephews, and Christmas chaos. That’s the joy of this time of year, especially when you feel like you belong. These are positive memories to remember and probably scrapbook, that is, if I have enough pictures for it. 🙂
Boyfriend’s family is my family. I have traditions now!!! No more being alone for Christmas anymore. I’d scoop up all the lonely people on Christmas and bring them here, to be surrounded by people and the craziness of Christmas.
FAMILY
F – Fun times around the holidays.
A – Amazing traditions that stick with you until the next year.
M – Memories made.
I – Individuals come, individuals go.
L – Love surrounds everyone, like a blanket.
Y – Years of family, from now on.
That’s what they mean to me, and this time with them. I never like to leave, but I know now, as long as it can happen, it will happen again.
This is my first blog from my knew website, which is absolutely awesome!! I’m deciding to do my top 5 favourites of The Willis Clan‘s new album, Speak My Mind. I will post the lyrics as well as the song itself to listen to.
Enjoy!!!
5 – How Much of Me is You – Lyrics
Verse
A little kid growing up
Interested in music
This is something you should learn
Cuz dad says you’ll use it
So focus hard and concentrate
And put in your time
The life will be worth the wait
This is your mountain to climb
Chorus
I’m standing on a stage now
Shaking scared to death
Excited where this life might lead
And I can’t catch my breath
People give the credit
Where the credit isn’t due
I wonder every time I play
How much of me is you
Verse
You made it people say
I wish that I was you
I wink and grin but I don’t think
They know just what I do
Cuz there are thorns on these roses
Of celebrity and fame
There is something slightly off
But I don’t know it’s name
Chorus
I’m standing on a stage now
To leave it would be death
Excited in this life I lead
And I’m loving every breath
People give the credit
Where the credit isn’t due
Still I wonder every time I play
How much of me is you
Bridge
Now I understand
Things that made
No sense
That life is gone
I’ve no pretense
That what you did
Was wrong
Chorus
I’m on a different stage now
My life might be a mess
But I’m seeing where all this might lead
And I know that I’m not less
People give the credit
And you’re not a part of what I do
Still I wonder every time I play
How much of me is you
Still I wonder every single day
How much of me is you
Still I wonder every time I play
How much of me is you
5 – How Much of Me is You – Audio
4 – What Life’s About – Lyrics
Verse
The bigger picture
Fading slowly out of sight – yeah
The simple structure
Giving way to crazy life – yeah
Climb
When it seems like all that’s left is a lie
And tomorrow is the day that we die
Keep the truth
Keep the faith
And look to the sky
Chorus
Baby don’t give in
To doubt
You can believe it
Do without
You didn’t need it
Never let your light so shine
Go out
Cuz this is what life’s about
Hey – hey – uh-oh
Verse
Keeping focus
Give up everything within – yeah
I think you noticed
Just how hard it is to win – yeah
Climb
When it feels like things are out of control
You just got to keep your eyes on the goal
With your heart
With your mind
With your soul
CHORUS
Bridge
It’s not a stupid story or a random name
It’s not about the glory or the fortune and fame
Open up your mind to the powers that be
Cuz there’s so much more to life than you and me
CHORUS
4 – What Life’s About – Audio
3 – Speak My Mind – Lyrics
Verse
This will probably stay locked away
And only come out on a rainy day
Cuz I will probably go and never show
Everything little thing I want you to know
Chorus
If I speak my mind
Will you take the time
Will you try to find a way
If I take you there
Will you say you care
Will you understand and stay
There’s got to be more courage I can find
To speak my mind
Verse
I will stand alone even though
I’m dying inside to trust you so
But I am so afraid that once betrayed
There I’ll be once again hurt and played
Oh and I pray
CHORUS
Bridge
Speak my mind
(repeating)
There’s got to be more, got to be more courage I can find (repeating)
CHORUS
There’s got to be more courage I can find
There’s got to be more courage I can find
To speak my mind
3 – Speak My Mind – Audio
2 – Paper Dolls – Lyrics
Verse
Look in my eyes
Look at my soul
I’m broken so – shattered the pieces fall
This is your fault
Look what you’ve done
Clearly I’m – nothing to you at all
Climb
The emptiness
The desert in your eyes
Is giving you away
Your promises
That I’m the only one
Are gone today
Chorus
Cuz we’re nothing more to you
Than paper dolls you tear in two
Till there’s nothing left of who
We were before we fell into
Your nothing world
Of nothing girls
Where everybody knew
It’s what you do
Cuz we’re nothing more to you
Verse
Open your mind
Please try to see
Your shadow is – taking control of me
It’s not what I want
It’s not what I need
My heart longs to – sail on an open sea
Climb
My brokenness
Is nothing in your eyes
And it’s pushing you away
I promise this
It’s over and I’m done
It ends today
CHORUS
Bridge
Than a good time
Like the last time – whoa
(I hear you say)
Oh you’ll be fine
Say you’ll mine – whoa
(Still you say)
Oh we’ll get by
Please don’t cry
We’ll find a way
I won’t stay
CHORUS
Cuz we’re nothing more to you
2 – Paper Dolls – Audio
1 – I Choose Life – Lyrics
Verse
I know you heard
Something happened in my past
I never told you cuz
You had never asked
But that’s ok
It’s gonna be alright
I was young, innocent
And I didn’t know
And I’ve decided not to
Let it keep me low
So I’ll say
I’m gonna be alright
Climb
And ooh – oh baby
It’s my choice and
Ooh – it’s not maybe
CHORUS
Verse
So now you know
And I’m asking what you think
So tell me baby
Are we gonna swim or sink
So I ask are
You gonna leave tonight
So tell me baby
Will I get the chance to sing
I need to know if you’re still
Thinking ’bout that ring
Cause I need you
To hold me tight
Climb
And ooh oh baby
Cause I love you
And ooh – It’s not a maybe
Chorus
Do you choose life
And choose love
And choose everything we’re dreaming of
Don’t wanna fuss
Or fight
But I’ll do anything to make it right
So say with me tonight
I choose life
Verse
I decided not to let it get me down
And I decided I would turn my frown around
So here’s the thing
You can handle it with grace
And if you’re happy
Well please notify your face
CHORUS
CHORUS
I choose life
I choose love
So get up and get out
And go live your life
It’s on you – it’s on me
To go and make it right
I choose life
1 – I Choose Life – Audio
So, this is my top five list of favourite songs off of this album. Let e know what you think!! 🙂
This title may be self explanatory to some people, and maybe not to others. Cimorelli created this song for their mission, when they went to Havana, Cuba as part of the Clean Water Fund, helping bring clean water to there, and other communities where they don’t have clean water. For those who wish to contribute, they created their fund called the Cimorelli: Clean Water Fund. Donate, if you are able.
Now for the song, here it is… lyrics first:
Thirst For Life – Lyrics
[Katherine]
There is a river flowing out from the throne of God
And there stands a tree whose leaves are for the healing of the nation
All who draw near to our God see the compassion in his eyes
He says
[Christina]
Come to me all who are thirsty for living water
Come to me all who are thirsty for life
All who thirst for life
All who thirst for life
Come to me
[Dani]
There is a hope in our hearts as we join in your name
To serve side by side through your grace
And share this living water
Freely we sing, freely give
See in their eyes it is Jesus
He says
[Christina]
Come to me all who are thirsty for living water
Come to me all who are thirsty for life
All who thirst for life
All who thirst for life
Come to me
[Lisa]
Come to me
Come to me
[Amy]
Oh, Jesus, you mean everything
We join as your heads at your feet
You are the living water that satisfies forever
[Lauren]
Come to me all who are thirsty for living water
Come to me all who are thirsty for life
All who thirst for life
All who thirst for life
[Lisa]
Come to me all who are thirsty for living water
Come to me all who are thirsty for life
All who thirst for life
All who thirst for life
All who thirst for life
I can’t believe Cimorelli has a new album coming out October 27th. Right now, you can only pre-order through PledgeMusic. The album is called Sad Girls Club. They posted their single from this upcoming album a few days ago, as well as put it on their youtube channel.
The first single from this album is called: If It Isn’t You.
Here’s the audio version they posted. This is literally just a taste from the album.
If you’re struggling with emotions, this album is definitely for you. It’s geared for girls, but it could be anyone. If this is you, I would go pre-order! You’ll get behind-the-scenes stuff from when their in studio and such.
So, a few days ago, my city where I live was graced with its first snowfall. Skiers love it, and in a way, I do too… except, not this early.
I love Christmas, which is why I don’t mind snow, but really, not before mid December or something. Although, now that it has, I wanna get all into the Christmas stuff.
I wish I had Christmas decorations, because I would so put them up right now… Christmas lights and all!! It’s supposed to be a mix of snow and rain the next few days, which I’m not sure I like all that much.
Can I Do Some Christmas Baking? I so Wish I Could!!
Firstly, if I wasn’t flat broke, I’d break out my dessert section of my recipe binder. I thought about, instead of doing individual gifts, doing assorted baked goods in Christmas tins.
Secondly, because of my disability, some of the recipes I’d want to bake would mean I’d need help with them. Doesn’t work so well if you’re gonna be giving them a baked goods gift box. That whole though seems so tempting to me. If only I could… because I so would!!
There’s a really interesting recipe I wanna make, for other people, of course. I might add it to the end of this. It’s Pumpkin Gingerbread, and I made it in Family Studies when I was in school.
Pumpkin gingerbread recipe
INGREDIENTS
375 ml sugar
125 ml vegetable oil
2 eggs
80 ml water
½ of a 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
5 ml ground ginger
2 ml ground allspice
2 ml cinnamon
2 ml cloves
425 ml flour
5 ml baking soda
3 ml salt
1 ml baking powder
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, and spices.
In another bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add pumpkin mixture and blend just until ingredients are mixed. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven about 1 hour.
There you have it. It is yours to do what you wish
with it. Although, I’d save it for a blistery cold winter’s day, when it’s snowing and you don’t even want to think about going out.
So, I just returned today from spending time in Carleton Place, Ontario with my family. I seriously already miss them all. My Auntie Alison picked me up from Kanata, Ontario yesterday, and before then, I was counting down the hours. I seriosuly couldn’t wait. My family always has Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve.
Auntie dropped me off at my Grandmama and Grandad’s, and I got to see my cousin Haydie who is back in town for about two more weeks. She has work, and lives in London, England at the moment. My mom, Dawn, my Aunt Rachel, my cousins Roan and Sydney, then my brother Keith and my nephew Oliver arrived. It was so nice to catch up with everyone.
My mom ended up putting some pictures together of my family, including people I didn’t know. Along with all the pictures, including one of me as a baby, I also got a scrapbook to put them in. She sat down with me and told me who was in each picture, as well as labeled them for me. That seriously was the best gift, ever. Auntie ended up giving me a $20 Walmart gift card, as well as bus tickets for when I use Para Transpo. So grateful!
After dinner, we all got to open gifts, which is when I got my scrapbook from mom. I also gave Oliver and Keith’s gift, from me to them. During their secret Santa gift exchange, near the end of it, I ended up getting my Grandmama’s gift, which my Grandad gave to me. It’s a small crockpot. Can’t wait to start using it. So stoked!!
Once we left to go back to Auntie’s, it was just Auntie and I. She had went to go and visit her neighbour for a bit, and then came back and asked me fi I wanted to come and join her, because her neighbour invited me also. So, a great number of hours were spent there. Got back to Auntie’s closer to 3am.
This morning, Auntie, cousin Ben, and I went back over to Grandmama and Grandad’s for breakfast. My mom, Keith and Oliver, Aunt Rachel, cousin Roan and Sydney all showed up simultaneously throughout the morning. After waffles, it was nice to just relax with family before I had to go back to Ottawa.
I truly miss them all already. I can’t wait to see them again, hopefully soon. Now, however, I can busy myself with scrapbooking family pictures. That’ll definitely keep me busy. I’ve been told that’s not the end of the pictures, which is absolutely awesome!!!
Speaking of pictures, here is a picture of my nephew, Oliver and I.
