this needs no words from me
perfect promise
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
July 26...trees
We got home last night from our yearly trip to BC for my family reunion. The route that we took home took us through some amazing scenery. The snowcovered mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests...it was so beautiful.
Part way through I realized something though. As much as I really appreciated the beauty of that rugged landscape, I had to admit that I really like the simplicity of the Prairies better. The mountains and trees have a way of making me feel a little bit claustrophobic and closed in. I actually felt better once I saw the first yellow canola field.
However, being that today is trees, I include a picture of my view from the top of my convertible. What a treat to be able to road trip Eleanor with the top down, being able to look up at the sky, mountains and trees...
Loved it!
but nice to be home
Monday, 25 July 2011
July 25...bling
There is not much bling in the car - driving 12 hours straight down a BC/Alberta highway, but I was blessed with a sweet treat last night from my niece in some sparkly gel nail tips. I had them done a few years ago, but gave them up because I was just sick of keeping up with them. Now, I decided to get them back - especially before Ri-guy's wedding in September.
Tanya does some pretty cool gel art, so I will have something pretty cool done before the wedding, but this one was so awesome, especially considering that she did them sitting on a picnic table with many eyes watching intently on her work.
Thank you dearest Tanya! I love them!!
Tanya does some pretty cool gel art, so I will have something pretty cool done before the wedding, but this one was so awesome, especially considering that she did them sitting on a picnic table with many eyes watching intently on her work.
Thank you dearest Tanya! I love them!!
July 24...water
This was the last day of our Family Reunion here on the lake. Thankfully it was another beautifully warm day so we were able to spend the remaining moments out on the water.
I'm not much of a water person. I like lakes and oceans but I dislike being cold, so the idea of spending a whole lot of time submerged in icy water until my lips turn blue, is not an appealing idea to me. However... get me a floating vessel and a hot sunny day with a good book or great company - I can spend hours there. Today was spent with my nieces and one sister, just catching up on things. It was awesome!
This is Mason's boat.
He and his uncles and papa found it in the "Sharing Shed" (aka..the dump) and brought it home. Amazingly it was sea-worthy and he spent many hours bobbing along on the lake "fishing". It was pretty ghetto but made for a cool picture with the help of my friends at Picnik.
I'm not much of a water person. I like lakes and oceans but I dislike being cold, so the idea of spending a whole lot of time submerged in icy water until my lips turn blue, is not an appealing idea to me. However... get me a floating vessel and a hot sunny day with a good book or great company - I can spend hours there. Today was spent with my nieces and one sister, just catching up on things. It was awesome!
This is Mason's boat.
He and his uncles and papa found it in the "Sharing Shed" (aka..the dump) and brought it home. Amazingly it was sea-worthy and he spent many hours bobbing along on the lake "fishing". It was pretty ghetto but made for a cool picture with the help of my friends at Picnik.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
July 23...little one
Fresh face covered in blueberry pancakes...bare little pink toes...big brown eyes rimmed with long lashes...chubby fingers reaching up to touch your face...babies are wonderful!
Our family reunion always has at least one or two of these precious little ones around. This year we have 3...Oliver, Eve and Jaiden - my grand nephew and nieces. It is fun to watch them discover life in everything they come across - the way they communicate - the simple things that bring them joy.
little ones...
Our family reunion always has at least one or two of these precious little ones around. This year we have 3...Oliver, Eve and Jaiden - my grand nephew and nieces. It is fun to watch them discover life in everything they come across - the way they communicate - the simple things that bring them joy.
little ones...
Friday, 22 July 2011
July 22...on the road
Summertime + holidays + TransCanada Highway = Construction
It seems that no matter where you try to go, you will eventually run into the dreaded orange signs indicating that nasty slow down - or sometimes STOP to your cruisin' mode.
This year was no exception. However, with the right company, even the delays can be nice. This has been a great time away for me and my beloved. It's kind of nice being by ourselves again. I know some couples have nothing to say to each other after the kids are gone. That really isn't a problem for us.
He's a pretty good travelling buddy...
It seems that no matter where you try to go, you will eventually run into the dreaded orange signs indicating that nasty slow down - or sometimes STOP to your cruisin' mode.
This year was no exception. However, with the right company, even the delays can be nice. This has been a great time away for me and my beloved. It's kind of nice being by ourselves again. I know some couples have nothing to say to each other after the kids are gone. That really isn't a problem for us.
He's a pretty good travelling buddy...
Thursday, 21 July 2011
July 21...summertime
Summer is just the BEST!
When summer hits in this cold white north - I feel a little sorry for people that live in places that have no real season changes. It just feels like life and I love it!!
Hanson Family Reunion is a BIG part of summertime. We have done this for more years than I can remember and I think I have only missed one or two. I love my family and getting together with them. We laugh and cry and talk and play for 3 solid days...melting us together again for another year of separation.
I'm so thankful that my parents didn't believe in birth control! Six kids, their spouses, kids, grandkids, etc- makes for some great times and happy happy memories!
We are taking the Mustang this year. It will be a little tight for space...however, my beloved managed to fit in HIS golf clubs and bag...
I shall be repacking.
When summer hits in this cold white north - I feel a little sorry for people that live in places that have no real season changes. It just feels like life and I love it!!
Hanson Family Reunion is a BIG part of summertime. We have done this for more years than I can remember and I think I have only missed one or two. I love my family and getting together with them. We laugh and cry and talk and play for 3 solid days...melting us together again for another year of separation.
I'm so thankful that my parents didn't believe in birth control! Six kids, their spouses, kids, grandkids, etc- makes for some great times and happy happy memories!
We are taking the Mustang this year. It will be a little tight for space...however, my beloved managed to fit in HIS golf clubs and bag...
I shall be repacking.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
July 20...fruit
One of the very good things about living in this country is the appreciation for really good fruit. Apples, oranges and bananas get a little bit bland by around January so when July hits, bringing with it....
CHERRIES
It is INDEED a good day!
Another welcome sight is the Deacon's Fruit Truck. I lived in the Shuswap for a couple of years and worked for a big Fruit stand called Davidson's. It was one of the best jobs I ever did. Some times, when it was prime picking season they would take me out of the store and put me in the field. Picking cherries was my favorite. Biting into a black red cherry and tasting that sweet juicy treat...nothing like it...sublime!
The season is much to short and canning them is just a crime, so I will wait another 11 months for the next sign of those dark red orbs in fibre green baskets sitting on the table at the fruit truck. But until that, I think I will have another bowl full...
CHERRIES
It is INDEED a good day!
Another welcome sight is the Deacon's Fruit Truck. I lived in the Shuswap for a couple of years and worked for a big Fruit stand called Davidson's. It was one of the best jobs I ever did. Some times, when it was prime picking season they would take me out of the store and put me in the field. Picking cherries was my favorite. Biting into a black red cherry and tasting that sweet juicy treat...nothing like it...sublime!
The season is much to short and canning them is just a crime, so I will wait another 11 months for the next sign of those dark red orbs in fibre green baskets sitting on the table at the fruit truck. But until that, I think I will have another bowl full...
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
July 19...pink
the color of happiness...
I love pink. I wish I wore it more. I think I will from now on.
My fragrance is called "Pink Sugar". I love the sweet sugary smell on my skin.
When I walk into places wearing it I often get people saying..."did someone bake cookies?".
I like that. I mean really, who doesn't love fresh baked cookies?
I have worn it for so many years, that my family has equated the smell with me. I wonder if after I am gone and in the ground if my loved ones will one day detect that fragrance somewhere and think of me. I wonder if it will spark the memory of being held really close or snuggling together.
I hope so...
I love pink. I wish I wore it more. I think I will from now on.
My fragrance is called "Pink Sugar". I love the sweet sugary smell on my skin.
When I walk into places wearing it I often get people saying..."did someone bake cookies?".
I like that. I mean really, who doesn't love fresh baked cookies?
I have worn it for so many years, that my family has equated the smell with me. I wonder if after I am gone and in the ground if my loved ones will one day detect that fragrance somewhere and think of me. I wonder if it will spark the memory of being held really close or snuggling together.
I hope so...
Monday, 18 July 2011
July 17 & 18....anticipation and family
What a weekend I have had!!! As you can see I missed July 17th so here it is...
July 17...anticipation
and what anticipation it was!!! I have wanted to see the musical "Wicked" for a very long time. When I found out it was coming to Calgary - and the day before my birthday... well, how could I not go and with my two beautiful daughters, Lys and Haley. It was AMAZING!!! We had tickets in ROW B...That's right! I had my mouth gaping open all night long. Tears streamed down my face at the end just because of the sheer awesomeness of something like that. Having done productions- albeit on a MUCH smaller scale - I can appreciate the incredible amount of time and effort involved in a show. It was the FASTEST two and half hours of my life... AMAZING!!
July 18...family
What better way to celebrate my birthday than with my GREATEST blessing on earth...my family. Even writing this I am starting to cry because of the overwhelming joy that they bring me.
Today we went white water rafting out in Kananaskis. Not the normal 50th birthday thing to do, but I never want to be normal...ever.
All day long my Blackberry was bleeping and binging with a constant barrage of facebook birthday wishes. A few minutes ago I read through them. If you ever are feeling sorry for yourself or feel like no one loves you... have birthday on Facebook.
I am blessed....
My wonderful brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and even my grandbabies... all sharing with me blessings on this day.
so so so good!
Friends - new ones and many from LOOOONGG ago... connected by a blue little box with an "f" in it.
so so so good!!
"My" kids - from the dorm and from Colombia teams...I have read messages from some that, although they weren't born directly from me, are equally tied to my heart as if they were. I wept through notes about turning back to God and growing in their faith and loving and serving others more and my life is so enriched because of the small part that I have had in those journeys.
These are my family....connected by something stronger than DNA... it is LOVE.
so so so good!
Praise God from whom all THESE blessings flow!!
July 17...anticipation
and what anticipation it was!!! I have wanted to see the musical "Wicked" for a very long time. When I found out it was coming to Calgary - and the day before my birthday... well, how could I not go and with my two beautiful daughters, Lys and Haley. It was AMAZING!!! We had tickets in ROW B...That's right! I had my mouth gaping open all night long. Tears streamed down my face at the end just because of the sheer awesomeness of something like that. Having done productions- albeit on a MUCH smaller scale - I can appreciate the incredible amount of time and effort involved in a show. It was the FASTEST two and half hours of my life... AMAZING!!
July 18...family
What better way to celebrate my birthday than with my GREATEST blessing on earth...my family. Even writing this I am starting to cry because of the overwhelming joy that they bring me.
Today we went white water rafting out in Kananaskis. Not the normal 50th birthday thing to do, but I never want to be normal...ever.
All day long my Blackberry was bleeping and binging with a constant barrage of facebook birthday wishes. A few minutes ago I read through them. If you ever are feeling sorry for yourself or feel like no one loves you... have birthday on Facebook.
I am blessed....
My wonderful brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and even my grandbabies... all sharing with me blessings on this day.
so so so good!
Friends - new ones and many from LOOOONGG ago... connected by a blue little box with an "f" in it.
so so so good!!
"My" kids - from the dorm and from Colombia teams...I have read messages from some that, although they weren't born directly from me, are equally tied to my heart as if they were. I wept through notes about turning back to God and growing in their faith and loving and serving others more and my life is so enriched because of the small part that I have had in those journeys.
These are my family....connected by something stronger than DNA... it is LOVE.
so so so good!
Praise God from whom all THESE blessings flow!!
Saturday, 16 July 2011
July 16...sweet things
cake...
I'm not a fan of regular flour-sugar-baking powder kind of cake. I think it is just kind of dry. However...when it is made from ice cream...now THAT is a very sweet thing.
I had the BEST day today! Day 3 of the celebrations. Today was the Three Hills parade and the Arts Academy put in a float. It was pretty much the old Guys and Dolls crew - as many as were around anyways. They are like another family for me. I really love them.
After that we went to watch my "other" son, Luke, compete in a Battle of the Axes... a firefighters test of true grit and strength. Luke was a little nervous since it was his first "battle" but he did amazing! I was really proud of him.
To round off the perfect day we went up to Red Deer to Lys and Brandon's for a little birthday celebration with some great friends.
Couldn't imagine a day with any sweeter things!!!
Friday, 15 July 2011
July 15...flowers
One would think that I would pick one of the gorgeous flowers around this time of year...nah!
These flowers are made of crepe paper and plastic.
I love a parade....
Tomorrow is the Three Hills Parade. My kids and their cousins used to decorate their bikes and wagons (well...actually Joyce and Glenn and I would decorate their bikes and wagons). They used to win almost every years thanks to those skills.
This year I am helping with the Three Hills Arts Academy float...well - the flat bed trailer with paper and plastic flowers. Going to be great!
I hope you will indulge me on my second flower picture today, although not the official one. Today I got my 100th workout and got my shirt...with a flower. It felt pretty good.
These flowers are made of crepe paper and plastic.
I love a parade....
Tomorrow is the Three Hills Parade. My kids and their cousins used to decorate their bikes and wagons (well...actually Joyce and Glenn and I would decorate their bikes and wagons). They used to win almost every years thanks to those skills.
This year I am helping with the Three Hills Arts Academy float...well - the flat bed trailer with paper and plastic flowers. Going to be great!
I hope you will indulge me on my second flower picture today, although not the official one. Today I got my 100th workout and got my shirt...with a flower. It felt pretty good.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
July 14...pretty trash
I suffer from "yard envy"
I hate my back yard. The people that lived here before us spent a lot more time working back there than Dan and I have committed to. I gave an ultimatum to Dan this year to fix it up... or else... It didn't work - like most of my ultimatums. I guess its because I don't know what the "or else" means, so it is a pretty harmless threat I suppose.
Our next door neighbors are quite old and have nothing better to do than spend hours a day meticulously weeding and tending their lovely garden only to have the dandelion fluff from our weed patch to gently find a place on their perfect soil. They hate us...
We have a pile WAAAYYYY back where the grass clippings go. Yes, we do cut the lawn, but that's all... I went back there today so see if there was anything back there that could be deemed pretty and to my pleasant surprise I came across this huge patch of wild daisies. I had no idea. It really was beautiful.
It made me think of how God so often takes the garbage that I make out of my life at times, and turns it into something pretty incredible. I have made some monumental bad turns and choices and yet, He creates beauty right smack in the middle of it all.
He is so awesome...
My good friend Erin has joined me on this little photo adventure this month and I just love her version of "pretty trash". It is so much like her to have a pretty place for snotty kleenex and dryer lint. Take a look and enjoy some of her other days too :) ... http://girlwithsomethoughts.blogspot.com/?spref=fb
I hate my back yard. The people that lived here before us spent a lot more time working back there than Dan and I have committed to. I gave an ultimatum to Dan this year to fix it up... or else... It didn't work - like most of my ultimatums. I guess its because I don't know what the "or else" means, so it is a pretty harmless threat I suppose.
Our next door neighbors are quite old and have nothing better to do than spend hours a day meticulously weeding and tending their lovely garden only to have the dandelion fluff from our weed patch to gently find a place on their perfect soil. They hate us...
We have a pile WAAAYYYY back where the grass clippings go. Yes, we do cut the lawn, but that's all... I went back there today so see if there was anything back there that could be deemed pretty and to my pleasant surprise I came across this huge patch of wild daisies. I had no idea. It really was beautiful.
It made me think of how God so often takes the garbage that I make out of my life at times, and turns it into something pretty incredible. I have made some monumental bad turns and choices and yet, He creates beauty right smack in the middle of it all.
He is so awesome...
My good friend Erin has joined me on this little photo adventure this month and I just love her version of "pretty trash". It is so much like her to have a pretty place for snotty kleenex and dryer lint. Take a look and enjoy some of her other days too :) ... http://girlwithsomethoughts.blogspot.com/?spref=fb
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
July 13...eyes
the windows to the soul
By the looks of this picture- my soul looks a little tired...
Tonight I treat my eyes to a movie night with a hot guy!
By the looks of this picture- my soul looks a little tired...
Tonight I treat my eyes to a movie night with a hot guy!
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
July 12...energy!
I know...NEVER bring a camera into an all-women's fitness center...EVER.
However, I could think of no better place to show energy than my local CURVES club.
I joined Curves about 2 years ago and at first only attended sporadically and of course didn't notice any changes. Then about 6 months ago I started attending every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I decided that the monthly fee I was spending was too valuable to waste, as was my health.
They give out milestone t-shirts, the first one being 100 workouts. In April I realized that if I was really consistent, I could get my 100 workout in by the time I turned 50...if I was REALLY consistent.
Today I logged in 98 work outs. With Wednesday and Friday workouts I will accomplish that goal...
WHOO HOO!!!
I love this part of my day. It really does give me an incredible amount of energy. I have noticed that I am much stronger than I used to be. My endurance is better than when I was 40. Lately I have had Shawni- one of the employees there- push me like Jillian Michaels. Sometimes I feel like I could barf, but it really does feel good to be able to do it.
However, I could think of no better place to show energy than my local CURVES club.
I joined Curves about 2 years ago and at first only attended sporadically and of course didn't notice any changes. Then about 6 months ago I started attending every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I decided that the monthly fee I was spending was too valuable to waste, as was my health.
They give out milestone t-shirts, the first one being 100 workouts. In April I realized that if I was really consistent, I could get my 100 workout in by the time I turned 50...if I was REALLY consistent.
Today I logged in 98 work outs. With Wednesday and Friday workouts I will accomplish that goal...
WHOO HOO!!!
I love this part of my day. It really does give me an incredible amount of energy. I have noticed that I am much stronger than I used to be. My endurance is better than when I was 40. Lately I have had Shawni- one of the employees there- push me like Jillian Michaels. Sometimes I feel like I could barf, but it really does feel good to be able to do it.
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