When You Wish Upon A Jar

“I believe in wishes and in a person's ability to make a wish come true, I really do. And a wish is more than a wish... it's a goal that your conscience and sub conscience can help make reality.” ~ Michael Jackson

{click photo for full view}

I had two of my nieces with me for the day on Friday, so I decided a craft would be a great distraction on such a dreary day. I had just purchased a bunch of glitter, tags, ribbon and other craft supplies earlier in the week so I had everything that we needed to make our Wish/Dream Jars. I think they both did an exceptional job.

The youngest wanted her jar to be a "Dream Jar" and her sister wanted to keep all her special wishes inside hers. We were all covered in glue and glitter by the end of the afternoon and I had a huge mess to clean up, but it was all so worth it seeing their finished project and seeing the joy on both their faces.

I got the idea after reading an interview with Artist and author Keri Smith who also writes the blog The Wish Jar.

Make your own Wish/Dream/Inspiration Jar:

Mason Jar, clear glass canister, coffee can...
Double sided tape
Craft glue
Glue gun (glitter glue sticks)
Glitter
Ribbon
Dried/Silk flowers
Butterflies
Labels
Glass beads
Wire
Shells
Sand
Feathers
Found objects
*Dreams, Wishes and/or Desires
Have fun!

Inspirational links - Achieve your goals with a Wish Jar , Everyone needs a Wish Jar , Secret Wish Jar

Friday Fill-Ins #130

Click the link below to play along.


1. She had a great saying: "The past is a minefield. Follow only those footsteps that do not end at the edge of large holes."

2. My camera is by my side, always.

3. I know this: Timing is everything!

4. Meditation is training your mind to be still.

5. These words apply to me: "A fraction of an inch in either direction".

6. It's looking pretty foggy and drab out there but when I woke this morning the sun was shining.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing in particular, hanging out at home, ordering some take-out and watching a movie. Tomorrow my plans include some errands and maybe catch a flick at the cinema with hubby and Sunday, I want to stay home and do some chores, but if the sun is shining, I want to go for a nice long walk!

Happy weekend :)

Thursday Glance

I woke up this morning for the 8th, no 9th morning in a row feeling grumpy, cranky and blue.

So I said to myself...
I said..."Jack. Enough is enough, time to shake the funk".

Then forced a smile and it made me feel better.
Funny how doing something as simple as smiling or laughing, can start to brighten a blue mood.

The sun came out this afternoon.

I grabbed my little Fuji and headed outside.

The wild Iris are in bloom

and so are the black berry bushes.

Look at this strange beetle I found in the garden.

I wonder if this is what has been dinning on my Hosta?

How is your day shaping up?

Kokology - Wave After Wave

(Book 2) Perhaps it’s because we instinctively trace the roots of life back to the oceans, perhaps it’s something hardwired deep within our brains; whatever the reason may be, the sea holds a special power over us. The tang of the salt air, the fine spray of the surf, the soft crashing of the waves-the net effect is to stimulate and soothe. Sometimes a stroll along a sandy beach can transport you much further from your everyday reality than the actual distance you walk. That may be why the sea holds a special place in lovers’ hearts. It provides them with the chance to journey together, if only for a brief time, into another world.

Grab a pencil and paper and jot down the answers to the following:

1.) You are walking along a quiet beach. As you wander the dunes, you spot a surfboard washed up on the sand. Describe the surf-board and the impression it makes on you.

2.) You climb onto the board and paddle out to try your luck on the waves. How are the conditions for surfing today?

3.) You have managed to get to your feet and are experiencing the thrill of actually riding the wave, when suddenly you wipe out and tumble headfirst into the water. What do you think, feel, or try to scream as you struggle to find your way back to the surface.

4.) You finally emerge from the water unscathed, and looking back toward the beach, you see that a person you know has been watching you. Who is that person?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If you choose to share your answers, you may leave a comment or you can keep your answer to yourself, it is up to you. Ready to play?

*Reading this in Google Reader? Answer the questions before you continue to scroll to see the Key to "Wave After Wave".

My Answers:

1. I notice the board laying at the water's edge. I look around and wonder where it came from and where is the surfer this board belongs to?
Gentle waves roll over the metallic blue board, the sun shines directly onto the surface giving the board a glittery-magical gleam. I feel a little apprehensive sliding the surfboard out of the water. But as I'm walking along the water's edge, board tucked under my arm, I start to feel empowered and confident and a little excited to give it a try.

2. The water is calm on this day, small waves, nothing too menacing. I paddle out feeling the gentle lap of the water against my body, the sunshine is warm on my face and arms. I feel good, peaceful.
Then I see it, the perfect wave for me. I paddle out and ready myself, then I'm up. I feel great as the wave carries me along, skimming the waters surface.

3. Suddenly I'm wiping out. I feel panic, my arms flailing through the air as I struggle for control, and then I hit the water hard and go under. The wind knocked from me, I keep calm and kick with all my might, breaking the surface I gasp for air. I look around for the board, spot it not too far from me, swim to it and get back on. I say to myself: "What a rush, lets go again!"

4. As I start to paddle for another try, I see a person watching me from the shore. I paddle closer to get a better look but see it is someone I don't recognize. Perhaps it is the owner of the abandoned surfboard? Or just some lurker admiring my poise and technique ;)

» Click to show Key to Wave After Wave «

Most of us sense intuitively the strong psychological associations between the sea and sex. The way you imagined your experience on the waves tells us something about your expectations and desires in the sexual realm.

1.] Throughout history and across cultures, the sea is portrayed as feminine. Against that backdrop, the surfboard provides an overt example of what Freud referred to as the “phallic symbol.”
Women:
Your description of the surfboard corresponds with your image and impression of masculine characteristics.
Men:
Your answer shows your perception of your own physical sexuality.

2.] The surfing conditions you described reveal your own hopes and expectations from sex.

3.] Total submersion within the churning waters is a metaphor for the peak of sexual pleasure. Your thoughts and feelings as your struggled upwards correspond to those you experience in the throes of ecstasy.

4.] The person you pictured standing on the beach is someone you show intense interest in, in a sexual sense. This doesn’t necessarily indicate active sexual desire; it may be that you’re simply curious about what that person is like in the most intimate and unguardable of moments. Then again maybe, just maybe, that’s something that you want to find out firsthand.

Crazy East Coast Weather

{Wordless #46}

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Some dreams are so vivid that you cannot ignore them

I had a dream last night, where I was in a beautiful vibrant green field, above me was a magnificent vermilion sky. I was all alone just taking in all the beauty that surrounded me; the wind was gently blowing and every now and again there would be the scent of vanilla in the air. I was happy and content. Then the sky turned blood red and the clouds sped in fast forward motion. The sweet smell of vanilla was replaced with stale, sour air. All the good feelings drained from me and were replaced with fear and panic. I woke up covered in sweat, my heart pounding.

How would you interpret this dream?

Is the sky really fallin'

I've been quite distracted these days. Almost everything happening around me lately seems like a huge life altering event (cue the violins piano). To tell you the truth, it's all leaving me a little breathless and speechless (over reacting as usual).

Our oldest daughter's heart condition has returned. She has been wearing a loop monitor for the past week, so she can record any rhythm disturbance she experiences. And on top of that, Hubby and I are in the midst of dealing with an issue that has inadvertently led to another issue (involving a lawyer) we must attend to right away - all so cryptic, I know, but hopefully I will be able to divulge all the sorted details in a week or two (I really need to vent!).

I didn't go out to snap any photos, I just sat home all weekend in my pj's wearing a perpetual scowl on my face, sulking in a corner all weekend. This is one personality trait I have down pat; wallowing in self pity, feeling sorry for myself. It's a pity party and your all invited. . . WOOT! You bring the cheese and I'll supply the (wa wa) whine.

Friday Foto Fiesta: A Distraction

Wednesday morning I woke up to the sun shining brightly and I was feeling pretty damn good. Around mid afternoon I got a phone call that turned my day from glad to sad. Funny how life can just change in a blink of an eye.

Hubby and I needed to distract our minds so we took a stroll around the duck pond yesterday evening. It was a nice little break from reality.


For more Friday Foto Fiesta Fun
visit Candid Carrie.

*Hope you all have a nice weekend. Keep your chin up!

Infused With Magic

{Wordless #45}Visit Wordless Wednesday

(Polaroid look via Poladroid)

Dreams & Wishes for Sale! Step right up!

Are you waiting for that lucky star so you can make a wish? Or that special dream to come true? Now you don't have to wait!

The Tree of Dreams

My shelves are stocked with Happy Dreams and Wishes. I have Dreams of every shape and colour. Wishes come in a variety of sizes - from the very tiny weenie to the grand and glorious.

There is something for everyone!

Scenes from the Weekend

Rain | Rainbow | Me & Lauren | Pub | Kitten

My weekend was pretty quiet. It rained cats and dogs Friday night. Saturday the sun came out just in time for my nieces ballet recital, afterward we all went out for a bite to eat at Your Fathers Moustache. Sunday I stayed home and relaxed with the cat watching movies and munching on junk food.

What was your weekend like?

Friday - dies Veneris, "day of Venus"

Want to play along? Click the image below.


1. I grew up thinking that happiness was a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Now that I'm older, I realize that happiness is being content with what we’ve got.

2. BlogU was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you call it quits for today and meet me at the pub for a cold one?

4. A hot bath with a huge pile of bubbles helps me relax.

5. Thanks for the visit to my blog and all the great comments!

6. News that the H1N1 virus is now a pandemic is very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting my hair cut, tomorrow my plans include attending my niece Lauren's ballet recital and Sunday, I want to stay home and catch up on some neglected house work!

Wishing you all blue skies and sunshine for the weekend!

Tag!

WackyMummy tagged me last week in a game of "6 things about you". Thanks WackyMummy!

The rules are simple. The person who has been tagged lists 6 things about themselves then tags 6 other people who do the same.

1. I dislike birds. I wont go as far as saying I hate them, but I do strongly dislike the ugly little creatures and the way they hop about on grotesque little dirty birdie feet. Perhaps I have an oppressed childhood memory involving birds.

2. I love red meat! I like my steaks cooked med/rare - if it's not bleeding I wont eat it.

3. I am addicted to Pepsi. It's the first thing I drink in the morning.

4. My blood pressure is extremely high which requires me to be on BP meds for the rest of my life.

5. I obsess. Not just a little, A LOT! When I obsess over something, it consumes every minute I'm awake and I have trouble focusing on other things. It is quite exhausting.

6. I love all genres of music but heavy metal is my favorite -that's right I'm a headbanger at heart.

Hope I didn't repeat things I have already revealed about myself.

Now it's your turn. I'm going to tag the following 6 but you all can play along if you want. Just follow the rules listed at the top of this post.
Gal Friday
only a movie
Madeleine's Book Blog
My space.. my blog... my life...
Mommy Mania
Pseudonymous High School Teacher

Kokology - Sweet Memories

{Introduction to the game}

(Pg. 42) What is it about reminiscences of childhood that stir the heart so deeply and make us long to turn back the clock? Is is that sense of returning to innocence or just the pleasure of feeling young again? Those were the days when every toy, doll, and game was a special kind of treasure. The collector’s mania for antiques and memorabilia has its roots in these childhood fascinations and the desire to relive the past, if only for a short while.

Our next encounter will take us back to that simpler time, to a little candy shop down the street. Perhaps you’ll find your younger self among the goods in stock.

1. Inside the candy store, you find rows and rows of the old familiar candies, chocolate bars, chewing gum, and sweets from your youth. Some are stacked in organized shelves, some are loose in baskets and jars. What candy do you pick first, and why did you choose it?

2. While you’re wandering the store making selections, you notice that outside a group of children look as though they’re getting ready to enter the store. How many children actually come in?

3. You make your purchases and go home with a bag of candy. But when you open the bag, you see that the shopkeeper has added some free extra candies as a special treat for you. How many did you get?

4. You’ve been thinking about giving the candy you bought as a gift to someone. To whom, if anyone, would you give it?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If you choose to share your answers, you may leave a comment or you can keep your answer to yourself. Now lets see what this one reveals!

*Reading this in Google Reader? Answer the questions before you continue to scroll to see the Key to "Sweet Memories".

My Answers:

1. The first candy I picked was one of my favorites from 80's called Black Bart Bubble Gum. It had a surgery licorice flavor and only cost ¢5.
   
2. There were five children who entered the store.
3. I got 13 extra candies.
4. I split my bag of candies into three smaller bags and gave one each to my kids.

» Click to Key to Sweet Memories «

Key To “Sweet Memories”

1. If you thought something like “I’d take the one with the secret toy surprise in the pack”, you’re likely the type who responds well to people bearing gifts. If you said you choose the candy because you remember how good it tasted or it made you feel nostalgic, you are hungry for the same attention and affection you received from your mother as a child. Men, if you answered this way, you may be looked on as something of a mama’s boy. If you made your decision based on external factors, you’re the type of person who makes judgments based on appearance alone.

2. The number of children who entered the store while you shopped represents the number of people in your life you need to depend on.

Most people imagine between one and five children entering the store. People who said more than five children came in still have a way to go before they reach an adult level of independence. But those who said no children came in also need to reconsider the way they look at the world.

3. The number of free treats you got reveals how much you still depend on your mother. Most adults say one or two pieces. If you answered ten or twenty, ou may need to think about spreading you wings a little more and fly away from the nest.

4. To whom would you give the candy? The person you chose is a person you would like to be able to take care of someday or have become dependent on you. Did you say you gave it to your parents? Your wish may be a reality sooner than you think.

Was it your partner or a person you secretly like? It might be fun taking care of them for a day or two, but that could wear thin.

Or did you say you wouldn't give the candy to anyone? You prefer a life with few attachments, asking little from the world and expecting the same in return. That solitary approach means you may never have to share with anyone, but it also means you may never have anyone to share with.

Got My Head in the Clouds

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I used Poladroid to give my photos this Polaroid look.

A Weekend In June

Just popped in to share some of my favourite photos from the weekend. Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

1. St. Mary's Basilica, 2. Fly me in the sky, 3. Walking the beat, 4. Playing with rocks, 5. The Piper and Companion, 6. Ebb & Flow, 7. Tims Trash, 8. Garden Flowers, 9. Me, 10. One Faith, 11. Cotton Candy, 12. Self Titled, 13. Rabbie Burns & Kids

This is just a little drop in the bucket. Sunday alone I snapped 200 photos on my little Fuji.

I'm So Far Behind!

I've been slacking here lately. Things just keep piling up and up and I keep procrastinating.
I received two awards from Shadow from 1 door away from heaven, and am so embarrassed to tell you when she passed them along to me -- way back on May 19th and 20th (yikes!).

Neno's Award is given...
As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging. To seek the reason why we all love blogging.


Rules:

*Put the award somewhere on your blog.

*Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.

*Answer the Award’s question by writing the reason why you love *blogging.

*Tag and distribute the Award.

Why do blog?
I like to blog because it is my own little spot to create, share, discover, but mostly I enjoy being part of a blogging community where I meet the most amazingly supportive, creative and inspirational people.

Thank you Shadow for sharing this award with me -- you are one of the reasons I love to blog!

---

'you don't say' award

Thank you again Shadow!

"This cute award is for beautiful people who practice blogging etiquette by visiting or visiting back, and leaving comments. Their observations are apt and helpful and it's a pleasure to have them comment on your posts..."

These past couple of weeks I have been so overwhelmed with things going on here, and have very little time to blog or even get a chance to read all the wonderful blogs I enjoy visiting - I hardly feel worthy to receive this award. So, I promise to try to make more time this week for reading and commenting on all your fabulous posts :)

You are all #1 in my book and all deserve these two awards. So I'm breaking all the rules and passing this award on to all of the blogs listed as my "distractions":

Pseudonymous High School Teacher,

1 door away from heaven
Mommy Mania
the road goes ever ever on
WackyMummy
Gal Friday

lemons2lemonade Inventing My Life
Reading, Writing and Retirement
the bee in your bonnet
My space.. my blog... my life...
only a movie
Yesterday, Today and Forever
Madeleine's Book Blog
Callista's Ramblings
Nuts & Mutton
Thistles and Maple Leaves
Sacred Artist

Take them, display them and pass them along... enjoy!!!

Friday Fill Ins #127

Want to play along? Click the image below.


1. I have rounded third and heading for home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been a little of this and some of that; mostly whatever I can pull together quickly.

3. The coyotes are out there. At night I can hear them howl and bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk in the warm sand and listening to the waves crash down on the beach is so relaxing.

5. I've been pretty quiet here on my blog this week, patiently waiting for some good news.

6. When all is said and done, there are always reasons to be happy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to star gazing, tomorrow my plans include dreaming and Sunday, I want to feel the sand between my toes!

What is on your weekend agenda? Hope you all have something wonderful planned!

Letting go

of things I cannot control

{wordless #42}

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