Monday Questions #6

1.  What stirs up your imagination?
2.  Do you believe in the supernatural?
3.  Do you cross your fingers for good luck?
4.  If you could possess a superpower, what would it be?
5.  Do you think "the man in black" (the smoke monster) is Esau, Jacob's brother? (For Lost Fans)

The story of Jacob and Esau

My Answers:

1.  Nothing stirs up my imagination more than people watching. 

2. I know I will have to give an explanation sometime after I answer this question.  Yes, I do believe in the supernatural and have had (what I think) were two supernatural experiences.  One was something I saw many years ago and the other was an attic experience.  (Explanation post in the near future)

3.  I do cross my finger but only on one hand.  Two hands with crossed fingers bring bad luck. 

4.  When I was younger I always thought I would like to read people's thoughts.  Now, I would love to possess powers of persuasion (put thoughts into peoples heads).

5.  Lost.  LOVE it!  I have this theory that Lost is an allegory for The Bible and Christian beliefs.

Monday Questions:  
#5
#4
#3 
#2 
#1 

Childhood

Art Creation Challenge #60

(made with Adobe Photoshop)

This little doll resembles my cute little niece Bella-Ella.

Credits: 

ACF Image

Sky 

Texture 1

Texture 2 

Crown Brush

Every Friday the folks over at Art Creation Friday post a new challenge, a picture or a background. The challenge is to use that picture or background to make an atc (artist trading card) or card, altered art, altered digital art, or something else you like.

Want to join in on the fun?

Click the image above to visit Art Creations Friday

Friday Fill-ins #162

And...here we go!

1. I know it's odd to tidy up shelves in the supermarket while shopping.  OCD can make you do some strange things.
2. January, February, March are the longest months.
3. You can't help but wonder why black attracts dust like a magnet.
4. I'm waiting for my new vacuum to be delivered; bring it on!
5. Where have you looked for your phone?  Did you leave it somewhere?
6. I was surprised to see that Easter Candy is now available.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not having any obligations at all and just staying home or doing whatever I please, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to clean out the storage closet!

seize the day and be HAPPY!

Ever have something some has said get inside of your head and stick there for days, sometime even weeks? Are you like me, and play it over and over again 'till you're sure you will go insane?

5:30 came so early after a fitful night's sleep! The sky was pitch-dark, and the stars still had some sparkle left in them. I hauled myself out of my soft, warm bed and into the kitchen and put on the kettle; some hot tea will wake me up. The weather station says it -19°C with highs of -15°C, brrrrr! I'm so thankful to be warm and safe inside my cozy house, sipping on a hot cup of tea on such a cold morning. Looking out my kitchen window, I can see the first rays of the sun jutting up just behind the tree line; it will be a magnificent sunrise... and I count all my blessings.

I haven't been sleeping that great this past week. I have something on my mind that won't go away, something that someone said last week has been playing in my head, disrupting my slumber. The lovely LarryG asked a question last week on Facebook. He asked:

"Is it right to be happy when there is so much suffering in the world?"

Hmmmm. At the time I didn't know how to respond to this question, just thought and thought for days about it.

There are so many types of suffering; so many people in pain, forget about the world, but right here in our own city, right in our own back yard. I look around, and I am overcome by the number I encounter on a daily basis. The homeless who huddle in the alcoves of the city to keep warm on these cold nights. The girl who works back to back shifts at the drive-thru to keep her family safe and fed; she gives a wan smile as she hands me my coffee through the window. The man who stands on a street corner with his guitar and dog; the guitar he plays for donations of money or food, his loyal companion keeps him warm when the temperature dips to -20. The teenager at the local high school who's home life is a mess, wonders if life really is worth living. Pain and suffering comes in all different shapes and sizes, in every neighborhood, all over the world. So, why do I deserve happiness when there are other people who don't have it?

"The Better, Happier Me.
The Better, Happier You.
A Better, Happier World To Live In. " ~ Matthew Good

I believe that happiness begets happiness.
Being in a positive frame of mind is a duty we owe to ourselves. The fact that you are happy does not interfere with caring for others who are less fortunate. Just the opposite -  A happy person has more enthusiasm and energy to help others less fortunate, whereas the unhappy person has nothing to spare of his own time or energy, he needs every bit keep himself going. It’s not just okay to be happy; it’s the best frame of mind for making a difference.

So go on!
Go out and seize the day and be HAPPY!

Thank you LarryG for always keeping me thinking.
{{Hugs}} to you all today ♥

When tempatures drop to -18°C...

{Wordless #62, Make Double Fudge Delights}

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Monday Questions #5

1.  Do you have any regrets from the last week?

Nope.  Not last week, last month. Well... maybe one or two small things but nothing major.

2.  Are you where you are in life, because you fell down or you got up?

Right now, at this moment in my life... I would have to say upswing.

3.  Left, right or straight ahead?

I would like the straight ahead path but on occasion I find myself veering to the right. (I'm like a car who's tires are a little out of alignment)

4.  What lies beneath the shadow of the statue?

I know.  Do you??? 

::Answer here::

Ille qui nos omnes servabit. (He who will protect/save us all.)
Lostpedia

5.  Are you ready for LOST?

Yay!  I have been re-watching episodes and watching the re-cap shows in preparation for sixth and final season of LOST... SO EXCITED!

Monday Questions #4
#3 
#2 
#1 

Past is Not Forgotten

Art Creation Challenge #59

(made with Adobe Photoshop / PSD available for download here)

Credits:
ACF Image
Old Frame
Post Card
Locket


Every Friday the folks over at Art Creation Friday post a new challenge, a picture or a background. The challenge is to use that picture or background to make an atc (artist trading card) or card, altered art, altered digital art, or something else you like.

Want to join in on the fun?

Click the image above to visit Art Creations Friday

One Extreme to Another & Friday Fill-Ins #161

Winter has returned to us with a vengeance. Today there is a couple feet of snow on the ground and the wind is blowing ice and snow against my windows. Yesterday the weather was so mild, I was out and about with only a sweater. The kitten and I were captivated by the hundreds of Stalings hungrily gobbling up tasty treats from my lawn. Today there is no sign of them; the cold north wind has driven them into the forest where they are taking shelter in their cozy nests. That's were I find myself this Friday night; thankful to be safe and warm in my cozy nest with my family nearby.

Now on to the Fill-Ins

And...here we go!

1. Wouldn't it be easy to stay inside all weekend, in your comfiest clothes, doing absolutely nothing in particular?
2. Ah! It's like a breath of fresh air!  New and improved and better than ever!
3. I love the taste of Earl Gray Tea in the morning.
4. My favourite place to be is curled up in my big comfy chair that is by the fireplace in the living room.
5. The first thing we're going to do is get a room with a view that looks down over the palm trees and the sand.  Then we will sit on the beach and watch while the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky vermillion.
6. Thunder boomed and lightning filled the sky. Drip, drip, drip;  the raindrops hit the roof.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to curling up by the fire sipping a glass of Riesling, tomorrow my plans include errands fist thing in the AM, then painting the media room, and a fun evening with the ladies and Sunday, I want to put the second coat of paint on the walls and maybe off to the market for something delish for dinner!

What are your plans for this weekend?

The sky opened to unveil the sun

{Wordless #61}

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I love a challenge!

Every Friday the folks over at Art Creation Friday post a new challenge, a picture or a background. The challenge is to use that picture or background to make an atc (artist trading card) or card, altered art, altered digital art, or something else you like.
Here is what I made using these images provided for me:

Looking forward to participating in the challenge on a regular basis.
(made with Adobe Photoshop)

Want to join in on the fun?

Click the image above to visit Art Creations Friday.

Monday Questions #4

1.  In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that?

No, not unless I look back at my journal or if this blog is still around.

2.  If your life was a novel, what would be the title?

Slightly Off-Center

3. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Fear. Fear of failure, of success, of being alone... I know I need  to let it go.

4. Would I be friends with myself?

Ummm, probably not.  I'm far too moody and mopey.

5.  No matter how bad things get, are you aware that someone always has it worse than you do?

I am aware.  Remembering there are others worse off then myself is usually that slap in the face I need to wake me out of my self pity mode. 

Monday Questions #3 
#2 
#1 

January Blues

January makes me miserable.

Misery oozes out

making everyone around me miserable too

(misery loves company)

I want to travel to someplace,

anyplace warm,

but I'm far too cheap frugal

so a trip it out of the question.

It's impossible to buy good fruit in January.

Another thing about January:

I really DISLIKE football.

A Bitch + Friday Fill-Ins

Blood work day :( Yeah, I know, my life is not very exciting these days. I'm back to seeing my GP once a month and getting blood work once a month as well. Seems an old health issue may be back but I won't know what's going on 'till I see a specialist in June. Yup, June is the earliest they can get me in, so in the meantime I'm mildly panicking. They put me on a cancellation list but it's not too likely anyone will cancel their appointment after waiting six months/year to see this particular specialist... so, for now it's regular blood work, med adjustments and doctor visits once a month.

So, here i am, bitching about my my petty little problems while watching the news and seeing all the problems the people of Haiti are faced with, more than a week after the earthquake. People are suffering - dieing, children are having limbs amputated because the damage is far to extensive to fix, and some still are waiting to receive some sort of treatment for their injuries.

The news sometimes has way of shaking me out of my self-pity-party.  Puts life into perspective sometimes; I am very lucky...

Now on to the fill-ins
And...here we go!

1. You have a chance to grow and broaden your sense of who you are and who you can be.
2. Live life in the moment... right now!
3. There is a  light in your eye that keeps shinin',  Like a star that can't wait for night.
4. It's best to save then buy, rather then buy now and pay later.
5. It's time to shine.  A moment down through millennium, Unveiling the secrets of song to be sung, Waters of life flowing soft to the touch ,Wisdom remembered have we forgotten oh so much. Raise up your mind  ~Queen
6. I would like to go see "up in the air" but wont have time this weekend.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending the evening with my girls, tomorrow my plans include the usual errands then girls night get-together and Sunday, I want to go for brunch with hubby and maybe take a drive to the valley in the afternoon!

Winter Abstracts

{Wordless Wednesday #60}

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Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, make your peace today.

The rising sun casts long golden rays

that shone through the billows of the morning clouds. 

I had to shield my eyes from the glare off the freshly fallen snow.

A sunrise like this one is rarity around these parts in mid January. 

January thaw perhaps? 

I put on a sweater, grab my camera
and head outside for some quick shots of the indigo sky

right before the sun rose above the horizon.

I wonder what the afternoon will hold?

Monday Questions #3

1. Do I procrastinate?
2. Do I stand up for myself?
3. Do I complain?
4. Do I hold grudges?
5. Do I have trouble making decisions?

»Click to read my answers«

My Answers:

1. I try not too procrastinate, it only causes problems and stress and I like to keep my life relatively stress free. Sure, once in while I put little things off... doesn't everyone?

2. Yikes! Do I stand up for myself? Hmmmm, that's a tough one. I think I do but my hubby and kids might tell you differently.

3. Oh boy, do I complain!!

4. I use to hold grudges but I find I'm getting better at letting go. Holding grudges takes a whole lot of energy and time and I would rather just let it go and move on. If I find I'm holding a grudge about something, I usually tell myself: "Let it go, and let it flow".

5. Ummmm, I'm unsure. I'll get back to you. hehe!

Monday Questions #1, #2

The Lost Kokology File - The Stolen Berries

Look what I found in my draft folder over the weekend.
Who wants to play KOKOLOGY?

What is Kokology?

Tips: 
• Say the first thing that pops into your head 
• Don’t try to predict answers 
• Be honest with yourself 
• Be prepared 
• Keep an open mind
  

Everyone likes a nice person and most of us try to be good in our own lives. Why is it, then that there are so few people in the world who are good all the time? As hard as you may try, there are always those rotten days of moments and weakness where it just feels better to be bad. Whether that takes the form of driving too fast on the highway, cheating on a test, or "liberating" a box of pens from the office, we've all done things we can't be proud of or justify. The key to becoming a truly good person is in accepting the bad parts of your own personality and admitting that you're not perfect, not in trying to act like a saint while the devil on your shoulder whispers in your ear. We all succumb to temptation sometimes. But in the next scenario you might just get caught...

1. On a stroll through the countryside, you come across a field of delicious-looking strawberries. Your stomach starts to rumble, and there's no one else around. Only a fence stands between you and a free lunch. How high is that fence?

2. You sneak into the garden and begin to help yourself to the fruit. How many berries did you eat?

3. Suddenly the farmer whose berries you're stealing appears out of nowhere and starts yelling at you. What do you say in your own defense?

4. After all is said and done, how did the berries taste? And looking back, how did you feel after your berry-stealing adventure was over?

You can leave a comment with your answers or keep them to yourself  - it's up to you.

Note:  Reading this in Google Reader? 

Answer the questions before you continue to scroll to reveal the key to "The Stolen Berries"

»Click to reveal key to The Stolen Berries«

Key to "The Stolen Berries"

Strawberries -seductively juicy and red - are common symbol of sexual attraction and desire. The way you envisioned this scenario helps us to understand your attitude toward forbidden romance and stolen love.
1. The height of the fence you imagined around the field is a measure of your own level of self-control and resistance to sexual temptation. The higher the fence, the greater your own defenses. People who imagined a total enclosure exercise admirable restraint. Those of you who said it was only a string tied around some be at about knee height run a higher than average risk of getting burned by the flames of love.

2. The number of berries you said you would steal is the number of people you can believe yourself in love (or lust) with at any given time. If you said you'd quit after eating just one, you're likely to be faithful in your own love life as well (or at least a devoted serial monogamist). Those of you who got onto double digits may need to think seriously about applying the brakes to your libido. Nobody can keep that pace up forever.

3. The excuses you made to the farmer represent the way you'd defend yourself if you got caught having an affair. What was your excuse?

"I'm so sorry. I promise I'll never do it again" Sometimes a full confession and a promise to behave is the best way to get yourself off the hook.

"They looked so good, I just couldn’t help myself" Well actually you did help yourself – to somebody else’s berries. But honesty is the best policy. After all, it worked for George Washington, didn’t it? If you keep it up, maybe someday you could be president too.

"Hey those berries were great! Do you have if I have a couple more?" Farmers have shotguns. Spouses have lawyers. Fortunately you still have a chance to reconsider your choice of words.

4. The way you described the experience and the taste of the berries gives an indication of how you imagine yourself feeling when looking back on a past affair.
"Actually, they didn’t taste good as they looked. The whole thing wasn’t even worth the effort" All too true for most affairs. Chalk it up to experience and put it behind you.

"So sweet! So juicy and delicious! I’ve never tasted anything like it!" Uh, let’s just say you’re addicted to love.
"The berries were nothing special, but all in all it kind of fun" Statistically speaking, you’re in the high-risk group for repeat offenders.

 

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Monday Questions #2

1. If you could be more ambitious in only one aspect of your life, what would it be?
2. What are you doing to develop your special talent(s)?
   
3. What big mistake have you made recently and what did you learn from it?
4. Is there something in your life that you always wanted to try but fear has been stopping you from giving it a go?
5. What one thing would you  try if you knew you could not fail?
   

»Click to read my answers«

My Answers:

1. I would like to be more ambitious with my fitness goals and make better food choices for my family and myself. At the beginning of a new year I always have a list of things I want to try but never do: Pilates, Body Sculpting, detox diet, healthy meal plans. Every year we start out eating healthy and exercising, but come May/June I tend to slip back into the old - unhealthy - habits.

2. I am currently researching how to build an online store, whether it be ETSY or another online market place.

3. I was quick to judge hubby for something that happened last week. I blamed him for something he had no part in. When I realized my mistake, I promptly apologized and explained my actions.

What have I learned? I would like to say, "I have learned not be so judgmental or to be so quick to make assumptions about others", but I guess I won't know how I will reacted until I am faced with a similar situation.

4. Yup, there are many things I would like to try but am frozen by fears that are mostly fears of rejection.

5. I would love to start my own business.

Monday Questions #1

Clean Up

clangnuts.com

Spent most of the weekend doing mostly nothing and cleaning up in between. I managed to get caught up on all the dirty laundry -woohoo! Also did some cleanup on my blog, e-mail and facebook. Facebook; deleted one years worth of accumulated private messages. E-Mail; Deleted pages and pages in my in-box. Blog; Read through all unpublished blog posts, decided what I should hold onto and what should be deleted.

Here is a list of  titles from potential posts that will forever be lost somewhere out there in cyberspace. Some of these post in draft were completely finished and unpublished because a) I thought they sucked b) Didn't have the guts to push the "publish" button:

• With the lights out, it's less dangerous.
• I want the stars and the moon. ( Is that too much to ask for?)
• Touché!
• Life's a bitch...
• Death. Then What?
• A Privilege to Know You
• Within a Moment
• Ambivalence
  
• Something in my... Soul?
• Between Awake and Sleep
• Dropping Like Flies

I still have a few post in draft that I decided to keep for now.  Who knows... One day I may have the courage to click that "Publish" button.

Friday Fill-Ins #158 - Tip of the hat to The Beatles

Click the link below to play along.

And...here we go!

1. There are places to go today and things to do but I'm feeling kind of blah and my ass is dragging.
2. The Beatles sing "all things must pass" and "it's not always been this gray" (obviously they have never been to Eastern Canada in the winter).  Today my head is in the clouds where my mind can blow those clouds away.
3. Standing in the shower this morning, I was imagining myself in a warm tropical paradise.
4. I can't seem to get the gears in this old bean of mine to get moving... oh boy!
5. He went out tiger hunting with his elephant and gun.  In case of accidents he always took his mom. - I always thought this song would have been better if recorded with out Yoko Ono screeching in the background.
6. With all this cold and snow, how can I possibly keep my mind from wandering?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going home and snuggling up in my comfy PJ's, tomorrow my plans include grocery store, hardware store, furniture store and Sunday, I want to cook a nice dinner for the family, maybe watch a movie or two!

I ain't seen the sunshine since, I don't know when

{Wordless Wednesday #58}

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Above photos are screen shots taken from Halifax Live Web Cam

Monday Questions

1.  What do you do when you can't sleep at night? Do you toss and turn, count sheep, get up and do   something productive, check your email/facebook/blog?

2.  What is your most unusual morning ritual or night time ritual?

3.  If you had to choose one thing that gives you the most comfort, what would that be?

4.  What are you currently obsessing about?

---

My Answers:

1.  I usually toss and turn and think about all sorts of weird and wacky stuff:  If the professor could build a radio system out of coconuts, why couldn't he fix a hole in their boat?

2.  At night I count my meds to make sure I haven't forgotten to take one - I really should get one of the medication minders at the pharmacy.

3.  Jammie bottoms or a pair of really comfy jogging pants.

4.  Right now I am obsessing over dust around my house that everyone else in the house claims they cannot see.  My aunt once obsessed over fruit flies that no one else in her house could see. Turned out she had a semi-detached retna and was seeing floaties she thought were fruit flies.  Note to self:  Make eye appointment asap!!