Jill and her flights

I am heading out this weekend for my annual sister weekend in Phoenix. Jill, Zoe and I have been going for 10 years. Every year Jill always has issues with her flight. It is a variety of problems, she books it wrong, has the wrong dates or just decides to change. One year she booked two tickets to Vegas and no return flight, to this day we still have no idea how she did it, then had a few cocktails in the bar and almost missed the flight. So, in true sister weekend tradition Jill called wanting to go earlier and was looking for her wingers. Instantly I made the lists of all the things that I had to get done before I left. They were mostly about the household tasks. Why do we feel that leaving our home clean is important? I think it is one of those mom things, like the clean underwear because you might get into a car accident. What about next week when I arrive home? The girls will drop off their laundry and the house will be in the same shape. I guess I just made the decision that the laundry, housework and all other menial tasks will wait for my return. Why not go a day early? Raining here, Sunny there. Making my crazy lists again almost stopped me. I need to figure out how to get fired from being a homemaker, this job comes with to much guilt. Now Karma Sisters, I will be taking time off from my blog to read and hang by the pool. I may or may not check in. But I am planning on having a whole bunch of fun!

I am the Founder

I was filling out an online application today. I got to age, All of a sudden 41-50 seems really old. I liked the 30-40 box much better. Next came occupation. Homemaker? Well I guess I am but I am terrible at it. My laundry never seems to get done and my vacuum has a permanent home in the dining room. Executive.. Well this is true. I am an executive in my volunteer position, which I am pretty sure I gave myself that title. So, I decided on founder as my new title.. Founder of Karma Sisters. It's so vague, sounds difficult, and with lots of sweat and tears I am building a company. Geez, look at me a founder. Not sure what a founder does, maybe drink Starbucks and talks on the phone.. I love being the founder.

Kate & Betty

I rode betty today.. Betty is a bike. Its that bike with the basket on the front of the handle bars. It has 3 gears and to stop you have to peddle backwards. She is white with purple rims and a gigantic bell. It is a flash back from the 50's and I love her. I have owned her for 3 years and every year I promise myself to ride her more. When I first saw her in the store, I envisioned all the zen like moments we would have with my hair blowing in the wind and my fresh baguette from the bakery in the basket, waiving at all my friends as I peddled down the street. Last year she made me feel more guilty, as I never took the time to take her out. She sat in the garage just waiting. Well, today I took her to the store. Betty and I were on tour with daughter #3, Kate. We peddled through the neighborhood weaving our way to Sobeys. I felt like I was 13 again. I raced Kate and the rain home, Kate won. You can never have to many child like moments at 43, especially when your 11 year old gives you heck for not looking both ways when crossing the street... Thanks Betty and Kate for the perfect ride.

Dandelions

Its Dandelion Season.. with this comes weeding.  As I was removing this  pesky "weed" from my garden,   I thought about what an incredible plant it is.    Many chemical companies have made special formulas to remove it, and have been unsuccessful.   I have tried to dig it out, but still the next week it arrives back in the same spot, just as big.  So,  Why are  we trying to eliminate something  so amazing?  Do you know its a  food source, as  you can consume every part of a dandelion?  It is  used for stomach and liver remedies in holistic medicine .   It grows fearless,  planting its  roots deep in the earth.  Every season without water or fertilizer it is the very first flower to arrive.     It spreads its seeds through the air, with tiny parachutes, and if you look through the eyes of a child, its  beautiful.    I think we should  be  more like this hearty frost proof plant.   No matter what happens, no matter what conditions are thrown at us , we are always first to arrive,  deeply rooted, and flowering in the spring with a wiliness to heal.   Think about that next time you are digging for the roots....   

Reorganizing with Ikea

Tonight I was at Ikea with Hayley trying to buy an organizer for her room. Ikea is a million square feet of beautifully displayed furniture. They have built up a maze through the store making sure you pass by every room to show you how truly unorganized your life is. Maybe this is one of the problems in society. Instead of cleaning it up, we head to ikea to figure out how to organize it. The crazy thing is the furniture is impossible to build and never lasts long. If we do get it built, and our stuff put away, off we go to fill up again. Maybe part of my slowing down plan is not to re-organize but simplify. And building Ikea furniture is not on the simplicity plan.

Devon and the three bears

"Thats not the real story!" exclaimed Devon, while I was home reading in grade 2. He was angry over the outline of the three bears as the author had put a twist on this classic. It took a little boy in grade 2 to bring attention to something that happens everyday. Don't we add our own twist to our life stories? There are always three sides to every story, the truth and the other two accounts. I like to believe that people are inherently good, not trying to knock others down purposely. Just like the fable of Goldilocks and the three bears. Goldilocks didn't go into the house to break baby bears chair, eat his breakfast and fall asleep for revenge. She was lost, tired and hungry and stumbled upon a house in the woods. It was safe, warm and had a hearty breakfast ready. So take a moment and think about what would baby bears story be? Probably that this blonde was a thief, vandal and outlaw. Not to mention a scatter brain. Who goes out in the woods alone? Wow, wouldn't the lawyers have a heyday. Just remember to think about the other side in your own story. It just might make a difference in the outcome of the fairy-tale.

Karma Sister Candice

I went to see the inspiration guru on Tuesday night, Wayne Dyer . I am always looking to find inspiration. Wayne was full of enlightenment but my surprise gift was from a Karma sister named Candice. It has been a few months since I have spoken with her but in the matter of 5 min at intermission, she told me how she decided to take a right turn on her straight road in life. She is changing careers, moving to Vancouver and becoming a chef. This is not a 20 something without roots. She has a successful career, a home and a child. Somewhere on her journey she lost that voice that stocks up all the evidence which prevents us from moving forward. Usually the sentences start with.."I can't".. "what about"...and one of my favorites... "that's not you". This new brave soulful Candice has found... I can...I will and.... I AM. I saw a new light in her, she glowed like that yellow moon last night. Its amazing what happens when you stop listening to your head and start leading with your heart. I am a chef, this soul sister will be able to say. I wonder if it will work on the home lotto... I am a home lotto winner.

full moon

Did you see that yellow moon tonight? Its is glorious and floating so low to the earth. I checked the moon phase and it's only 99% full. That means tomorrow is the official full moon night. The moon is an amazing thing, it effects the tides in the ocean. If these two forces are in a gravitational relationship with each other, and we are in between.. My very scientific mind says the moon effects our behavior. I checked the internet and there are lots of cool facts, supporting my theory. It has been proven that when the moon is full it gives out a higher electrical charge. In turn, more babies are born, increase in hospital visits, and more violence on the streets. I admit, I was a little crazier today. I worked for hours on my KS website then deleted it.. No idea how, but wasted a morning. When something crappy happens in my life, I start over thinking. Maybe it's not time? What's the universe trying to tell me? ... I know what the universe is saying, you are spaz and shouldn't multi task. Sometimes blaming the moon for crazy just feels good. Watch out Wednesday, crazy is on the loose.

Let it go!

LET IT GO! I say it to myself, to my friends and to my family. Letting go is so much easier said, sometimes preached, than it is to do. It's about keeping things that serve us and releasing everything that doesn't. I recently had a friend tell me my life is like the first flower after a forest fire. Her image was that there are black ruins all around and out of the ash's emerges a sprout. I am the sprout. I keep thinking about that analogy when I find myself holding on to "stuff". Quickly, I imagine that I am re-lighting that forest fire.... It makes letting the "stuff" go easier. Moving forward, finding peace and giving forgiveness.

5 lessons I know to be true

Here are a few things that I know are true in my life.. 1. Life is not fair.. Especially when you have four daughters. In this sorority house, one beauty is always crying foul and occasionally it's the mother. 2. The sun always comes up, after the darkest nights. Sometimes just closing your eyes and waiting for the brilliance in the sunrise is all the soul requires to reset 3. Chocolate is a magical substance, when consumed it can calm the mind and body. 4. You can always find a way to love more. When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I could not believe I could love a child more than Cassidy. I soon found out that love is an endless well, you just need to keep dipping the bucket in. 5. Friends are the one true constant in our life that can talk you in or out of trouble. I prefer the talking into trouble.
Really.... life is good...

Life Lesson from Grandmother

My 97 year old grandmother phoned me today. I love these phone calls because we talk weather, my weight (to skinny) my hair (to long) and my life (still single). I always get a piece of advice whether I want it or not. I could write an entire book on what this woman has taught me. She still lives in her own apartment in Penticton, she cooks her own meals and she still makes it to walmart to get all of the things she needs. People watching is a passion. Approaching a century she is feisty, fabulous, and loves the salt shaker. I can't remember her looking any different than she does now. She would still have the same day dress as she did 20 years ago if she had not lost it in a fire. One of the greatest lessons she has taught me is her complete satisfaction with life. We talked about what she would do if she won millions. She didn't even have to think about it, She said " I wouldn't change a thing". She would still live in the same apartment, she has all the clothes she needs, and she likes buying items on sale, its wasteful otherwise. I asked her if she would like to travel. Travel? Ha, she came across the prairies in a model T, that was enough for her. She would give it all away and wouldn't keep a penny. I think this wise old bird just gave me her secret to life, simplicity, contentment and salt.

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th.  Traditionally a day of bad luck.  Did you wake up Friday morning  and decide that this is the day that you are unlucky?  I didn't, and I didn't spend the day avoiding black cats and waiting for something bad to happen.   As a matter of fact, I hadn't even thought about it until now.   What makes one person lucky and another unlucky?   ATTITUDE.  I was watching the weather channel today and they were interviewing a family devastated by a flood in the USA.  Their house had been wiped out and they have nothing left.  The father said  "we are just lucky to be alive".  No worldly possessions, no home,  just surrounded by his family.  He didn't say we were unlucky.  He appreciated what was important.   Life is a gift,  and is to short to wait for luck.  Create your own opportunities every moment in how you think and how you act.  Then throw some salt over your shoulder for good luck, come on... it can't hurt.

Rule breakers 2

I recently went on a rant about breaking the rules. I have decided that some "rules are made to be broken". I met up with my dear friend Eleanor Pidgeon a brilliant painter. She admitted in her outside voice, not her secret voice that she breaks all the rules when she paints. I was shocked! She creates masterpieces and doesn't follow the rules of painters? I now know that rule breakers are creative. Some of the greatest moments in history were created by these hooligans. Rosa Park rode a bus in 1955 and refused to give up her seat for a white man. Where would the South be now without the bravery of Rosa? I now feel the freedom to tell you that I am also a rebel. I break grammar & spelling rules everyday. I will admit this to all my teacher friends who want to get the red pens out each night. It is just not that important to me, I said it.. What about all the broken fashion rules? Everything matches now... colors, stripes & checkers. All you have to do is pick it up off the floor and wear it. Here is an oldie, not wearing white before the May long weekend. In this town, it usually snows May long. If its warm now then wear it. My father gave me a magnet for my birthday years ago and it said "well behaved women rarely make history" . Thanks Dad, I wore white pants today.

If you want to check out this rebel painter here is her link:
http://lowdenpidgeon.com/

Eleanor Lowden Pidgeon

lowdenpidgeon.com

My passion for art is about color. I employ color to express how I feel about a subject, and my work is recognizable for the particularly vibrant palette that I choose. I simplify shapes in order to draw with my brush, and layer colors so that 

Fearless

Today was one of those days that my phone starting pinging early. The sun was shining spring was in everyones minds. There is nothing better than starting off the day in the sunshine, knowing that snow has finally gone. Well for a few months anyways. I put away all my winter sweaters and coats, which is my sign that I have committed to the new season. I decided that I was going to challenge myself and commit to something else, just until June 21 the first day of summer. Its only 41 days. Enough to change a habit, but not long enough to bail out of the challenge. After some deliberation with all of my personalities, I decided I was going to leave fearless.... We all have those friends in our lives that always seem to be jumping in. All those people are doing is crossing stuff off of their list, and everyone has one. You know that list. The list which starts with the opening sentence of, I would like to....might try one day or I am thinking about it... Some of my items on my "one day" list are to big to cross off in 41 days, but there are a few that I get handled. I heard a great quote today by Charles Kettering "Believe and act as if it is impossible to fail" Leaving fearless... Bring It!

I made my first penny!

I made my first penny on my Karma sisters project. I understand with the cost of just a cup of coffee at Starbucks, it is not even a drop on the bucket. But to me it was life changing. It was my first penny earned on my new adventure. It might sound crazy but was a very exciting. It was validation, that my journey is underway, and that I can make it on my own. I am taking every baby step and celebrating it. I am now officially getting paid to blog. Its not much of a living and won't pay the mortgage, but if I earn another one, I will officially be giving my two cents worth. Everyone's successful business started one penny at a time. Now if I could only find a place to spend it. Maybe I will save for a coin wrapper.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day Karma Sisters. This is the day I get to say... its "mothers day" and without a whine all my requests are granted from the girls (ok that is a stretch). It is like the last two weeks of Christmas and the naughty and nice list threat, kids just don't mess with you. My favorite thing about having kids in Elementary is that there is always a mothers day art project. They share the craziest reasons why they love me. Billie loves when I am home reading Mom, and Kate just called flat out called me crazy.. twice. It is a great deal of pressure for the older two to find the perfect gift. How can you top hand made gifts from little cute sisters and from the heart? They found me a very thoughtful gift at the mall. This is where teenagers do there best work. I didn't get breakfast in bed, as porridge is not on the menu when the girls are in charge. I let them decide as I was "off duty" .. Popsicles were the choice this morning. What is one day without a healthy breakfast? It's sunday , its mothers day, and all I really want is peace. In my house and in the world. To all the mothers, may your homes be blessed with laughter, your hearts filled with love, and we all find some peace.

Glass Windows

I sat in church today for Billies first communion, as I looked around the church I really appreciated the splendor of the glass windows. There is shear beauty in these windows. I began to envision my life like a great big glass mosaic, one that would be at the alter of a church. One so big that it takes years to appreciate all the magnificence. Last year, it was broken into a millions pieces.. all those little colors scattered on the floor. I have taken my time and to rebuild it, I am getting close to completion. I am choosing the glass carefully, only picking up the colors that fit me in my new life, and leaving some glass behind. I am also working on adding new dimensions and color. My life is changing and I am finding new passions, new experience and new people to fill it up. Sometimes the best thing for ourselves is a rock being thrown at your window, you just never know what other color's you will find.

Being a peace

Today was one of those days. One of those days where I was completely at peace. I kept my list down to a minimum and just drifted between tasks. It was a great lesson for me, usually I am frazzled before the weekend. I always overload my Friday. Today, the vacuum was left out, the recycling is still in the garage, both jobs and a few more waiting for me tomorrow. I choose wisely today, only completing things that fit.. I did go to Costco, which was the busiest I have seen it. When it takes 20 min to find parking, you know its going to be nuts. I entered the store not in a hurray but with humor. There was a desperate mob snatching up bedding plants... spring is here. It was something to see, a great people watching event. I can say that most of my days are great , however my goal is for more to be fantastic. Fewer overloaded stressed moments makes living way more enjoyable.

2 seconds ago ·  ·  · 

The Caveman

I have a close friend who checked into the hospital today for surgery. She has acute appendicitis, happy to report all is good now. The news broke quickly and the village of woman started preparing.. Who was picking up the kids? What activities did they have? How are the kids going to get fed? Woman love crisis, as a matter of fact, we crave it. We secretly love drama and we love to help. This is why soap operas are so popular with us. Now, if we examine the opposite sex, they like to suffer in silence. Illness and weakness are two things that you must never admit too. I attribute this characteristic to the period of the caveman and the dinosaurs. If you were weak, you were left behind for T-Rex. This also supports my theory on the basement cave. They really build them to suffer in silence and maybe get away from the village of woman in the kitchen making casseroles.

becoming a adult

My nephew is graduating from college this week. I remember him as a cute mischievous toddler like it was yesterday. I know graduating is a regular occurrence in any family. The fact is, kids grow up. Why haven't I grown up? I still like to cannon ball into the pool, drive to fast and eat candy... especially if it is sticky and has a dye code. At what point are we suppose to become adults? I often look into my rear view mirror and see all those beautiful girls and I am completely shocked that I am the mother. The bigger issue is, they expect three meals a day.. Who gave me the " I have grown up" certificate? I know I have a child side that is fun and very mischievous, but my mother side has developed which constantly has me thinking about what is best for my girls. I hope everyone always remembers that in life, any gesture counts, big or small. I know I am doing my best, but there is only so much I can do, I am crazy and I have a candy addiction. Seriously.. Penny candy is happiness on a budget.

Second chance please

Tonight I was out for dinner with a friend who shares the same birthdate as me. He always knows where to eat out, I will admit he is just cooler than me. We went to Una, a hip and happening place on 17 Ave. The joint was lined up out the door on a Tuesday night. We were told it would be a 1/2 hour wait. What makes this restaurant worthy of a wait on a Tuesday night? We decided it must be the food.. Well, we found out the food was great, however it was the service that made it outstanding, but it didn't start that way. Our waitress was off her game when she arrived at our table, clearly from the effects of the busy night. She did admit that she needed a moment to re-group. Who admits they need to re-group? It only takes 3 seconds to make a first impression and she blew it. As it turned out she was just shy, but knew her job and the menu. The hardest thing we can do, is overcome our instant judgement of someone. One of my favorite things is to be pleasantly surprised by people. I can honestly say, I am always looking for the best in people. This drives several of my friends crazy. Sometimes I get disappointed, but most often the best shines through. We just have to give each other a second chance, and maybe a third. We have all had moments where we just needed to re-group, and start again.

Appreciation Vs Apathy

Its election night and I am proud of the country. All politics aside, we finally have voted in a majority government. It time to get some work done in Parliament. There has been far to much name calling and finger pointing for a bunch of grown ups who are suppose to be running this country. Tonight at Dale Carnegie, one my class members had a fantastic quote... " Apathy is the enemy of democracy." I can take this statement farther, as it is what I do... Apathy is actually the enemy of all relationships. It is just so easy to forget to let someone know how important they are to us. We pleasantly greet acquaintances, go out of our way for a friend, but are we doing the extra for those closest to us? Appreciation not Apathy, in all relationships. I would appreciate my daughters cleaning their bathrooms. Hmm, how come I think that they will chose apathy over appreciation in this case.

same people all the time

I am a volunteer... I am one of those in the category of "all the same people all the time" . I know I need to learn how to say no, but I can get things done quickly and most time efficiently. I also fail to delegate. It takes time to train someone, not to mention that learning curve. I know I need to step away, but I am having trouble getting eye contact with anyone these days to find my replacement. I don't want to ask any of my existing volunteer friends, as they are over extended. Where are all the people in the other category? You know, the category of " never able as they never have time"? We need balance between the two groups. Maybe a mediation meeting. I know the very first agenda item... 1. Time-Who has more of it? Makes me smile thinking about the two sides sitting across from each other at the table. I have a neighbor who never volunteers. She set her boundaries early and always has said no, so we gave up on her. Maybe she would now, her life has settled down and her kids are older. I probably should just ask, if I found the time to look up her number and call. If you are in the never volunteer category, its time to take a little job, just one piece of straw, before someone's camel collapses. Some of my greatest friendships have developed from my lack of a volunteer spine.