Salivation Nations

Sneak Preview

2011-04-27T22:50:00.008-04:00

Did you know that The Hardy Party departs for England on May 26th? We are not sure how long we will be away, but the fact remains that whether it is 4 or 6 or 7 months we need to pack up our place. Soooo, on Saturday, May 7th we are having a little going away fundraiser. Below you'll find a little preview of some items for sale. There will be more on the day including paintings, prints, frames, books and accessories too. A bake sale with decadent treats, a raffle for great prizes and live music...all under one roof. Ours.

Please email bethanee@gmail.com for more details.

Bookshelf: $35. You can extend it/make it wider by pulling on one side. Not IKEA.

Black swivel chair: $15. Fully reclines and turns around. Great for video game playing guys or for kids of any age.

Cards: pack of 30 for $15. That is 50 cents per card. For different occasions. All are brand new either overstock from Carlton cards, and few of them my originals.

Silver wine rack: $12. This is brand new/tag still on. It fastens to the wall, not like in this picture.

Painting: $100. This acrylic piece has Umbra design flowers on it. If you do not have a picture rail, it looks great hanging from a silver bar that comes down from the ceiling (I can help you with this).

Baskets: $12 for all three. Barely used.

Pint glasses: $12 for 3 Erdinger pint glasses.

We would love to see you there. Also, we would love to see some lovely things go to a lovely home :)

Florida.

2011-03-21T16:48:00.003-04:00

Florida was beautiful...and timely. It was refreshing to be with five youth who impressed us time and time again with their maturity and integrity.
Strangely, we really felt like we were in our element. Teenagers, a three year old, a crazy long drive and a week of spontaneous adventure in the hot weather . We couldn't have asked for more! Thank you, CTF Youth Network for an unforgettable time!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2011-02-14T14:50:00.004-05:00

For a long time now, I have wanted to play the fiddle.

I revealed this to Mark one year ago, and in the spring right before we went to Disney he surprised me with a violin to call my own. Of course, like any instrument, it was hidden in the laundry basket. Right? After folding some towels while casually chatting with Mark about his day I uncovered it (in its black case). Confused, I tried to convince myself it was something that a friend had left at our place. No, that wasn't it. It was mine...all mine.

He remembered.

Mum and dad Hardy bought me some lessons for Christmas. I have had three lessons and am now officially hooked. I like my teacher and I am even practicing. Woot.

What I really wanted to share with this post is a one of the two very profound experiences that motivate me to play the fiddle...

Two months after Hurricane Katrina, I went to New Orleans. I was the youngster in a group of adults whom I didn't really know. But they were going...so I went too. The disaster had truly moved me to the point where I HAD to help someway, somehow. Most days, we distributed items from a church facility that was still standing and undamaged. Diapers, soap, toilet paper, canned food, etc. We slept in a gymnasium with a curtain separating the women from the men. Strangely, nothing I wasn't used to as this is how we slept in Costa Rica (that story is for another time). One morning a group of us drove out into some of the harder-hit neighbourhoods with instruments. I remember the spray painted codes left on each house. Symbols left by policemen and firefighters saying not only had they searched the building, but also what they had found in there. The number of people, pets, etc.

The brownish water line had marked everything. This line was where the water finally settled long enough to leave its mark before finally disappearing..

So there we were, in the streets of New Orleans- a place known to be alive with music. It was eerie and quiet. I looked around and saw only a handful of people scattered down the long road...clearing up. We started off walking, singing along to a guitar and a drum beat. We sang songs about hope and about and Love. We wanted a break from the depressing distribution centre.

We wanted our music to bring LIFE to the streets. All of a sudden, Georgian Banov started to play the fiddle. This guy was AMAZING. That instrument alone could get anyone's foot tapping. It was like magic- we all perked up, the people we passed were smiling...like, genuinely. He played and played and played his heart out. Jigs and reels...man, it was fun.

I will never forget thinking, "I want to do that".

Eight months later I went back to New Orleans. This time, with my friend Jacob and two van-loads of youth. The main project that week was gutting a house for someone (clearing away the black mold and damage). It was really hard work. That time, there was no music to fuel us when we were feeling weak. We just kept going...and I really missed the fiddle.

I am glad to be starting to learn an instrument now that I am old enough to appreciate the opportunity. In grade 2, I didn't look forward to practicing piano. Now, I put Adelaide to bed and I go into Mark's studio to play. Sometimes he joins me with the guitar, and sometimes he retreats to the PS3 for a bit ;) So far, the journey has been an extra challenge added to my plate of balancing uni and motherhood...but I am sooo thankful for it.

Next time I will write about seeing Canada's own Natalie MacMaster play at a fundraising gala.
Talk about INSPIRING!

Perfector

2011-01-26T09:02:00.002-05:00

I'm loving My Epic right now. Nothing like incredible music with a SOLID theology.

I'm still a young man so I think very little of death, but who really does till it's coming for them? And I know with each breath I come one closer, but death is just a hook behind the door where I'll leave my dirty clothes....

They may dump my body in the sea or spread my ashes miles wide, but it won't matter, all my parts will realign. They will rush to find each other when they hear their Lover's cry and death will be abandoned when He comes back for His bride!

Saints are never buried, they are seeds planted who bring about a greater harvest when they burst forth from the earth that needed their fruits, but it could never hope to make enough room for their roots.

Death is swallowed up, it owns nothing in me! Oh, death is swallowed up, it owns nothing in me!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones!
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones! Oh, death is swallowed up!

Oh, it was always You! It was always You! Oh, it was always You! It was always You!
Oh, it was always You! It was always You! Oh, it was always You! It was always You!
Oh, it was always You! It was always You!

My Epic - Perfector

Warrior.

2010-12-28T13:28:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, the precious boy that we have worked with for two years passed away at the end of October. It was sudden. It was devastating.

I won't go into how much his soul, his smile, and his family meant to us. I will say that through this experience we have learned a lot about family and about grieving together.
His mother, someone we both admire, expresses herself ever so eloquently on this blog:
The latest post is about how her other son (born two years after Owen) has found support at school...from his teacher and classmates. It is so beautiful that after wiping away tears I had to share it here. Children, in their innocence, can be enormous pillars of strength when given the chance. They amaze me.

At the funeral, I learned something else. I learned that Owen's name meant "warrior".
Of course it did.

I miss you, Owen.

Party time.

2010-12-13T11:35:00.002-05:00

Gingerbread lattes...

2010-12-08T14:32:00.006-05:00

I have been caffeine-free since the start of October. I don't feel very different, but it feels good to order my gingerbread latte decaf for some reason.
Every winter Mark and I joke about having to budget in warm beverages...we're that bad.
My favourite Second Cup, on King St. East is where we'll toast to the completion of my exams. The last one is tomorrow- and just imagine, I've gone through studying without my old friend caffeine :)

Human.

2010-12-03T01:40:00.008-05:00

My prof said this yesterday,
"we don't judge because we're bad people, we judge because we're human."
I have been thinking about it ever since. Why does this sentence bother me so much?
What does it even mean to my prof? To me?

Something called Anti Oppressive practice is emerging in social work. Gosh, I have read about it until my eyes bulged like those funny looking fish.
It is a framework that recognizes the service user (client) is viewed as the expert of their own life. A framework that outlines principles such as being anti-racist, anti-discriminatory, empowering, inclusive, adressing societal barriers and intersecting oppressions and lastly, being non-judgemental. Does this sound too good to be true? Do you think people can ACTUALLY work with strangers like this?

Have you ever noticed how hard it is not to judge someone? It happens so quickly.Too quickly.
Even though I am guilty, it still REALLY bothers me when I hear someone making a negative assumption or judgement about someone they barely know based on a simple fact, gesture or appearance. Even worse, when they have heard something about that person from someone else (not even observing it for themselves).

I don't like feeling judged, and I don't want "being human" to be my excuse for judging someone else.

Just a thought...

The Centre of our Joy.

2010-11-22T15:26:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we attended Toronto's annual Santa Claus Parade. It was fantastic. My favourite were the drummers in the marching bands. Thump thump thump...

We sat on the curb of Avenue Road for about 4 hours in total. Sure, the floats were a bit tacky and silly...and of course whenever the Mounties passed by their horses made a big stink. Amidst all the commercialism and Santa-craze the atmosphere was hopeful and thousands of children looked really really happy. My heart was full watching the parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles surrounding me act like...well, like children. *One day I have to write a post about what happens to parents when they become grandparents*.

Mark had never been to a Christmas event like this, and while it was verging on what he'd coin as, 'American', he spent most of the day enjoying the music as well as the free coffee and treats.

We don't mind Santa. He isn't like Satan to us. He doesn't come close to stealing the glory of Christmas in our home, he's simply another character in a lot of Christmas movies and on wrapping paper, etc. Addie won't grow up to worship him or write to him around this time of year, but she certainly likes the 'idea' of him at the moment. Can you blame her?

On November 11th we put our lovely red, white, and silver-themed tree up. I know, I know. Don't even say it. Last week we spent a morning sneakily shopping without Adelaide so that we could start to grab a few pressies for her. We both felt an overwhelming desire to bless her this year. The older she gets, the more fun present-buying is.

Now, I LOVE presents. Gifts are certainly one of my main love languages. I SO enjoy planning them, buying them (Mark is constantly amazed) and of course receiving them, but this year it is all about our Addie. I finally get why my parents had barely any presents under the tree for themselves...

As we continue to get ready for Advent and Christmas - hanging stockings, having people round for yummy things to eat and drink almost every night, and (hopefully) enjoying a bit of snow-we are reminded to unashamedly make Jesus the centre of our joy, our fun, and our gladness.
He IS the good news.
He is our reason to be merry.
He gave us beauty for ashes.
He is our eternal present,
our highest prize.

Look for Him, especially in this season...He is right here in our midst.

Snails eat chicken

2010-11-08T06:49:00.002-05:00

Mark loves the smell of playdough. We manage to make most of the things that Adelaide requests. The only thing I didn't even try was Snow White. There was just no way...

We also think she said that she wanted a 'little sister' the other day (as she shows us the baby character from her doll house). Of course that would be the ultimate toy, right?
Oh, Addie...you make us laugh.

Free indeed.

2010-10-21T15:07:00.003-04:00

"I don't want to stand still
I just want to freewheel

I don't want to lose this"
Duke Special, Freewheel

I love the freedom in your songs
the way you make anything a tune...
The little things worth singing about
you lunch
your toys
your friends
The noise...is a beautiful sound
a little bit of heaven
a tiny glimpse of wonder
and appreciation for creatures
big and small
A glorious reminder
that we are children
inside
though we forget to sing
sometimes
we are shy
once in a while
And we long to know the freedom
on your lips, little girl.
Every morning
in your heart
all day long

Run, dream, live and sing free,
Adelaide.

Cause' you're free indeed.

Timing.

2010-10-21T12:42:00.006-04:00

Mark, Adelaide and I caught a bit of the Mountain Movers conference at church this morning. We were delighted to find that the speaker was a representative of the provincial level of government here in Ontario. He was a soft spoken older gentleman named Mario who had a lot of wisdom to share. I found his insight really encouraging to me at this point in my journey. Here are a few quotes in regards to timing that I couldn't help but jot down on an envelope in my purse,

"Never underestimate the power of preparation. David practiced by killing the lion and the bear before Goliath, and Esther had twelve months to learn how to act appropriately in the courts...Jesus said to his own mother that it was not yet time."

It was just another reminder that we don't have to be in a rush. Everything has its appointed time, and although it is hard to submit to times and seasons of preparation, it pays off.

Wake the dawn...

2010-09-26T21:40:00.003-04:00

My sleep pattern this month has been...well, interesting. Adelaide sleeps from 8:30pm-7am. Mark could and would sleep anytime anywhere given the chance. So it is just me. It takes everything within me not to wake Mark up for company...argh!

While it was worrying in the beginning, I now see it simply as a phase that will pass.
I appreciate my spontaneous 2AM baths or 3AM snacks.

I play Scramble, a version of Boggle, on Mark's iTouch or I read my Bible and pray.
It seems that I am growing spiritually in the wee hours of the morning. I feel more awake than ever. This entire month has been altogether sobering.

This Psalm in particular is becoming more of a real anthem in my heart through it all,

"My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth."

We had an awesome weekend in London, Ontario at a posh hotel (thanks mom & dad)fully equipped with hot tub and fancy cheese, so I can't complain. In fact, I am feeling very VERY blessed and refreshed! Very confident that God is for me and not against me...
even in the middle of the night.

Canada's Most Urban University

2010-09-20T21:27:00.003-04:00

Check out this article about Ryerson. With my social work placement on the go, I am still glad that I am required to be on campus twice a week (mainly for my research course)...is that nerdy?

Fall Cleaning...

2010-09-07T08:30:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you, but I find that the arrival of Fall is very much like the arrival of Spring.
I know that there is much more of an element of new life with Spring; the feeling of emergence from death, a primeval elation from having survived the Winter. But for me, Fall also signifies a milestone.
I've always loved the Autumn, for lots of reasons. Bonfire night was always a favourite with me, and my birthday falls at the end of November. Of course, it also signals the approach of Christmas and winter with all the fun of snow and ice. I know not everyone gets as excited as me and Beth over Winter weather, but hey.

I also find that when Autumn comes, I have a huge desire to get things done. To decorate, renovate, clean things out and generally become more productive. Perhaps it's a part of me left over from my school days, when September indicated a return to an attitude of work. I think for me, more than anything though, it's a feeling of having made it through the Summer. Let's face it - after weeks of mid 30s temperatures, with the humidity taking it up to the mid 40s, nobody in their right mind would be arguing with this cooler weather. So, it's decided. Autumn: it's the new Spring.

Right, I'm off to clean out the basement, paint the house, build a shed and work on the garden. And that's just before I go to work in half an hour. Enjoy the season!

Forgiveness

2010-08-26T12:34:00.002-04:00

"Cause we're all guilty of the same things
We think the thoughts whether or not we see them through
And I know that I have been forgiven
And I just hope you can forgive me too..."
~Relient K

This is a link to a true story. I just happened upon it as I was clearing out email from my overflowing university email account. One link led me to another led me to another.
Amazing, really.
God speaks to us. He takes time to speak to us in so many different ways.
Today, He is speaking to me about forgiveness and it is weighing heavy on my heart.

Do you need to forgive someone in your life?

Release them, release yourself...replace the bitterness that is aging you with an energetic joy and peace.

Happy Camper

2010-08-23T17:52:00.003-04:00

City Hope Summer Camp, 2010

We made it! Six weeks later and not only am I alive, I have many hilarious and many touching stories to tell. Enough for a book.

Our big 'finale' trip to Centre Island is tomorrow, and the forecast couldn't look any better. Thankful is an understatement.

What a crazy, wonderful summer it has been...

Friends.

2010-08-06T18:52:00.003-04:00

I am surrounded by so many strong, talented, vibrant, POSITIVE, and nurturing women.
I never have to look far for inspiration or encouragement. Oh, and the occasional kick-in-the-butt. We all need those, too. :)

I'm Yours

2010-08-02T09:02:00.004-04:00

Mark has been back home in his native land, England, for a week now.
The primary reason for going to visit his family now was to be the Best Man at Max and Katherine's wedding on July 31st. What an honour. Naturally, he has been tattooing loads there too as people have waited patiently for him to be in the UK so that they could get their work done by Mark.
Adelaide and I have been keeping busy busy busy. Some girlfriends have stayed with us so we have had some yummy food and lots of fun. Yesterday we had a fab time in London with my mom and dad. It's been a good week.
But I miss him like crazy. I heard this playing and wished I had a private jet to see him even a just a little bit sooner...how did we cope with long-distance for two years?!

"...there's no need to complicate, our time is short - this is our fate, I'm yours.."

He arrives from Manchester (where this shaky youtube video was recorded) airport tomorow night at 7:20pm.
Adelaide and I have just blown up balloons and taken the cake out of the oven ;)
We had to get through today somehow!

Blue One

2010-07-30T22:34:00.004-04:00

Addie, Grandma and I went on a mission tonight to obtain what is now her very first real pet.

*I say real only because she has an inflatable shark in the bathtub whom she talks to and bathes regularly.*

Mission accomplished. I asked what his name was as they bagged him up in the Safari pet store and her response was a confident (as usual), "Blue One". She was allowed to carry the fish from the van to the steps as I very cautiously guided her and felt a bit sorry for the fish.
This moment was too cute for words! :)

My American Dream

2010-07-17T12:58:00.003-04:00

" I want out of this machine, it doesn't feel like freedom.
This ain't my American dream, I want to live and die for bigger things.
I'm tired of fighting for just me,
This ain't my American dream."
-Switchfoot, American Dream

Is it mid-July already? Yikes! This incredibly warm summer is flying by already.
I just wanted to check-in as I won't be blogging much until the end of August. That's right.
I will be busy living one of MY "American Dreams"- hanging out with 6-13 year-olds in St.Jamestown. I know. Loooong story.

It's summer camp. You know, swimming, community art projects like murals, spray-painting, soccer, volleyball, a lot of laughing, storytelling, the boys-chasing-girls, and quality time.
Can you imagine a FREE camp? Imagine that HERE:

'St. James Town is the largest high-rise community in Canada. It consists of 19 high-rise buildings (14 to 32 stories). These massive residential towers were built in the 1960s. Approximately 17,000 people live in the neighbourhood's 19 apartment towers, making it Canada's most densely populated community,^[1] and one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods anywhere in NORTH AMERICA.
St. James Town is one of Toronto's poorest neighbourhoods.

I am so honoured to be directing this project under the banner of non-profit organization,
City Hope. And all of this under an even bigger banner, of course. Under LOVE.
Lots and lots of love for lots and lots of kids.

Ooooooh St.Jamestown, I know you so well and yet you remain a mystery.
You won my heart long, long ago... this will be your best summer yet.
Serving your children is a dream come true!

Little girl 'likes'

2010-07-11T12:50:00.003-04:00

We are thinking about what kinds of programs to enroll Addie in this fall. She will be two and a half, attending playgroup with daddy or mummy (depending on the day) most mornings as well as daycare one full day a week. I am a huge fan of teaching children how to swim as it is great exercise and could potentially save their life one day.
We did swimming lessons last year at the JCC. That would be convenient again because it is so close to the ROM - one of her favourite outings at the moment. The only thing is that she REALLY likes to dance...and sing. I am wondering if I should pursue this stream of programs instead? We do lots of this at home (you would bust a gut laughing at some of our moves), but she has SO much energy and creativity that our house cannot contain it!

Some of her major likes at the moment: princess ANYTHING, painting, somersaults, fish, canteloupe, almonds, the train set, climbing up the slide, and friends. Actually, the 'friends' thing kind of took us by surprise. All of a sudden she is pointing at pictures of people (for example, the Smith kids on our fridge) and saying she wants to go to their house to play with them.
Also, when we are at the park she insists that we stay back so she can play with her friends without our interference now. So unbelievably cute.
We just sit there with the other parents... watching her ... still completely besotted.

Fresh air, fresh ideas...

2010-07-02T11:06:00.008-04:00

Earth's crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

When creative time presents itself every now and then, I like to have a plan.

I have decided to experiment with Canadian-inspired concepts for projects like paintings over the summer and will be sure to upload pictures in this space and my website.

Nature refreshed us in Algonquin Park. It was a little bit of heaven.
A couple days later I produced this painting for Mark - 2ftx2ft, multimedia.
I took the feathers-in-paint idea from an Aboriginal artist who has a piece featured in the ROM (forgive me as I must find his name again). The geese feathers were discovered by Adelaide and I on the beach of Lake Of Two Rivers, and we collected the birch bark on a family hike.
The subtle inscription reads,

"when they look back they will see that we covered each other”.

Feathers represent protection to me. The idea I had for this piece is that when the generations after us look back upon the way we lived they will recognize that we covered each other, protected each other, and honoured each other - that although we were imperfect, we did strive to live this way. They'll look back and learn something from our love.

So for the time being we have a little piece of Algonquin on our wall... :D

Bubba

2010-06-24T14:16:00.011-04:00

Last year I met an elder in the Aboriginal community for the first time. His name was Albert.

He shared with us a traditional teaching he had first heard around a fire when he was four years old - before residential school. Within the circle, this gentle man shared about his life while generously imparting wisdom. With no agenda and no price he sat there, happy for the company and totally vulnerable. We hung off of his every word. Later, as a group we smudged. He held the burning incense, sweet grass, and we cleansed ourselves from negativity.

I will never forget meeting this man and the teaching about family, relationships, and values.

Here we are today. Both Mark and I took Adelaide to the Parenting and Family Literacy Centre (playgroup) this morning as all of the children were receiving certificates and celebrating the end of term. It was very special. Addie's teacher shed a few tears as she handed out certificates to the children who were graduating into grade 1. Some of these children had grown up right before her eyes every morning from 9-12. She says they're all her babies, too.

One of these children has been coming with his grandmother since he was an infant.

This Macedonian grandmother is a vibrant woman whom all of the children just adore. Addie will sit on her lap for song time every now and then...on the rare occasion that it is empty. Everybody wants a cuddle from, "Bubba". This woman is an elder in our little community that meets across the road. White-haired, with wrinkles around her soft face, wearing a loose-fitting dress and orthopedic shoes...she is altogether beautiful. Every now and then she has given us advice on our vegetable garden, and once hand-knit some traditional Macedonian slippers for our Addie. She sits patiently and completes puzzles with the children. She has lived a long, full life...and is remarkably humble.

There is this part of the Bible called Proverbs. I like to read it because every line gets me thinking. I chew on them like pieces of gum. One part that I can't help visualizing is this bit - referring to Lady Wisdom (in the Message version):
At the town center she makes her speech. In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand. At the busiest corner she calls out: "Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance? Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism? Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn? About face! I can revise your life. Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you; I'm ready to tell you all I know. As it is, I've called, but you've turned a deaf ear; I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me."

Today, I am interpreting this verse differently. This is where my thoughts collide: I wonder how in my own life I have done this very thing - refused to learn. When have I failed to stop and soak in the wisdom right there available to me, shouting in the street for goodness sakes. It is almost comical! When have I treated someone like Grandpa Simpson instead of like Ghandi? When have I acted like the teacher instead of the student?
Check this out: "Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion. Good Sense will scout ahead for danger, Insight will keep an eye out for you. They'll keep you from making wrong turns, or following the bad directions Of those who are lost themselves and can't tell a trail from a tumbleweed, These losers who make a game of evil and throw parties to celebrate perversity, Traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends. "

That is why I pray for wisdom everyday. For me it is found in God (Father,Son, and Spirit). And fearing the Lord, or, revering Him is where I position myself to see it grow in my life. Of course there are countless ways in which God has offered me wisdom to me along the way, because He is such a good Father. I'm sure that one of these many ways is through the elders in my life.

My father, my mother, my grandparents, various teachers, mentors and so on.
I find myself asking, "Have I really honoured these people"? Have I stopped to listen to their counsel? Have I put their advice into place? Have I made time to serve them? Have I shown society that they are valuable treasures amongst us? Here comes the sweeping generalization. You ready? It seems as though we have lost sight of our elders and focused our young, trendy, fit and healthy busy-bodies. Our attitude kinda sucks.
*Upon looking at the elder abuse rates in North America for a uni project and contrasting them with those in the Aboriginal community, well, a lot can be learned from the traditions of Canada's First Peoples. *

At 25, I am the first to admit that I want to remain childlike all of my days. Simultaneously, I want to lead the full, rich, abundant life that wisdom and understanding bring. Some of that wisdom God graciously placed all around me in people. And ultimately, aren't we' aiming to have spiritual pearls to pass down to the precious next generations...to Addie... to anyone who will listen?
This means being generous with our lives like Albert, and remaining humble like Bubba.
This means that we must be careful what kind of attitude we are sowing as we are bound to reap it. This means not making fun of the elderly - those people who have been through war and great times of depression. This means purposely including them in areas such as our spiritual communities (including every age of course) and making the statement that, yes,
"we need you."

This means admitting we haven't been through it all quite yet, and really...we have got a lot to learn ;)

The way you love her...

2010-06-20T13:12:00.006-04:00

The way you love her leaves me speechless.
Boldly, unconditionally, uncontrollably for her best you strive.
At midnight, or just when Mr.Sun is waking, at noon time, and even golden hour in the evening...
you are Daddy, and you're her friend.
That means playing catchy Wiggles melody,
enforcing a routine 'toothbrushing'.
A bowl of noodles, a lipstick game, muddy puddles,
Shrek and ballet.
All of it is so much better when Daddy is in the room.
Your presence, your voice, your arms, and your grin,
sometimes no one else will do.
The way you love her rocks my world, gives me hope, keeps us close.
One day she'll say it helped her change the world...you'll see :)
It's in her eyes when she looks at you, and the way she says your name.
You're beyond amazing, Mark.

Happy Fathers' Day!

Man In Black

2010-06-09T23:05:00.004-04:00

I just made an observation. We listen to a lot of Johnny Cash in our house. Both Mark and I have separately been fascinated with Mr.Cash, even as teens. Mark says that it is because he loves the style of music, his lyrics, and how it is all inextricably linked with Americana. It evokes images of stars and of stripes and a different time. I, too, enjoy the style of music. And heck, I love America. More than that, I like that he played in prisons. If I was a musician I'd like to play for a crowd in prison.
Is that weird?

"Hurt" came on my playlist as I went for a run yesterday, and we listened to my favourite, "The Man In Black" (lyrics below) tonight. Ahhh yes. Maybe we'll even watch Walk The Line again tomorrow.

The Man In Black, by Johnny Cash.

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.
I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.
And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white. Ah,
I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

"I will only believe..."

2010-06-07T10:31:00.003-04:00

This made me smile.

Good ol' bathroom walls...

Time well spent.

2010-05-26T13:47:00.007-04:00

Experimenting with lights and switches in the play room, Dec 2009.

I started thinking about this post at Sick Kids Hospital, waiting for one of the specialists to see Mr.NiceGuy.

Four months later I am finally writing something, however, it's different...not derived from my original inspiration (the hospital experience). Since I am always weary of exposing others I'll be be safe and overly gracious by referring to the boys I work with by nicknames.
Just to put myself at ease...

It has been one year since I started working with 11yr old Mr.NiceGuy and his family as a caregiver/support worker. A month ago I was given the opportunity to work with another boy as well, 16yr old Mr.StarWars, while he is recovering from major hip surgery at Bloorview Kids Rehab.

*That is what I 'do' to help support my family. Interestingly, Mark has far more experience in this area than me. *
So, in both of these environments I rely on sign language (ASL), gesturing, eye contact, and a whole lot of love to communicate. This aspect of my job has has expanded my bubble of reality – changed my way of thinking, and gradually provided new insight...even new desires.

At the moment I only have 25-30 words in my sign 'vocabulary'. Other than that I spell things out signing with the alphabet, which makes Mr.NiceGuy laugh and makes Mr.StarWars look at me like I'm an idiot. I knew I needed to practice more with Mark and my housemate/amazing friend/teacher, Sallyanne. Especially now that Adelaide is catching on...she knows and uses about 5 or 6 signs without being prompted. Thing is, I didn't really make time to practice until recently. I met a few more beautiful children at Bloorview, during lunch hour. It was beyond frustrating that I could not talk to them. I almost felt like I was rejecting them ...somehow.
I hate having barriers in the way of communication. Sure, everyone does. It just pushes my buttons, because I so long to relate to people. In Toronto you kind of learn to live with it as there is always always someone at the bus stop or the grocery store who doesn't speak a word of English. It is the nature of this city, right?

I didn't grow up with anyone in the deaf community. Did you? I am embarrassed to say how shocked I was when in a book I was reading provided statistics about deaf populations around the world. The sheer number of people with severe hearing impediments was new to me. Learning that two thirds of these people live in the Third World and reading some personal stories left me really wanting to know more...it left me wondering how to engage with this community here in Toronto more.

I only just realized how much time I have spent with Mr.NiceGuy. I have seen more of him this past year than most, if not all of my friends, really. Sure, I am getting paid...but still. There is commitment and connection there, you know?

And now the seasons have come full circle. We are back to where we started – the bright beginnings of summer. It is exciting as the heat makes a lot of outings more accessible, changing and freshening up our general routine. The Science Centre, movie theatre, and mall will all continue to be good air-conditioned plans, while Centre Island, Riverdale Farm, and the wading pool at the local park will be great locations to catch the sun and see one of his favourite species...dogs. It is also exciting, having gone through the winter pushing his chair through the snow or coping with staying indoors all day whilst keeping him entertained and essentially, alive. What a bizzarre sense of accomplishment...

One year later and I feel (slightly) more prepared for the unkown, more spontaneous/flexible, more comfortable as a caregiver, and more able to actually 'help' in my role.Finally, I think...well, I hope that I am more aware of the many societal barriers that children with disabilities (and their families) deal with everyday...fall, winter, spring and summer alike. I mean, I had an idea before, but now having been in situations (subways in rush hour, outdoor pools full of other kids and families, etc), and having been STARED at aaaaaaaall the time in public (especially whilst administering meds and stuff like that). Could I be starting to “get it”?

Although I am emerging from this year with not as much sign language as I would have wanted, I have a much stronger desire to learn than at the start. This is partly because my understanding and idea of communication has been transformed, partly because I am meeting children with severe and multiple special needs a lot more now, too.

But mostly because my love for these guys has grown.

Rewind, reflect.

2010-04-28T19:36:00.011-04:00

Mark, Adelaide and the adorable 'playgroup' spent the entire day gallavanting at the Toronto Zoo. They took a yellow school bus and all. I was only mildly jealous until I saw their pictures of the snow leopards - my favourite.

Where was I? I was at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, feeling like a sardine in the midst of countless students and an odd amount of security, if I do say so, to write my final exam of the semester. Satisfaction achieved.

Finishing this year off was actually worth missing a packed lunch in front of the hippos.

So I wrote down somewhat of an academic reflection. Looking back over the last three years spent studying, learning and practicing social work at good ol' Ryerson, and let's not forget my short yet successful year at OCAD, I am quite pleased with how much has been accomplished on this journey of mine/ours.

Here is a run down of the courses I have invested time and heart into.

Art History
Liberal Studies: The Essay and the Argument
Drawing
Colour Exploration
Form and Structure
Time-Based Media

Foundations of Social Work P1
Foundations of Social Work P2
Canadian Politics and Government P1
Canadian Politics and Government P2
History of the Caribbean
Canadian Criminal Justice
Local Government in Canada
Psychology P1
Psychology P2
Sociology P1
Sociology P2
Social Welfare Policy and Programs P1
Social Welfare Policy and Programs P2
Power, Resistance and Change
Social Work Theories
Aboriginal Approaches to Social Work~*wrote a letter of commendation for my amazing prof*
Transformative Social Work Practice P1
Transformative Social Work Practice P2~*wrote a letter of commendation for my amazing prof*

Only 930 hrs of placement to go, an enormous amount of daunting research and a few bits-and-bobs courses to complete my degree. Honestly, I cannot describe how immensely grateful I am to be a student...amongst my other fabulous roles (wife&mommy kinda tops the list!). I like school. I just get it. Sometimes feel as though I popped into this world writing an essay. Or maybe my name was the result of some multiple choice answer I filled out in the womb. Hmmm, this sounds strangely possible considering how much I dislike being unproductive...

Anyway, in one week we are off to Disneyland with our English family to have some fun and enjoy the rare treat of being together. Mark usually gets me a little pressie (or two) when I am done exams, but he didn't have to this year as seeing Addie giggle in Mickey Mouse ears will be the ultimate treat :)

Just another Switchfoot song ...

2010-03-05T13:14:00.002-05:00

The sky is the bluest of blues, I am working on a Psych paper for uni, I am sipping tea and this is what is playing in the background...have a lovely day whoever you are!

Always

This is the start
This is your heart
This is the day you were born
This is the sun
These are your lungs
This is the day you were born

And I am always yours

These are the scars
Deep in your heart
This is the place you were born
This is the hole
Where most of your soul
Comes ripping out
From the places you’ve been torn

And it is always yours
But I am always yours

Hallelujah!
I’m caving in
Hallelujah!
I’m in love again
Hallelujah!
I’m a wretched man
Hallelujah!
Every breath is a second chance

And it is always yours
And I am always yours

More than meets the eye...

2010-03-03T12:41:00.004-05:00

Ah, here we are - Mark and I.
*When he gave me the mini Optimus Prime as a stocking stuffer while we were dating I melted *. So, it turns out all these years later we DO have superpowers.

Adelaide has strep throat which isn't a fun thing to add to the mix, however, our cuddles fix EVERYTHING. Yes, everything.
We make it better. It's amazing.

Being a mummy is not for the faint-hearted, but some days it gives you the confidence to scale any wall.

For Addie, we're superheros - we're the safest place on earth.

Thoughts from the pool...

2010-02-27T22:46:00.005-05:00

This morning we woke up to the terrible news that Chile had experienced a horrific earthquake.
We sat in our hotel room, watching the news and untouched by the disaster.
Even now we are praying for Chile and always for Haiti.
Our third anniversary is tomorrow. We are thrilled as you can imagine and have had such a lush time together celebrating. Below are some flowing thoughts from the romantic pool we had all to ourselves :) . They may not resonate with you, but I hope you feel some of the peace oozing out of them. We find ourselves surprisingly and overwhelmingly thankful today...I had to post.

Breathing calmly, undisturbed. I'm horizontal... just floating. Listening to the water supporting me, and looking up into the deep, endless, navy sky.
Intentionally savouring the moment ... the next one, the next one. Separating thoughts and hitting 'pause'. I picture my husband, I picture my daughter. Uncontrollably, my heart reaches outside this earth, it penetrates the navy sky. Frantically finding heaven it cries, "thank you".

Like a helpless little baby or a lover at a loss for words.

"Thank you for this life."

How come I get to be so...free? How come I was given choice? Why do I get to enjoy my family while others have lost theirs? Why has tragedy not come and knocked down my door?

Why is love all around ME? How come I am never without hope? What did I do to deserve laughter, rest, comfort?

My hands, my arms are moving without me thinking - they help me float so to be still inside.
Searching myself, acknowledging my different roles. There is an abundance of peace and understanding. I know these things, they are mine ... more real than feelings, pure as gold.

I look outside and there is snow. I think about all the things I REALLY like, everything that makes me smile. All of them, within reach ... I am focused on the life they bring.
It is our wedding anniversary, but until Mark joins me here, alone as I float I feel connected.
To the water, to the sky, to God, to my husband, to my daughter, to myself, to our life unfolding and unwritten. Savouring the moment, savouring myself. I am beautifully content and could die happily here floating ... as the navy gets thicker and as God gets closer.
I am carried, just floating. Holding on to the strength that will be with me in any hardship yet to come...I whisper, "love, love, love".

Explosively and without words it soars, "thank you for this life."

To A Kiss

2010-01-23T22:43:00.003-05:00

By Robert Burns

Humid seal of soft affections,
Tend'rest pledge of future bliss,
Dearest tie of young connections,
Love's first snow-drop, virgin kiss.

Speaking silence, dumb confession,
Passion's birth, and infants' play,
Dove-like fondness, chaste concession,
Glowing dawn of brighter day.

Sorrowing joy, adieu's last action,
Ling'ring lips, -- no more to join!
What words can ever speak affection
Thrilling and sincere as thine!

I love this poem...

Tonight we ate, drank, danced and were merry in honour of the great romantic and Scottish Nationalist, Robbie Burns. It was a jolly-good time and even topped last year's celebration. Robbie Burns' Day is officially on the 25th (my sister shares his birthday), but we celebrated tonight at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 31. As my grandfather served in WW2 and is a member of branch 75, we decided the beer is cheap and the company is gold - sooooooo we applied as his grandchildren to become members ourselves. Oooo, they have darts, and snooker although I'm not to keen on that one.

Here's to many more memorable nights at the legion! CHEERS!

Commissioned

2010-01-12T13:46:00.004-05:00

Well, 2010, you're off to a good start. Still, I can't believe it is the 12th day into this new year already. Only next month we will be celebrating our little girl's second birthday, and our third wedding anniversary. Winter won't relent for some time, though. It always takes longer than I expect to see flowers in people's gardens.

The new year has ushered in some new opportunities. I am thrilled to be working on not one but TWO commissioned paintings this week. One is for close friends in England, and the other for some friends right here in Toronto - well, down at Harbourfront to be exact. I always feel like I'm on holiday down there by the lake, don't you?

Although I love painting for fun and feel as though my artwork is always meaningful/purposed, it is refreshing to be given some guidance and boundaries along the way. Feels a little like when I was at OCAD, but without the critiques and grades. Deadlines are my friend :)

So, I thought I'd stop to pass on this update as I am googling images to inspire me while Addie sleeps - this will be my first time creating a representation of poppies on canvas.
2010 will be a year of many things, and creative adventure seems to be one of them!

Seeing the Invisible

2010-01-04T22:43:00.003-05:00

Check out this proposed bill which is likely to be passed in France:
Psychological Violence
Do you think this will, in fact, help to stop physical violence against women in the home?

Wrap Up

2009-12-30T20:58:00.007-05:00

Grace sporting her new hair clip.

Adelaide on a present frenzy.

Mark secretly putting together Adelaide's kitchen in our room on Christmas Eve.

One delicious meal after another!

Christmas holidays were verging on legendary this year. WOW. Thanks to everyone reading this who sent cards and gifts, or who sat at our table and chit chatted for hours on end or played with Addie until you were worn out, or distracted Mark from his iPod Touch (haha) or just added JOY to our lives in 2009. We have just been overwhelmed - we are so rich in love!
Now, our plan is to count down to New Year on English time tomorrow evening as there is no way Addie will stay up until 11pm even. That means at 7pm our time we'll be singing, jumping, lighting sparklers and clinking glasses. Everyone else will just be late!

Mr.Hardy and I went on a smashing date to see Sherlock Holmes this week. I have been looking forward to this film for quite a while now and have to say I highly recommend paying to see it in theatres. It was a bit dark, quirky, suspenseful, and humorous of course. I particularly liked how Holmes was portrayed as almost mad. You can't expect more from a genius, can you?

On a totally separate note, I have had a number of requests to see Mark's 2009 Christmas Quiz. Here it is, displayed in all of Papyrus' splendour. You can imagine his face upon opening it.
He scored a whopping 60%, and didn't use his lifeline of phone-a-friend (yes, that would have been you, James). How many can you solve?

Moving Pictures

2009-12-20T20:16:00.013-05:00

So, I'm not really the best person to write this post. I think my good friend James Bower is actually the expert on the subject. But as he's not posted anything like this yet, and as I guess my opinion is just as valid, if not as informed, as his, then I'll have a go.

What are my top five Christmas movies?

I'm going to say this right off the bat. I've never watched White Christmas or It's a Wonderful Life all the way through before, so they didn't make the list. Maybe one day I'll watch them. Maybe I won't.

I also feel like there should be an honourable mention here for The Snowman. It didn't make my final list, because it's not a movie. But it's excellent, and to my mind the best animated Christmas film. If you haven't seen it (and if you're not from England, the chances are you haven't) then I suggest you find some way of seeing it. Right, on with the list, then.

5. Elf.

Will Ferrel was the perfect choice for the lead role in this movie. Buddy the Elf is so silly and childish, which Ferrel pulls off really well, and it's so different from his usual stuff that I can still watch it without getting bored.
The story, as with most modern American Christmas movies, is generally focused on the importance of Christmas Spirit, without which Santa (the true hero of Christmas) is unable to operate.
That being said, it's not too insipid, and it's all rather light-hearted.
I also love how wholesome it is. There's a love interest. They kiss. There's even a shower scene. but there isn't a hint of sexuality in it. It's about finding love, not sex.
Thoroughly enjoyable.

4. Santa Claus (AKA Santa Claus the Movie)

Dudley Moore. Loop the looping reindeer. Exploding candy canes. Need I say anything more? A favourite from my childhood.

3. Scrooged

A very 1980s take on the classic Dickens story. Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a hardened, and rather odd television programming executive. His love of money and his career has made him lose sight of what really matters. True to the original, he is visited by three ghosts (four if you count his old boss) who show him the true meaning of Christmas. The whole thing runs alongside the preparations for (and execution of) Cross' own rather selfish televised version of A Christmas Carol, leading to an excellent scene of confusion later in the film.
The movie really plays on the success of Ghostbusters, which had been a smash hit for Murray four years previously. The design of Scrooged is excellent, with very memorable ghosts. I particularly enjoy the Ghost of Christmas Present, who is rather silly, and just a touch violent.

2. The Muppet Christmas Carol

Whenever I watch one of the newer Muppet movies, I'm rather disappointed. I always expect them to be so good, and most of the time they're terrible. Even watching the old Muppet Show episodes is a bit of a let down for me.
But this version of A Christmas Carol is fantastic.
From start to finish, the direction is pretty much flawless. Michael Caine is perfect as old Ebeneezer, and the casting of Waldorf and Stadtler as Marley and Marley is inspired. I even find myself singing the songs in the middle of summer. This movie alone is probably the reason I expect so much from all the other Muppet Movies. Brilliant.

1. Home Alone

This one has everything. Cute kid. Slapstick comedy. Scary old guy. Church scene. John Candy...
For me, it has some of the most memorable scenes of any Christmas movie, and I'm not just talking about the traps Kevin sets for the unfortunate criminals. Remember the movie Kevin watches? What about Beth's favourite, Uncle Frank: "look what you did, you little jerk".
Everything about it works for me. The score (John Williams) is excellent, and the soundtrack works really nicely too. I've probably watched it five times already this year, and I'm not tired of it yet.
The second one wasn't that shabby either. Too bad they had to ruin it with the third. Seriously.

Tis the season to be simple.

2009-12-16T21:09:00.004-05:00

Today, in Adelaide's parent/tot group, we had the Christmas party. Ohhhhh yeah... you can imagine it. Lots of glitter, glue, stars, sparkles, songs, giggles, treats and group pictures.
I often wonder, would Christmas even happen without group pictures?
Much to my delight, everyone brought something delicious to add to the mix (one day I shall write about just how much I enjoy a proper potluck). It was super fun.

To be honest, I was going to write about our silly little Hardy Christmas traditions. Like how I draw up a wacky Christmas quiz for Mark every year and present him with it Christmas morn'. Or how we watch a crazy amount of classic holiday movies on Christmas Eve until we fall asleep.

So why am I still thinking about a little boy in the group who said to his mom the other night how he wished Addie was his sister? Not sure, really. It is obvious that this little tyke has seriously taken to our family. One of two twins, the other twin died shortly after birth. He is...well, he is just lovely that's all.

I sometimes think that everyone could really benefit from hanging out with littlies once a week or something. Does that sound ridiculous? Just an hour with some five-year-olds...it does me the world of good and brings me so much life. I wouldn't describe myself as a 'kid' person. I don't enjoy messy rooms or disorganization, I don't find it hilarious when my blouse has been coloured on, I dislike tantrums, and practically curl up in to the fetal position when a child picks their nose and eats it. IT KILLS ME just a little bit each time, I swear.

Check out the book of Matthew and you'll find something like this;
"At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?" For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom."

Really? As in SIMPLE, simple?
Not Complicated. Unassuming. Sincere. Unpretentious. Not artificial. Humble. Easy to understand. Mere. Bare. Unmistakable. Guileless.
These words look and sound good for some reason. Now that you mention it, I do kinda like the idea of being that sort of person.
Here's the dilemma: I was that person. I was a kid! Then I put away childish things and I grew up. THAT is a good thing, my friend. It sure is in many ways.
Still, I guess there are ways of being and things on the inside that you just don't have to grow out of. Like being humble, or being sincere. It is so easy to be that person with kids.
Oh, how they see right through you....

Again, in the Amplified Version:

And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me.

Would the world even go round if everyone subscribed to this? Hmm.

Now that Addie is in our lives, I think about verses and ideas like these a lot more.
I think I am starting to understand what Jesus was saying here, still only skimming the surface.
I bet Jesus made the best sandcastles, though...

Adelaide is no perfect little angel. She has grabbed things away from that boy I mentioned, sometimes accidently destroyed his craft or stepped on his foot - collided with him on the way to sit down for snack or outright ignored him...you get the idea. Still, he wants her to be his sister, apparently. She walks in every morning with a clean slate in his books.
Other than what to wear tomorrow, that's what I'm thinking about at the moment ;)

Red and Green

2009-12-08T21:16:00.006-05:00

This video was a lot of fun to make. It is remarkable what one can accomplish while little girls sleep, isn't it? So, Mark's birthday and all relating festivities have come and gone. This can only mean one thing - that Christmas is around the corner. I am seeing red and green.

We have almost finished buying pressies. Our trip across the border to Buffalo in a few days will probably be the grand finale, although I am more excited to go ice skating there than to shop!

Today, I made a particularly wonderful purchase for the very occasion of Christmas ... a Christmas Vest. No, I am not kidding. This vest comes fully equipped with realistically-drawn images of Santa, reindeer, a sleigh, poinsettia flowers, red roses, red bows, and a green interior. Ah, tacky delight.
I have owned quite a few Christmas Sweaters, but never a vest. I can only imagine that this means Christmas will be extra special this year. *There was the year we went to a fancy dress party where I went as snow (not the rapper) and Mark was Mr. Tumnus: see below*.

While there are no pictures of said vest at the moment, it shall be on public display this month at a variety of functions. Will you behold it?

Toronto The Good

2009-11-20T10:47:00.002-05:00

This is great. Gotta love this city...

Unfolding

2009-11-16T12:24:00.005-05:00

"And what was said to the rose to make it unfold
Was said to me, here in my chest
So be quiet now, and rest."
-David Crowder

I love this lyric, it really speaks to me at the moment. For the past week I have been getting ideas for paintings at least three or four times throughout the day. Colours, themes, shapes - EVERYWHERE. I was helping Addie paint a picture at school today and trying my best not to take over!

My digital SLR has served me well over the past year as my creative outlet. And while I love living through the lens, I am SO ready to go back to painting and get my hands dirty.

*Seriously, they get really dirty and everything ends up smelling of oil paint.*

My beyond-supportive man is already keen to help me squeeze this in our schedules. And hopefully, we'll work it into being part of our weekly routine. Hopefully.
I wonder if this is how it feels to get over some sort of writer's block or something...

Now, off to dig out some materials!

If only

2009-11-06T21:28:00.003-05:00

I worked in the same office as Dwight.K.Schrute. He is my favourite.

"I have been Michael’s number two guy for about 5 years. And we make a great team. We’re like one of those classic famous teams. He’s like Mozart and I’m like...Mozart's friend. No. I’m like Butch Cassidy and Michael is like...Mozart. You try and hurt Mozart? You’re gonna get a bullet in your head courtesy of Butch Cassidy."

"When I die. I want to be frozen. And if they have to freeze me in pieces, so be it. I will wake up stronger than ever, because I will have used that time, to figure out exactly why I died. And what moves I could have used to defend myself better now that I know what hold he had me in."

Student Life

2009-11-02T10:21:00.003-05:00

A brief and insightful interview with Ryerson's President, Sheldon Levy, about smart cities.
Levy once said, "what is good for Ryerson is good for Toronto".
Well-into my third year of studies in this institution, I agree with that statement.

OK, now to finish my Criminology paper on community policing efforts...eesh.

This is new...

2009-10-25T13:24:00.003-04:00

Mark is now officially self-employed. How exciting. We have never done this before, that's for sure. Like working for someone else, it has advantages and disadvantages. For example,
Advantage: he is home A LOT more/getting time off work is no problem.
Disadvantage: no more benefits.

I get a limited amount of benefits with my university tuition, thankfully. Still, not-so-good.

After our long visit to the UK in the spring, we decided to get our dentistry done there from now on instead of buy insurance here. It is much more simple. For example, at an NHS dentist we can get one, two, three or however many fillings we need filled for 45 pounds. One set price. Easy, right?

Here's the thing. My tooth hurts now...I think a cavity is starting to reveal itself.
Can I wait? I really want to wait. One thing I hate more than going to the dentist is PAYING him.

The Deepest Calm

2009-10-22T16:46:00.000-04:00

"Isn't she lovely Isn't she wonderful..."
-Stevie Wonder

When I look at the photos of our old place (above), I vividly remember how tranquil and still it was for the first six months with our new babe. Everything from her cries, to her naps, to getting dressed, play times and even mealtimes...everything was full of such great gentleness.
We enjoyed countless long periods of silence as we simply watched her in awe and wonder. I look back and remember the deepest calm. "She's here, she's okay..."
Everyone said that precious time would go by fast.
Everyone was right.

Then Grace came. weighing at 7lbs, on October 20,at 9:38 pm our housemate Sallyanne finally met her wee angel. So far our place has been dim, quiet, peaceful... full of friends and family tip-toeing in to catch a glimpse of the newest member of The Social Club, as we like to call it.

That same wonderful atmosphere is back and I am soaking it up while it lasts.

She smiled at me in her sleep today, and Mark is more broody than ever ;)

"Life flies by in seconds
You’re not a baby
Gracie, you’re my friend
You’ll be a lady soon
But until then
You gotta do what I say"

Critical Instant

2009-10-18T12:25:00.002-04:00

Check out this new blog for superb movie reviews. It is written by none other than James Bower, Lincoln native and cinematic genius. You may have seen him in the fancy role of best man at our wedding. We are so pleased that he is publishing these reviews to a blog finally!

Neighbours

2009-10-16T13:05:00.009-04:00

Ah, yes...neighbours. As in people situated near each other and not the unbearable Australian soap opera that Mark may or may not like to watch (shhhh).
Neighbours can be wonderful things...they can also be terribly irritating sources of frustration. Do you have any horror stories? Thankfully, Mark & I have always had pretty cool neighbours.

Today we hung out with a local dad who brings his daughter to the same Family Literacy Centre that we attend- it's in the school across the road. This father, his wife & daughter happen to live just up the road from us. Either Mark or myself take Adelaide to the centre at least three mornings a week from 9-11:30AM (she squeals with delight upon arrival and immediately runs to give the teacher a hug) so we see the families there quite a lot. It's great. Great for kids and parents.

When we lived at Sherbourne & Wellesley we had an amazing neighbour right next door to our apartment. She was from Montreal, need I say more? We would go back and forth to each other's apartments in pyjamas most often, sharing food, wine, movies, and company all the time. It was so much fun. We thought we would never score a neighbour like that again. She was our Kramer.
We had to move, but we still see her. In fact, we got together last week and accidentally happened upon a cozy ol' diner on Richmond ... I love those kinds of discoveries :)

Today we were just really blessed when our new friend arrived for one of many successful & thoroughly enjoyable play dates. It's the little things, right? Turns out he was a DJ, just like Mark, so they had loads to talk about. And his wife is going through the same immigration process that we just emerged victorious from. And their two-year old is beyond adorable. Yes, above and beyond!

There are seasons in life. Living here, living there. Having one particular job, having another. Dating, engagement, marriage. Times of little, times of plenty. Everywhere I look I see that this is the right place for us in this season, or chapter of our lives...and I see it clearly. The right friends and Kramers are gathering around us to form what I like to call a beautiful mess - a tight-knit, caring community.
That's what we need...people, and support :) An unashamed MUST-HAVE.
Do you feel the same?

Just this morning, when grocery shopping with our housemate (who is still patiently awaiting the arrival of baby - I knew you would ask!) I thought to myself ahhhhhhhh I LOVE THIS!

I guess these baby steps towards community are really leading us somewhere...

Fourth.

2009-10-06T21:50:00.003-04:00

Oh, Canada.

Thoughts on Love, from under the duvet.

2009-10-04T21:41:00.004-04:00

"Won’t you still be mine?

If I end up with nothing
Then that’s a treasure I’d love to hold
‘Cause you were once inside it
Now there’s a memory made of gold
Well, you might be a believer
But I seem to turn your faith so cold

Why does anybody love?
Why does anybody love at all?"

This is such a moving song. I sometimes think it is impossible to find a Duke Special song that isn't, though... can't you just hear the desperation in his voice, here? Amazing.

Thoughts on love? I haven't got many tonight (I should have been asleep an hour ago, really. Adelaide wakes up at 6:30am!).

Just thinking how I get love wrong sometimes... and how I want to love better. Even though I get hurt sometimes, I want to be more open to love, more expecting of love. And even though it is hard to see in people sometimes, I just want to see love.

I want to be love.

Charlie & Lola

2009-09-29T22:13:00.004-04:00

I like this show. It is adorable, British, and visually appealing.
Kind of like Mark. Hehehe...

OK, really- it has a rather sweet message. Charlie (older brother) & Lola (younger sister) are best mates. They go on all sorts of imaginary adventures together with Marv and Lotta. Sure, Lola can be a little irritating because she is so very little, but at the end of the day Charlie and Lola are indeed the best of mates. Some shows depict sibling relationships to be a never-ending rivalry that ends up turning poor ol' mum n' dad grey in their thirties. Sure, I pulled my sister's hair and she drove me mad, but somehow we would end up with the care-free giggles of childhood bubbling up out of our bellies. My sister, my brother and I were friends, and still are. We always will be.

When I married Mark I got a new sister and brother. One of the many bonuses of being a Hardy.

So call me cheesy, but I like the idea of getting along with family. And I like shows that promote this idea. I realize that it's not easy for everyone, as situations, histories, and values are different. And I don't mean to make the complexity of family relationships sound as simple as a paint-by-number picture. I do feel enriched, full, BLESSED even with the lot I have been given.
Where/who would I be without my siblings, all of them?

We don't have cable for a number of reasons. Besides the fact that we would rather create - draw, paint, knit, play, photograph, film, write, make playdough, bake, cook, etc- than watch television most days, a lot of the programs are annoying. Make that VERY annoying.

This one, however, I find rather charming.

:)

Toddler Time

2009-09-17T13:27:00.003-04:00

A flash of rainbow colour
every morning
Assembling Mr.Potato Head
Fish sticks, broccoli
A cheesy macaroni mess
A playmate, a giggle friend
A vibrant little busy bee
Baby-no-more, you are a little girl
and a joy to be around.

Dancing when the music starts,
toys toys toys
Dress-up, singy songs
chalkboard business
running fast, babbling on
holding hands, kitty cats
Daddy, Mummy, stickers, hugging
fearless girl I have to say
it is so much fun when we hang out.

Saying 'panda', 'apple', and 'eye',
carefully pointing out
sticks and puzzles, and sliding down
splish splash in the bath
splish splash in the pool
a toothy smile
outings, naps
colouring
climbing up, having a snack
storytime is the very best
a face full of wonder
a total gem
Adelaide, you are such a clever girl.

Capitalising

2009-09-05T08:04:00.007-04:00

Here I am with Adelaide and our favourite permanent resident of Canada (aka. Mark) in our capital city. I have one question. When did Ottawa get so flipping awesome?!

It has been years since I have been up Parliament Hill, and clearly I was too young to appreciate it, let alone other facets of the CLEANEST CITY EVER. The canal and river are breathtakingly huge, and the Byward Market is so full of magic! I could easily spend a fortune there on handmade clothes and accessories. Oh dear.

Anyway, we sat on The Hill last night watching the sound and light show, "The Spirit of a Nation", celebrating Mark's paperwork being processed in miracle-time. It was so much fun!

Hundreds of people were there, and most were stood up at the end for the National Anthem.

Now onto our favourite French gem, Montreal, for a tattoo expo and some time with friends.
I think Addie wants to 'draw on people like daddy' too. Check it out:

My place or yours?

2009-08-27T18:16:00.024-04:00

Alright, there has been a serious lack of Hardy Party thoughts published on this blog.
Unacceptable! Please do let me explain...

The winds of change are blowing at a speed seemingly equivalent to that of the tornado that sped through Woodbridge, Ontario only a week ago. Two new jobs, various new projects, new university year for me, new immigration status for Mark, new place to live, some new friends even. I am thankful that these are all very good & exciting changes. Yet in the midst of it all our feet have felt the beach, and I assure you that we truly surrendered to summer's warm, relaxing embrace over the last two months. OK, we surrendered a bit too much to ice cream, though (how else do you cope without air conditioning people?!).
Now the days are beginning to get shorter, and yesterday I wore a cardigan. Beloved summer is starting to let go.

There are boxes & trusty blue IKEA bags on either side of me containing all of the material things we have managed to collect and call our possessions up until now. On Saturday we begin a new chapter of the Hardy Adventure Series, titled something like "Living in Community at Keele and St.Clair". The three Hardys, our cat Kramer, our friend Sallyanne, the wee baby girl inside her womb, and her kitten named Apple find ourselves sharing space and sharing our lives as one big family. We are SO excited. Our rented house sits across from a park with a soccer field, baseball diamond, kiddie park, and brilliant Early Learning Centre. We can walk to Little Italy, and Mark can cycle to work. My cheeks hurt from smiling :)

Adelaide is asleep on the couch (the only thing not packed). I wish you could see her- her adorableness all sprawled out. You would turn into a ball of mush!

So, now that somewhat of a legitimate update has been provided, what I am really thinking about is hospitality. Not like the kind you find at a quaint bed and breakfast on the outskirts of the city, which is rather lovely in it's own right. Instead, the kind that you find when you are sharing a meal specially cooked for you by someone with an attentive ear to your problems, your ponderings, your stories, jokes, and well being. You know, when your child could be having a screaming tantrum, and the other person's laundry might be piled nine feet high in plain sight, the garlic bread might be burnt, but you see a generous welcome in that someones eyes. You acknowledge the extent that special person went to serve you, and you kind of feel like a valued part of their beautiful mess.
To me, that is a snapshot of hospitality...and it goes beyond two friends or acquaintances. It has nothing to do with obligation or flattery and it has everything to do with caring for people and choosing community. It is a gift, is it not? Born out of the desire to serve, it has the potential to evolve into something powerful, creative and wonderful. Hospitality is especially memorable when it occurs between strangers, or people who barely know each other. As I look back, I can recall instances of what I can only describe as humbling hospitality- I will have to write soon about my visit to Beijing, which is the first example that comes to mind.

I have been thinking about hospitality because I really like it and desperately want to cultivate that gift in our home. I have been combining this thought with a quote running through my head recently, "whatever you do to the least of these, you do to Me." -Jesus

My favourite thing about Mark tattooing from home is making the coffee and tea. Honestly. I really really enjoy it. I get out a tray, and one of our cute tea pots, our favourite mugs...OK, stop laughing. It is the narrative that gets me though. I love it when people I have never met feel comfortable enough tell their story, even just the recent news over a cuppa. With Mark's new spot at I Love Mom Tattoos, I am going to have to fill our place with more people to make coffee & tea for. I am already fantasizing about making the peach-marscapone pie recipe I uncovered.

That brings me to my final thought for this post. With having received enormous amounts patience and help from my mom and dad this past year of living with them, it is them I have to thank for giving me an appreciation for hospitality in it's many forms, colours, tastes and smells. Whether it is for a meal, a celebration, or a place to sleep, my parents have always shown me how to give the best of what I have to people that need it by the way they opened their home. And even if they don't necessarily need it, people who are worth the effort.
The same can most definitely be said about Mark's mum & dad.
And I can only hope that we raise our sleeping Adelaide (omg, she is so flipping cute!) in such a way that she looks back on an open-door policy, and years of sharing our lives intimately with extended family & friends and sees something real and a kindness that sometimes resembles a beautiful mess. Not always easy, but beautiful ;)

"Zaccheus, you come down from there,
For I'm going to your house today"
-Jesus

Reality TV

2009-07-05T10:33:00.005-04:00

The brilliant family that I get to work for as a Support Worker/Care-giver will be in the public eye two days in a row this week. See, besides the fact that he is entirely lovable, Owen's medical history and lack of diagnosis has people interested.

If you want a peek into their journey, and I guess a peek into a little bit of mine now as well, check it out. Here are the details.

They'll be great :)

Stinky Strike...

2009-07-03T11:25:00.005-04:00

So, the City of Toronto is on strike. Apparently, they employees think it unfair that they might not get to keep all of their EIGHTEEN sick days a year, and they won't be able to BANK THEM ALL and CASH THEM IN WHEN THEY RETIRE! It seems to me that they are asking to keep benefits that are entirely unrealistic.

I've not met a single person yet who holds sympathy with the strikers. Here's why:

Garbage collection is on strike. No garbage collection + summer heat = stinky houses. All city trash cans and recycling bins in the streets are closed. Nowhere to put your trash + summer heat = stinky city.

City buildings are all closed while the strike is on. This includes city run summer daycare - so parents that need to work are stuck trying to find a solution. It also includes other kids and youth programs that are normally designed to keep kids out of trouble during the holidays.

All the pools are closed. The Toronto summer temperatures are regularly at about 30 degrees celcius. But nobody can go for a swim in the pools, because the staff are on strike. The pools had all been filled in preparation for the summer, but then the staff went on strike, so they were all emptied. All the water was wasted. And it will take 2 weeks from the end of the strike to fill them again.

The city run homeless shelters are mostly closed. There are people in this city that have been trying to get their lives back on track by finding a place to live in a shelter. They have been forced to move out. Now they're in the already overcrowded private shelters (like the Salvation Army shelters). They've lost their homes, and are effectively back on the streets.

All parks are technically closed. This means that all permits for events in the parks are cancelled. If you've planned some sort of special event or meeting in one of these parks, you can't do it now. When the strike ends, money paid for permits will be refunded, but I bet the city won't pay for all the stuff that people have bought/rented for these events and now have no use for.

All wedding chambers except the central location are closed. No matter if you've been planning your wedding for months, invited people, bought the dress, paid for the food, booked a reception hall, planned and paid for your honeymoon. If you have been planning to get married in a civil ceremony at the wedding chambers in York, Scarborough or East York, your wedding is now cancelled. Sorry!

This strike stinks. The city stinks of garbage. Kids have nothing to do. Parents are forced to pay more than they can afford to get daycare. People are left out of pocket. Homeless people are back on the streets. Weddings are cancelled. It stinks. I think it's selfish and greedy. And I think most people agree with me(check out the image).

Anyone want to do something about it? Any ideas?

Back...

2009-06-12T07:10:00.002-04:00

I think we did pretty good.
Nearly 6 weeks on vacation, and we didn't blog about our experiences even once. I'm sure that Beth will have a lot to say about our trip now that we're back, but I'll give you a few of my highlights first:

Taking Matt to Sherwood Forest and him being surprised that it was a real place.
Watching the Eurovision Song Contest with Beth and watching her face when the Ukraine entry was on.
Flying to Finland to see good friends and enjoy VERY hot sauna.
Attending a friend's wedding in the middle of Leicester Square in London.
Spending lots of time with my family.
Going to see Maximo Park with Brett and Laura.
Watching Brett play basketball.
Seeing Addie go nuts when I caught her a fish.
Hearing Addie learn new words.
Drinking plenty of English beer and cider.
Completing some nice tattoos.
Speaking at Poplars Church.

And much more.

We had a great time, and we are so blessed to have been able to take a break like that. To spend time with people and just chill out as a family for so long. Going back to work on Monday is going to be HARD.

Tonight We Fly

2009-05-01T09:21:00.003-04:00

AH, one of our favourite songs. How appropriate that we are humming it today :)

Thomas Cook flight # TCX 4L / Non-Stop / Boeing B757
Arriving in Birmingham 6:40AM

Here At Last

2009-04-28T10:47:00.006-04:00

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.
~William Shakespeare

Living in a country where we experience four distinct seasons is good fun. I really try not to take that for granted because we might end up somewhere someday where that is not the case.

It is funny though, I never enjoyed spring as much as I do now that I am married to Mark. Seriously. His appreciation for Lady Spring's magic has rubbed off on me.

For example, the other day we spontaneously spent a good hour taking photos downtown of budding trees that seemed so eager to bloom, and some fantastic shots of tulips in their prime.

He is right - something about the world thawing and then coming to life all at once all around you is wonderful.

Life is bursting forth whether we notice or not.

So, here are a few fun reasons why us Hardys fancy the spring:
1-Rain boots:
in vibrant, outrageous colours...for splashing in puddles of course.
2-The park:
spending hours outside without catching a cold, wearing no greasy sunscreen on, and very little humidity. Phew!
3- Weddings:
this is the beginning of typical wedding season, a time to celebrate and dance with friends.
4- Exercise:
this is the perfect weather for running!
5- Baseball:
the season has started - toonie Tuesdays anyone?
6- Centre Island:
the ferry is up and running!
7- The Ice Cream Truck is back from the dead:
AND let's not forget ice cold home made smoothies in blenders again...oh yeah.
8- BBQs:
mmm hmm.
9- Trench coats instead of heavy winter gear.
10- Everyone out-and-about, taking walks instead of watching more TV.
11- Lounging on patios again.
12- Drive-in movie theatres - opening very soon indeed!
13- Tulips.
14- More buskers, more street-art.
15- A rich emerald shade of GREEN everywhere. Especially immaculate Italian lawns.
16- And finally, this spring is particularly special as we're going to be in England and Finland for the rest of it - spending time with friends and family so very dear to our hearts. Having a little time for ourselves as well.
WahooOOoooo :)

Enjoy the rest of Spring - we'll be back to greet summer with you at the beach very soon!

For the Love of Justice

2009-04-22T14:16:00.006-04:00

Today I am designing/putting together a sort of 'scrap book' for Saturday's event, called :
THE RESCUE of Joseph Kony's Child Soldiers.

Here are some details.

The 1000+ people that will come out and be 'abducted' to Queen's Park can express themselves in it, and then the coordinators of Saturday's event in Toronto want to send it to the organization themselves - Invisible Children. You may be familiar with their documentaries about what is happening in Uganda.

The whole event is going to be really powerful. If you're in one of the cities that is holding A RESCUE, please consider going. You can make a difference. Check this:

So, I am thinking about those children,
while Adelaide is asleep upstairs -
safe,
warm,
and within my reach.
My tears are falling for Uganda.
Today my heart is aching for Joseph Kony's child soldiers.

For you Toronto-folk, I hope to see you there. It will be easy to find me as I'll be the one doing a really big painting and getting people to fill the scrapbook :)

Thoughts on Love, from Chicago

2009-03-06T19:18:00.010-05:00

"Hang my locket around your neck, wear my ring on your finger.
Love is invincible facing danger and death.
Passion laughs at the terrors of hell. The fire of love stops at nothing- it sweeps everything before it. Flood waters can't drown love, torrents of rain can't put it out."
~ Song of Songs 8, MSG.

I am writing this on the eight-hour journey home from our first visit to Chicago, Illinois. Mark is driving, and no doubt making good use of the cruise control feature. The sun has literally just broken through the clouds. The fields on either side of the Interstate are barren, slowly recovering from winter-shock. Still, we both remark on how stunning golden hour is on these American fields. Mark and I share a deep appreciation for the unique and the lovely United States. We marvel at our opportunity to visit our southern neighbours in only the second month of Obama's presidency.
I can't put my finger on what exactly it is about roadtrips that I find so worshipful. The open road, the maps, the laughter, the anticipation, the fact that I enjoy being behind the wheel...it probably has something to do with the long silence that creeps up between pit stops and cd changes. This trip was to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. It puts a smile on my face to think back. Two years ago this time we were all pruny from the jacuzzi in our private little Victorian inn, getting ready for a night out on the town in Montreal. We must have been BEAMING with that unmistakeable newly-wed glow.
I hope those vivid memories of our beginnings never fade...and I hope one day we finally master Quebecois French :)
Fast forward to this year in Chicago's intimate 'Metro' music venue, where on the very evening of our anniversary, Jimmy Eat World played our favourite album, Clarity, from start to finish. You can imagine how fast the gig sold out back in November! The most thrilling moment was holding each other's hand whilst being engulfed in the song I walked down the aisle to, For Me This Is Heaven. Layers of memories intertwined in the sound waves overwhelmed us over and over again...the walls must have stretched to contain them.
This all set the bar quite high for next year ;)

I am thinking about how drastically different life is with a husband, with a partner. I am thinking about how fierce and strong our love truly is. This Delirious lyric is playing in the background,
"hold me, blow all the pride from my bones, with your fire..." I am reminded of all the big and barely noticeable ways my pride has been uncovered, confronted, and challenged by marriage.
This union, our oneness simply cannot cope with it. So, we have and are still changing- transforming just from doing life together, learning from mistakes and always wanting to care for each other better. When I choose pride, whatever is at my best interest, what would make me look good, or embrace 'my way or-the-highway' attitudes over walking in love, I am squeezing out of that bond of oneness into a place of individuality and control. It is rather awkward when you think about it- kind of like being in a three-legged race and deciding to walk at a different pace. So in such a time as this, when I look at society and see 'Quick Divorce' adverts and people letting go of marriages for a lot of reasons, there lies a choice for me. It is the difference between pride and humility, selfishness or serving...daily preferring, daily choosing Mark. When I just sit with my Heavenly Father, when I submit to His river and let it carry me, it pulls me into a deeper love for Mark and for people. With His help I make the choice to give of my whole self, to love, to let go.
We have been reading a book together called, The Kosher Sutra. It is written by an AMAZING author named Rabbi Shmuley Boteach (host of Shalom In The Home). The book actually focuses on eroticism, but not at all in the way that we understand it. Eroticism in every day existence, as opposed to boredom, so not just romantically and not at all with whips or chains. Mark will post a proper review soon - it has changed our lives.
Anyway,there is this passage I read recently that reminded me of my inspiring husband and one of the many ways he is so attractive to me. Beyond his dangerous good looks and wicked sense of humour lies his innocence, his childlikeness...which is so precious to me.

"What makes the innocent person so deeply charming and erotic is the openness of their heart. Because their souls are translucent, you can see right into their essence. Innocent people disarm us. Because they are so natural, they invite us to behave naturally around them as well, allowing for our deepest selves to be manifest. Indeed, they posess the unique gift of making us not have to take ourselves too seriously as they never invite competition. Similarly babies, the most innocent creatures of all, bring out the best in even the toughest people because they force us to be genuine.They cause us to stop acting and just "be ourselves". Unskilled in the art of manipulation, the innocent person accepts the humanity and infinite worth of every individual. With no agenda other than sharing, openness, and love, the innocent person allows us to lessen our guard as well. The manipulative person, on the contrary, sees others as the means by which to achieve his own selfish ends."

Chicago was better than we could have asked for, really. Our hotel overlooked glorious Grant Park. We took the above-ground transit (the L) all over the city exploring, filming, buzzing with excitement. The architecture was impressive, we stood in awe of some towers. We found an amazing little bakery, a delicious diner, and beyond-belief breakfast place. The people were friendly, the weather was mostly sunny and mild. We stood behind Jim from The Office in the Art Institute, and took in a cracking good NHL game where the captain of the Blackhawks scored his first hat trick and the place erupted. The long, wide avenues lit up at night are tremendously romantic. Totally worth it.
Did I mention that Mark's colleague from work dropped a bag-o-cash on his desk before we left? It had $275. How generous are our friends?! :)
Alrighty, time to stretch our legs and grab a tea to see us on until we pass through Detroit and reach the border.

You can check out more photos of us in The Windy City here.

More Than Harm Reduction

2009-02-18T11:58:00.003-05:00

This will be part 1 of a few posts discussing a passion of mine, harm reduction, one of the ways to extend a hand-up to poor.
I am shocked at how many people don't know that Canada is home to North America's only safe-injection site. While the down-town east-side of Vancouver is known for it's dark reputation of having a seriously high concentration of hard-to-reach addicted drug-users, and homeless people -some struggling with mental health issues, really good efforts going on in the area sometimes fail to be mentioned or recognized.

InSite is an amazing place. Simply put, people can go there and safely inject their drugs – drugs such as morphine, cocaine, and heroin. To be clear, these drugs are not provided. The safe equipment, support staff (nurses, social workers, etc), and detox information are why people use this service as opposed to injecting in a back alley a couple of blocks away and then discarding the needle on the street.

Feathers are often ruffled and questions like "How why is our government allowing this?" are usually raised at this point. Those feelings and questions are valid. I understand the concerns, but as I have been able to research InSite in some depth in 2008, I would be more than happy to assure you of a few things and let you in on some very hopeful, uplifting facts and statistics.

From 2003, InSite has functioned under an exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This was extended a number of times and in 2008, the Supreme Court Justice Ian Pitfield gave the government of Canada until June 2009 to ammend the law so that InSite can remain open. Why?

“In a 60-page ruling released Tuesday, Pitfield found that sections of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are inconsistent with Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Pitfield says in his ruling that denying access to the site ignores the illness of addiction.”

Find more of that CBC news article here.

Well, the government appealed this decision. Their appeal *what I like to refer to as their tantrum* will be heard in April.

Have a look at these statistics from 2007:

Have a look at this youtube video:

Adelaide is now awake so this will have to be it for part one. Stay tuned for part two, folks!

Meek

2009-02-09T12:03:00.004-05:00

I've wanted this on my wall since September. The image, by artist Meek, effectively sums up the urgent cry of people experiencing various degrees of poverty - their cry for a 'HAND-UP' instead of a 'hand-out'...

I have started applying to work for a number of organizations this summer. Working with people and anti-oppressive agencies who are offering that HAND-UP to children, families and individuals. Puh-leeeeease pray that a door opens as I am getting what feels like cabin-fever in uni.
My course load is nowhere near what other SW students (without kiddies) are facing, but finishing this current semester seems as daunting as running a marathon...

Party like a Hardy

2009-02-06T18:29:00.003-05:00

Well well well...little miss Adelaide Selah Hardy, you are one whole year old!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY :) Love your biggest fans, Mummy and Daddy XXXXXXXXX

consumption

2009-02-03T20:48:00.001-05:00

How much stuff have you got?
www.thestoryofstuff.com
"The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."

You probably know a lot of this already...meh- still worth the twenty minute watch ;)

Listen

2009-01-10T11:13:00.007-05:00

There is "something new and interesting going on in the universe," said Alan Kogut of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Something about the short article, Mystery Roar, excited me. It is about a sound, "a roar from the distant cosmos", that cannot be explained.
I don't know much about astronomy. I can point out only a few constellations when we get outside of the city at night, and I even get those few mixed up from time to time. Sometimes though, I do find myself just staring - staring straight up at the sky in child-like wonder and amusement. I think about all those stars...all those galaxies, all those planets...all those suns and moons...until my brain throws it's hands up and says enough. These things are too big, too lofty for me.
That's when I put on BBC's Planet Earth series for like the 500th time - ooing and aaahing over the deserts, caves, rainforests, animals, and underwater worlds of good ol' earth. Still, more than I can handle.

Come on. The fact that the universe is continually expanding FASCINATES me. Isn't it CRAZY?
Itty bitty little me...itty bitty little us.
I watch and read the news constantly, I go to university and am bombarded with information from textbooks, websites, articles and films. I can talk your ear off about what is going on in my life and my opinions about various debates, issues, food, and design all around the world.
Even when I finally shut up to listen, it is usually to music that I choose from a selection of bands that I know of.
When I ponder the universe and discoveries such as these, I am humbled by my wee pea-sized bubble. The same bubble that can so easily feel overwhelming.

There is a much bigger picture to see, and a much bigger story being told.

*grinning* How exciting. How creative, and wonderful and mysterious and complex!

Although my knowledge of things out-there doesn't begin to skim the surface, I know the Creator of it all. Could it be that the same roar in the never-ending universe is the same voice resonating in my heart...spoken by a never-ending God?

Am I still little? Yes. Insignificant? No.

Neither are you...

numero uno

2008-12-17T21:59:00.003-05:00

Voila. My first tattoo.
Brought to you by www.deeperthanwar.com :)

I'm not really going to go into it too much on this here blog, except to say that it means a lot to me and is over my heart for a reason.
Mercy, compassion, forbearance, kindness ... where do I start?
Themes like these have led me to countless encounters and experiences I would not trade for the world, not to mention a career choice in the helping profession.

In Micah, you will find something like this, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Similarly in Matthew, "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Naturally, lots of inspiration came from my faith and the scriptures.

I have in mind some more script for the other side to create a symmetrical piece, but that will have to wait as it wasn't the most pleasant feeling in the world. Ouch ouch ouch!

Until next time, glad tidings to you all :) Big jolly Christmas hugs from the Hardys XXX

Want to confuse someone?

2008-12-10T09:28:00.004-05:00

from xkcd

Is it just me?

2008-12-08T12:10:00.003-05:00

So, I was watching an old Mark Knopfler video while I wrote the script for a nativity play (don't ask) this morning, and I realised that the legendary guitarist from Dire Straits bears a striking resemblance to the popular comedian, Jerry Seinfeld.

True, no?

she

2008-12-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

Never fails to melt our hearts...

Oh little girl, you are a wonder and a gift.

Has it been ten months already?

A fine example of England's most noble breed...

2008-11-25T09:16:00.003-05:00

We celebrated my darling husband's twenty-seventh birthday yesterday with bangers and mash, beer, banoffee pie, and other delicious mouth-watering goodies.
Yum yum yummy. He is such a star, isn't he?

Ok, I learned:
- Banoffee pie is not difficult to make.
- That a traditional English buffet item is cubes of cheese and pineapple on skewers stuck in a baked potato with foil on it. It looks like a hedgehog. Hmmmm.
- That homemade apple cider is way better than the packet.
- That Mark WILL NOT let Christmas steal his birthday thunder.
- That Mark has really rubbed off on me over the last five years. I can name quite a few Brit pop bands and classic hits and we are making the same jokes WAY more often.

Onto the next exciting order of business - Montreal this weekend, as we have postponed our trip to visit the Murphy's in Raleigh...sniff, sniff. Then, home to exams.
Time is FLYING!

Don Miller prayed.

2008-11-16T11:27:00.005-05:00

I read Blue Like Jazz years ago during a time when I was searching for literature about the Christian walk that was less religious I guess you could say...many of you may have read it and I wonder if it spoke to you.
Did that short little book inspire you like it inspired me?
So I passed it along to Mark and his dad who both enjoyed reading it and they, in turn, passed it along to others. (BTW:Our copy of Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell is up for grabs if anyone wants to borrow ours. I loved it.)
Anyway, the author, Don Miller has written other fantastic books and writes a blog that I enjoy reading as well.

When I watched him pray at the Democratic National Convention, it brought tears to my eyes.
I love what he said from his heart. I was just thinking how difficult it must have been to want to say so much more to that enormous audience- his fellow Americans- his brothers and sisters, but being limited to time and political correct-ness.
Also thinking about how many people would take this moment and then analyze and pick apart this personal dialogue with his Heavenly Father. Saying things like how he didn't use enough "Christianese" words, or how it left out this or that or the other thing or said something that was full out wrong. The discussion that prayer sparked was just fascinating and...kind of scary.

Anyway, if you haven't watched it already here it is. There is a bit where it is censored, so to read that part visit this blog because they have transcribed it.

All of this is not to say that I would pray the exact same thing, but that doesn't matter.

We were impacted by the words that this man prayed in August.
And for us (one Canadian and one Brit, mind you)...where we're at, we say "amen".

on a lighter note

2008-11-11T18:36:00.002-05:00

This is Mark's favourite pop track, and I think the video is perfect in every way.
Wow...just...wow.

Next time you're getting ready for a night out on the town, we insist that you slam a copy on the turntable, or even better - put the video in the Betamax machine. Or just put on the Wedding Singer sountrack and get pumped to dance dance dance :)

Election.

2008-11-04T10:48:00.003-05:00

Is it just me?
I've been noticing an alarming trend recently. Nobody can have missed the fact that today is election day in the States, and it's fairly clear that the rest of the world is as fascinated as the USA itself over the result. Here's the thing that's worrying me:
I have come across an enormous number of Christians who are voting McCain, and pushing that decision onto anyone that comes their way, based ENTIRELY on the fact that Obama is pro-choice. Some of them bring up the issue of gay marriage too.

These are important issues, for sure. I don't like the idea of abortion one bit. I think it's wrong. I would love to see a world where abortion doesn't exist. But I don't think for one minute that it is a good idea to cast your vote based on that issue and that issue alone. I also suspect that it won't matter who gets in when it comes to these issues, because there's more to changing a law than a personal belief.

I don't want to make this a long post, because I don't think it needs to be. I'm not trying to push a political perspective on anyone. Vote the way you want - that's the whole point of democracy, right? I don't like to see people mass emailing and telling people that they have to pray that Obama doesn't get in, because I think it goes against the idea of democracy, and it uses the name of God to guilt trip people. Not my idea of a good time. I just wanted to suggest that the kind of short-sightedness that's causing people to vote on one or two issues, can cause enormous problems. The result of this vote will affect America and the world for the next four years, minimum. Do you really think that the only issue affecting the world until 2012 will be whether or not it's legal to abort a baby?

Is it just me that sees this?

thankful

2008-10-12T11:39:00.003-04:00

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7 NLT

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving - however you celebrate, enjoy enjoy enjoy.

If you're not in Canada, have a feast just for the heck of it...and cultivate thankfulness- just because you can ;)

More BFF...

2008-10-01T11:07:00.003-04:00

How did I not know these shows existed? I was showing one of my colleagues some videos of Ben Folds, and I found these clips from two of his DVDs.
The first was recorded in 2005 (how come I only just found out about it?!) in Perth with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra.
The second was a Myspace show. They're both incredible.

The new album is a scorcher, too, by the way.

Ben Folds with the WASO - Zak and Sara

Ben Folds - Such Great Heights

BFF

2008-09-29T15:15:00.002-04:00

No, not best friends forever. Ben Folds Five.

My husband LOVES Ben Folds. In his teens he met Ben because he played in a BFF tribute band. Seriously. It wasn't soon after we had started dating that I knew most of their songs, and Ben's solo stuff off by heart (including the B sides) even though I was never really into them before.
So tomorrow when Ben's new cd is released we will be marching into HMV and listening to it on repeat for a while. In the apartment, in the car, in our dreams, and so on...

Needless to say, if Mark was abandoned on a desert island (you know I'd find you somehow!) he would HAVE to have BFF in his limited cd collection there. Yeah, he WOULD build a cd player out of bamboo
-if the man can do cryptic crosswords than he can do anything!

Soooo I was thinking about what cds I would want to be left with if I had the luxury of choosing.
Here is what I think so far in no particular order :

Switchfoot beautiful letdown
Cruel intentions soundtrack
Garden state soundtrack
jimmy eat world - Clarity, Futures, Bleed American, Chase this light, Static Prevails
Death Cab for Cutie- plans
Oasis- What's the story Morning Glory. do i still have a crush on these guys? er
delirious king of fools
Muse black holes and revelations
the last Ben Folds Five album: The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner
U2 war + The Joshua Tree
Bing Crosby Christmas favorites. do not mock me...
Phatfish - Heavenbound
The Salvator Darlings
Get cape, wear cape, fly
Massive Attack

and many many more...sigh.

My abductors would probably stop me there. Now onto movies...

Banksy

2008-09-17T10:01:00.006-04:00

Mark bought me a book to celebrate my first Mothers' Day. I had been eyeing this book for some time in HMV, and he noticed.

He notices lots of little things like that :)

Banksy is brilliant. He uses all sorts of mediums, but my favorite are the stencils and spray paint. He claims that they are quick and they help get his point across to the public.
I've meditated on some of these statements and images recently.

I agree with a lot of his views on issues concerning inequality, war, terrorism, and poverty.

Check out the website or come over and have a look at his book on our coffee table.

I've been rethinking visual art lately. After spending time at OCAD, and now throwing myself completely into a social work course and community more so than ever before, I miss having that consistent inspiration stemming mainly from peers and lecturers pursuing fine art.

While I am still inspired...it is different.
While I still want to worship and glorify my Creator with what I create...it is different.

This year I feel I have so much more opportunity to use that gifting as a voice for positive change.
Sure, it is sometimes difficult to be a wife, and have a newborn and be a student and spend time with people, and have 'hobbies', but it seems that doors are opening and ideas are flowing.

So here I go. Don't worry, I'm not embarking on a series of illegal projects...hehe...
but I'm not afraid to ruffle a few feathers.
I guess somewhat like Mark does with tattooing, eh...

thanks for listening...er...reading :)

invigorated

2008-08-28T11:51:00.005-04:00

Quality time = the love language we focused on this month.

August rocked. The three of us Hardys had an extravagant amount of precious quality time due to Mark listening to Daddy and taking some more paternity leave. A bit of a pay-cut was the only draw back, and now we can say it was SO totally worth it.
Centre Island, the Danforth, Wonderland, Kelso Beach, the market, Adelaide being loved on by both sets of grandparents, the lakeshore, the ball game, the cooking fests, and playing with the new addition to the family (not Addie, the digital SLR!) ... aaaaaaahhhhh...
lush lush lush.

I feel so invigorated. What an amazing way to kick off this next year of uni.

Putting family first...a reeeeeeeally good idea.

sitting pretty

2008-08-12T11:40:00.004-04:00

The day after we took this video, she sat up on her own in her playpen for 15 minutes!!!
A lot of people told us that babies change overnight sometimes, and it's true. All of a sudden she has the ability to sit up for a long while.

Pretty soon she'll be driving the car...

Sleeping at last...

2008-08-10T13:10:00.002-04:00

So, we went to the mall with Beth's sister last night, then got some movies and decided to sleep over at Beth's parents' place. We put Addie to bed, and settled down for the night on the couches. Then, at about 4:00am, we were woken up by this:

We were woken up by the first blast - before the video starts. We all got dressed and thought about getting out of the house. when the second big blast came (about 1:50 on the video) we were about to leave the house, but this one lit up the house like you wouldn't believe. It felt like the blast came from above the house, and it knocked the power out.

We got in the car, and headed home to our apartment - and just in time, because they closed the highway minutes later. We got back, went up to the apartment, and sorted ourselves out. Then we went to move the car, and in true Canadian style, went to Tim Horton's to recouperate. Good old Timmy's.

We finally got some sleep at about 7am.
It turns out that it was caused by a fire at a propane depot, just 3 blocks away from where we were sleeping. Check out this news report and this one for a bit more information about what happened. It looks like nobody was seriously hurt, but they don't know what caused it yet. What an odd night.

Right, I'm off to Beth's parents to pick up all the stuff we left there...

Mark doesn't see it

2008-08-05T14:22:00.004-04:00

Is it just me or does Tim, from the Office, remind you of my dashing husband ...

We were watching the two part Christmas special and finale of The Office (British one of course) and it hit me. Hm.

The Font Conference

2008-08-01T12:29:00.003-04:00

Fonts are a very personal thing. I've always been interested in them, but recently have found myself becoming almost militant about which ones should and shouldn't be used. They have so much personality, you see. The font you use gives character to the text, as much as the colours and media used give character to a piece of artwork. Check this video out:

The only things that I don't understand about this video are:
1)Why is Rage Italic German?
2)Why is Comic Sans the hero? I mean, I get the comic bit, but Comic Sans is clearly the worst font of all time. Ask anyone.

the best man

2008-07-28T09:57:00.003-04:00

What do you do when some of your best friends get married and throw a fabulous party? Eat, drink, and dance dance dance, baby!

What do you do when your husband gets punched in the crotch? hmmmmmmmmmmmm......

an open house, and shouting clouds ...

2008-07-21T08:20:00.008-04:00

"You're a mystery like poetry like a parable a rhyme or a riddle
You're a mystery wrapped in clouds shouting so loud
just waiting to be discovered
You're a mystery intriguing You're a mystery so inviting"
- Misty Edwards, Mystery

"Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.
'The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.'"
Matthew 11:27 MSG

This made me cry.

I do need it, Love, broken down line by line ... all the time.

Jesus, crucified, buried, raised...the ultimate invitation.
Could the Father say any more clearly that He wants to be known?

He asks us to His house, and gives us a key to His door.

splish splash

2008-07-15T11:13:00.005-04:00

It's getting hot outside. Now, we don't have air conditioning in our 19th floor apartment (which isn't torture), but we do like to take a dip in the outdoor pool during the particularly scorching hours of the day. While the pool is delightfully refreshing, the beach is all the more...summer-ish.
Lying on the beach reminds me of being on holiday, and is almost more relaxing because of it - yes, purely psychological.
Funny...it also reminds me of Baywatch. Oh, that rugged David Hasslehoff...

Anyway, many people joke about Lake Ontario being so badly polluted that you come out of it with a third eye, an extra arm, a number of skin diseases, multiple personalities, etc.
The truth is that a lot of beaches in Toronto on the shores of good ol' Lake Ontario are indeed Blue Flag Certified. They are more than fine to swim in.
You'll read on the website about the high international standards that beaches must meet to receive blue flag status.
Toronto is a whole lot cleaner and eco-friendly than a lot of people think or have 'heard'.
Visit www.BlueFlag.ca and have a peek. Happy swimming!

Oh, and wear your sunscreen!!!!!!!! Especially if you have tattoos or scars...ta ta!

Niagra

2008-07-01T10:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Canada Day, everyone!
Hope you get a chance to sing the anthem and take in some fireworks somewhere tonight.
We thought it was appropriate to take Adelaide to one of the wonders of the world that just so happens to be pretty much in our backyard...Niagra Falls! She seemed to like the gift shop the best and looked at us funny as we ooed and awed over the loud, lively, rushing water. One day she might think it is majestic and beautiful, but for now her toys are much more interesting.

Video Catch Up..

2008-06-24T11:14:00.004-04:00

I've been a little slack in uploading these things, but The last few weeks have had some good moments. The most recent video is at the top. Apologies to the BBC. And thanks, as usual to Ben Jackson for his incredible graphics. I don't know how he does it...

Keep an eye out for a special Scottish guest appearance in this one...

Ha ha ha. Silly jokes in this one.

I kind of like uploading a few of these at once... We're filming this week's today. I won't let too much on, but I sent out a 'telegram' to a few people asking them to be in it with this graphic attached:

Right. Let me know what you think.

Field trips...

2008-06-21T13:10:00.003-04:00

We've been going on field trips recently. Three of them in a week, to be precise. The summer is such a fun time to be a parent. There's so much going on for kids to do and see (even if we're really going for our own benefit).
Last Saturday, Addie took me to the 10th annual NIX tattoo expo in Toronto for my first fathers' day. It was fantastic. There were 150 artists at work, inking some incredible things. We met the coolest couple, who make punk clothes for kids. We're hanging out with them tomorrow too. You can check out their website here.

We also met Lyle Tuttle, 'the forefather of modern tattooing'. I got a bit starstruck... Addie, of course, was indifferent, as you can see from the picture. She did enjoy getting her first bit of ink though (courtesy again of Sticks n Stones).

Going to the expo really got me even more fired up for tattooing. There's so much dark stuff out there, and I can't wait to bring some light in. Seeing so much amazing work inspired me too. So much so, in fact, that I started on my left leg again this week. On Wednesday night I set to work outlining the koi that you can see here.

Beth had been wanting to take me to the Royal Ontario Museum for some time. It turns out that entrance is half price on a Friday night, so we headed over there after I finished work. It was fantastic. They had a great special exhibition on early typewriters, and we saw loads of dinosaur skeletons.
They were my favourite bit. To be honest, I don't think I ever grew out of that boyhood phase of dinosaur fascination... Addie again seemed rather indifferent to the whole experience, although she did like the bit when she had some milk in the European armour section while listening to an audio presentation about how smelly people used to be.

Then today we went to Riverdale Farm. It's a small farm in the middle of cabbagetown, right round the corner from us. Addie slept through everything except the chickens, and wasn't very interested in them. We had fun though.

Field trips will become more and more a part of our lives over the next few years, I suspect. It's such a blessing to live in a city with so many attractions and distractions. If you have any suggestions for where we can go next, let us know!

Biting off more than you can chew?

2008-06-02T16:40:00.002-04:00

Here's this week's announcements.
Do you ever feel like you tried to run before you could walk? We had the idea of doing a series of spoofs of famous movie trailers for the announcements. Good plan. We thought of covering different genres. Fantastic. We decided to spoof a movie that changed cinematography forever, with wild special effects and crazy camera angles.
I think that we did a reasonable job, but I suspect that trying to give the feel of a movie like this, using one camera and a low-quality microphone was a little more than I could reasonably handle.

It was fun though.

Not Quite Grown Up

2008-05-30T09:48:00.003-04:00

Independent
on my own
till I'm too small
till I am weakened

Independent
in control
till I'm uncovered
hunger stricken

I cry out
Is someone coming?
I cry out
Is my Father listening?

It's true-
I need a hand to hold
I need to feel the pulse of someone bigger
I can't live on bread alone
I need more than a coat in winter

It's true-
I need skin on skin
I need comfort in the night
I need simple songs
I need the security in Your eyes

Until I fall asleep
stay
Until I fall asleep
Don't ever let me go
stay
Until I'm fast asleep

B.Hardy. April, 2008.

- Inspired by Adelaide. She is so good at reminding me I'm not a grown up, I'm a daughter...

The Tat Shop

2008-05-17T07:48:00.005-04:00

I love tattoos. I don't have as many as I want, but I guess it's a process. Quite an expensive process too. For the last two or three years, I have thought about how I might go about training to tattoo myself. Not tattoo myself (although that is a part of the training), but to learn the art of tattooing. Back in November, I was offered an internship at Urban Ink in Toronto. I was very excited about the prospect, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised that it was unrealistic. I would have to give two full days a week to being at the shop, and it would still take me over a year to get anywhere close to tattooing people. With a baby on the way, that just wasn't going to happen.

Then Holy Spirit suggested something to me. What if I trained myself? I have spent a good deal of time now researching what I would have to do, and feel ready to start learning. I purchased a machine, pigment, power supply and footswitch, needles and tubes. I started by tattooing fruit, and then moved on to pigskin (quite close to human skin). I'm having a great time!

The next step was to experiment with different needle sizes and combinations. for this, I needed more supplies. Most of the websites that I found were very average - horribly designed, hard to navigate and usually based in the States. Then I found the Tat Shop. They're based in Mississauga, the site is excellent, and the couple that run it are awesome. I realise that most people reading this won't have a need to get tattoo supplies, but you can check the site out anyway. And if you do need anything, that's the place to go. Check them out here.

We're off to Wonderland in a little while, so I have to go get ready. I'll post pictures when I've practised more. Those who want a tattoo, give me a while to practice, then form a line...

Old Time Fun

2008-05-15T21:18:00.002-04:00

I know I skipped a week of the announcements, but to be honest, there wasn't much to miss. Here's the announcements for the upcoming week. I learned an awful lot about some of the stuff I can do on Final Cut while I was doing these ones. Because I don't have easy access to cash for effects and stuff to add onto the program, I had to find ways of giving this a real old feel without paying for it. I Googled to my heart's content, and found loads of tutorials online. As well as giving me the finish that I wanted on this (adding the scratches, hairs and jitters), the tutorials showed me how to use similar techniques to get very different results that I'll be able to use in the future.

In other news, it's the long weekend this weekend. I got a bit confused about the date of it originally, because the Victoria Day weekend (as this is) is often known as the May Two Four, because of the date that it falls on. Except that it actually falls closer to the 18th. So this coming Monday is a day off. Nice to be caught off guard like that, and realise that you have a day off when you thought you didn't. I don't really plan to do an awful lot with it, except chill out with my wife and daughter. Hopefully the predicted rain of the weekend will be over by Monday.

Lots of weddings and stuff coming up this summer, so that's exciting too. I have a bachelor party on Saturday, and more to come after that. Lots of parties. Not all good ones though. Last night, we went to Jacob and Carolyn's place for a barbecue. It wasn't that the party itself sucked, but the reason for it. Our amazing friends are moving down to Raleigh, North Carolina. This is something that I've prepared myself for for some time. Ever since I met Jacob, our friendship is something that has been conducted over a distance. When I moved to Toronto, I realised that it was an amazing privilege to be able to live in the same city as my best friend, but that it was a privilege that probably wouldn't last long. I think that we both knew that Toronto was a temporary base for us, and that one of us would leave before too long.
It's been a fantastic year or so, and I'm so glad that we had this time. I know that our friendship lasted with the Atlantic between us, so I'm sure it can handle a move to the States. Hey, we might even visit them...

And with that, I'm off. I have to go plan my long weekend.

English Things

2008-05-11T03:25:00.002-04:00

Here's the video announcements for last week. I've been a little delayed in putting them on here, because I've been in England for the last week. You'll notice that the announcements are rather reminiscent of a BBC documentary. This is no mistake. I'd been very excited about coming here.
I really really miss England. My family, my friends, the chocolate, fish and chips, beer, rubbish seaside towns... it's brilliant. We had the privilege of spending a week here, hanging out with all the people that we miss, and enjoying all the things we can't get in Canada. We went to Leeds one night, and hung out at Simon and Esther's place, where we were joined by about 40 friends we have not seen for months. We saw loads of people at my parents' house too. We did lots of shopping for clothes for Addie, and we ate fish and chips 3 times. We went to Whitby, and even enjoyed the first sunny bank holiday Monday in England since time began. Fantastic stuff.

We have loads to report on, but now isn't the time, because we leave for the airport in a few minutes. Once I've finished packing, we'll just have time for one last delicious English breakfast. Then it's back to all the things I miss about Canada. Ho hum. Such is life...

Munchkin goes abroad!

2008-05-01T08:48:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow Adelaide will enjoy her very first trip on an airplane. She probably thinks it is just a big white toy from the outside. We are going to the UK for nine glorious days. This time we will not only be spending time with Mark's family, but we're having a party in Leeds and also getting the MASSIVE treat of seeing Maija and Pudd who will fly into Manchester and meet up with us for a few days.

Man, our little one is growing so fast and becoming more interactive everyday. She can suck her thumb, and sit up in a chair all on her own!
She now has some likes:
Shouting, watching bright cartoons, being held in a flying position like she is superman, splashing in the bath, and getting changed. Her favorite toys are these coloured rings and a big cow.
She talks to the cow.

Last weekend she went to a birthday party for the first time- we had the pleasure of celebrating Judah's first birthday with the Smiths, and I think Addie is rather excited for her first birthday now... thankfully we have 9 more months to enjoy her being less-than-one!

New announcements.

2008-04-26T23:30:00.002-04:00

As promised, here's the announcements for this week at TACF. Stay tuned for next week's extravaganza. I won't tell you exactly what they'll feature, but there's superheroes and a green screen involved.

We just went to the Smiths' place for their son's first birthday party. It was so good to hang out with people we haven't seen for a while. There was much talk of Wonderland, which is exciting, because we have our season's passes. Oh yeah! I love that water park. I love that we have lots of friends that we can not see for weeks or even months at a time, and then just pick up where we left off. I guess when you live in a place like Toronto, and go to a church like TACF, you have to be able to do that. Everyone is coming and going so much that basing a friendship on always being around each other often results in sadness.
More on that another time though. It's late, and Addie's just dropping off to sleep. She's so cute and cuddly, but it's definitely time for Mommy and Daddy to get some rest. I'll put some pictures of her up on here soon, or Beth will.

Just because I did a little movie review in my last post, I'll do the same again here. The night after we watched Lars and the Real Girl, we watched Juno. Seriously, it was fantastic. I loved the characters, the themes. I loved the way that you felt relationship with them, and really identified with them. The soundtrack was ridiculously good. Watch it, because it's a great movie, and it will break your heart.

One more thing: Beth and I have been talking about recently is starting a bluegrass band. Inspired by David Crowder and Hayseed Dixie, I busted out a little bit of bluegrass in worship at church the other night. Then I found out that a friend of ours plays the banjo. Beth loves the harmonica and wants a washboard. Then, tonight, we were hanging out with a Mr. John Patell. He nearly shrieked when I told him our plans, and said he'd been looking for a band to play the broomstick bass in. Keep your ears open for our first record...

Videos of all kinds...

2008-04-21T10:39:00.003-04:00

Let me start by announcing that the TACF Video Announcements are now up on Youtube. As you can see, I've posted this week's edition right here on this post for your viewing pleasure. You can check out the last 4 announcements on there right now too, and I'll upload the new ones every week.
For those of you that don't know, one of my jobs here at Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship is to write, film, direct and produce the video announcements each week. TACF has 7 congregations city-wide, and we use video announcements to let everyone know what's going on in the coming weeks, and also to introduce everyone to pastors and leaders that only one congregation would normally get to see.

Anyway, enjoy this week's edition. I have a slogan for the video announcements:
TACF Video Announcements - completely pointless after the event.

Also on the subject of films, I watched Lars and the Real Girl last night. When I first saw the posters, I thought that it looked kind of quirky and wanted to see it. Beth told me that it was about a man that has a relationship with a 'love doll' though, so my interest waned. I wasn't really up for seeing something like that. Then our neighbour lent us a copy that she got from the video store, and the reviews didn't seem to suggest it was anything like we'd expected.

The movie was incredible. I loved the cinematography - it was so well shot. The story was fantastic, and the characters were superb. Ryan Gosling blew us all away with his portrayal of a dillusional man with a troubled past.
The message behind the movie was very moving, and I think we all felt affected by it.
It was also, surprisingly, very clean. There was no bad language at all, and there were only two or three references to sex - all of them mild and in context. Great stuff. I totally recommend it.

Right then. Let me know what you think of the video announcements. If you have any good ideas for themes for future announcements, just post a comment on this blog. Till next time...

Moving Pictures...

2008-04-01T00:19:00.002-04:00

A touch of Europe.

2008-03-27T10:17:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a long time since I posted on here. I've been a bit distracted by my knitting blog of late. There's another little distraction in our life since I last blogged here too. Having Adelaide round is such a joy. She keeps surprising us, when she does something new, or when she loves being held by us. Sometimes, it's just amazing to wake up, and remember that we have a beautiful little daughter.
It's tiring too, though. Sleepless nights take their toll, and she needs so much attention at the moment. So we decided to take a little break.
We left Freshwind early this Easter, setting off at Lunchtime on Saturday, and heading to Montreal. We have a history with that wonderful city. We got engaged there, and also took our honeymoon there. It's such a fantastic place. It's very strange how much more European it feels than Toronto. It's not just the fact that they speak French, either. There's all the greeting with kisses, French food, and European architecture. You can even buy wine and beer in the grocery store (boy, do I miss that one).
What was surprising, was the part of Europe that I discovered while we were there. On Monday, just before we came home, we checked out of our hotel, and headed into Old Montreal. Needing some refreshment, we found a little cafe. When I took a look at the menu, I discovered that they would serve me Turkish coffee. Not only this, but they would prepare it at my table! I've been trying to do this myself for years now, and I think that I've learned fairly well. My only teacher was Google. But now, I had the chance to learn from a master.
Sure enough, when I ordered it, the owner of the cafe emerged with a burner on a trolley, and set about making the drink. I asked questions, he answered them, we laughed, and I enjoyed the pleasure of being served my favourite coffee in what seemed like the most unlikely place.
I ordered baklava with the coffee, and spent a good while enjoying the feeling of being on vacation in Europe. I love North America, but I do miss Europe sometimes. I miss the variety of places you can visit, the traditions, the culture. I miss the fact that you can visit the other side of the continent for very tiny amounts of money. I miss being able to visit a coffee shop and order a coffee that tastes different from the last 50 coffees I ordered.

If you fancy trying the delights of the coffee at A Propos the next time you're in the Montreal area, you can find it here. It was delicious, by the way.

Can you still feel the butterflies?

2008-02-29T12:51:00.004-05:00

See the pyramids around the Nile
Watch the sun rise from the tropic isle
Just remember darling all the while
You belong to me"
- Jason Wade, You Belong to Me

Yesterday we celebrated our first wedding anniversary and it was absolutely delightful.
It is amazing to think that I've lived and done 'life' with my best friend for one whole year. Not only that, but there are so many more years to come. Through the good times, the bad times, the waiting times, the rushed times, the tearful times...wherever we live, whoever we have around us...there are more wonderful wonderful wonderful years to come.
And there will no doubt be more lessons on teamwork, friendship, patience, honour, oneness, and love to be embraced. Make no mistake- marriage isn't boring or dull, it is exhilerating.
But at the same time, our God's timing is perfect and He isn't in a hurry...so don't rush anything :)

Forgive me if I have quoted these Ben Folds lyrics before, but it is one of our songs, and always seems to help me put into words how ridiculously blessed I feel to have Mark as my husband.

I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here

And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?

And in a white sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you

Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away

I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

Would I know?

And in a white sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you

Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away

I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

quote of the week

2008-02-20T10:35:00.002-05:00

"Grandchildren - God's reward to you for not killing your kids."