Bubba

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...

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

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..."

This made me smile.

Good ol' bathroom walls...

Time well spent.

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.

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 ...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This is great. Gotta love this city...

Unfolding

"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

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

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.