Winter and Spring

Did ya ever wonder what happens when it snows too much in a city? I shot some photos yesterday that I forgot to add to my blog so better late than never. 

If only all streets in the city could look forward to this...

Snow hauled away by the truck(s) full...

really full!

I don't know where they take this snow but finally it's moving. In my neighborhood we finally had the streets plowed, the snow still remains pushed off to the sides of the road and the lane is down to one way traffic. It gets interesting when everyone is sick of winter and waiting and -30 doesn't help matters much neither.

Now back to today...

 I went out and bought myself some color, I'm tired of gray and white and cold.

 I figure if I have to wait for spring, well I could be waiting a long time so I brought spring to me!

Now that's refreshing!

One of "Those" Days

Today is one of "those" days, a day where I would rather be doing something else than what I know I must get done. I had a good day, cooked up a storm for our monthly family dinner and it was unfortunate that half of my small family unit couldn't show up but it was an awesome dinner just the same. After my company left I rested for a bit, got up and now it's time to get some serious reading done, reading which I don't feel like doing but if I'm going to get this degree I'd best just do it.

 Some days I just don't feel like doing this education stuff anymore, it'd be much easier to just pack it all in BUT I'm bound and determined to do this. I just have to keep on pushing forward and what the heck, I've come this far so why give up now? I have to turn off my internet and get focused. I hope to knock off a few chapters tonight but I'd best sit at my desk and push through it, I'm doomed if I go and try to read in bed, I'll just fall asleep... so see you all when I can come up for some air!

"Man maintains his balance, poise, and sense of security only 
as he is moving forward"
~ Maxwell Maltz

... forward I go

Busy, busy, busy

In this house there's seldom a dull moment, unless I choose for there to be one. Today I got out my painting clothes and got after another wall in my bedroom. Those of you who follow my blog know that I'm trying to get rid of this horrid pink, this house was entirely pink when I moved in 6 months ago. Things are changing and it's almost to the point of no more pink... almost.  

Here's a before photo, I had the feature wall done and have been in search of colors to match the Franchescian Venetian plaster. 

 

Here's the new paint...

 

I like the the way the colors compliment one another, now to find a color for the trim and closet doors, hmmm, any suggestions? I don't want to keep it white, the white stands out to much I think.

Ask Your Auntie

Today I went downtown to CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) to attend an event hosted by the Aboriginal Woman's Professional Association. I'm a member of the AWPA and don't get the opportunity to attend many events which they host and today I figured that I'd make the time and check this one out. Before the main event took place Herb Stanley played a few different songs on various flutes. The music was so soothing, the type of music I can get lost in, the type of music which touches the soul. 

The event was Ask Your Auntie, audience members could ask the "Aunties" questions and one of them would respond. Even though I didn't have any questions for the Aunties I'm glad that I attended, I came away with new knowledge and a sense of feeling good. I think that CBC is going to broadcast portions of this event, when I don't know but if I find out I'll post a link for anyone who might want to check it out.

The Aunties are all a part of the AWPA as well.

A Wonderful Day

Today was an awesome day, I was up bright and early and it was off to class as scheduled. I love the class I'm studying in, critical thinking. Even if it hurts sometimes to think about how I think, I think that I'm going to really benefit from this course. 

After class there were some students from the college I received my diploma of social work from who came down to an info seminar to enter into the degree program, I ended up sitting in on the info session then went out to lunch with one of the ladies. We went to a Chinese food place which was pretty decent. 

After lunch I went back to the university, I had a meeting set up and was looking forward to it.

The meeting was with a really nice lady from Canada Post, she came down to present me with an award which I'd applied for. I wasn't planning on anything coming from this but once the staff in the office found out about this award they asked for a  photo to include in some of their publications. I don't know where or when of if my photo might show up and will most likely forget about this until someone comes up to me at the university and says "Is this you?"   

All in a day of the life of a student. :-)

Lost, Again!

Today was an awesome day, for the most part. I did an interview with one of the residents from the Old Folks Home and that was phenomenal. Next I met up with a friend at the university and had a wonderful visit, but then when it came time to get to class I got lost. Good thing that I gave myself a half hour to find where I needed to be.

I'd walked for about 25 minutes then I started  taking photos of buildings after I was sure that I'd walked by this one at least 2, maybe 3 times. Funny how it worked out though, once I snapped this photo, I looked up ahead and there it was, the building I needed. Some days me and my sense (or lack of) of direction I tell ya!

My Blue Day

Karen posted a blue theme today, Pam has been posting blue so I went to investigate and I found Carmi who chose the color blue as a theme for this week. I thought I'd play along and found some blue in my day. 

My day started out with beautiful blue skies, a welcomed sight after all of the gray and snow days we've been experiencing.

I went over to see my son and when I pulled up I noticed the icicles melting, the contrast with the blue sky was beautiful.  

I realized that I needed to add some washer fluid, it was PLUS 5 here today, (plus in large font because this is so unreal for January), and it was melting which created very messy road conditions.

Generally I need this in January but it's tucked away in my trunk... fingers crossed it can stay there! 

So there you have it, my blue day which wasn't blue at all.

Understanding Life

“In order to understand life it is not only necessary not to be indifferent to men, but not to be indifferent to flocks, to trees. One should be indifferent to nothing.”

                                                                      Remy de Gourmont

A Turtle Day

Today was a turtle day, I just wanted to stay in my shell (my home) and not come out so that's exactly what I did. 

I finished up an essay and sent it in, I cleaned a bit, messed around on my computer and I actually watched TV tonight which was such a welcome change. 

So this is what it feels like to relax, I'd almost forgotten how good it can feel. I think that I just might have to try to have more turtle days, it feels so good.

Simple Math in Alberta

This amount of snow...

(photo taken on Jan. 10, 2011 and we've had more since)

Plus this much sunshine...

Equals this...

One stuck dirty car. 

I wasn't going anywhere today until these two kind men came and pushed me out. It sure was wonderful to see the sunshine again though and temperatures that were a wee bit above zero.

Ice Festival

Tonight we went down to the Ice on Whyte Festival, if you'd like more information on the ice fest you can click on the link. There weren't all that many sculptures but the ones that were there were rather impressive. 

This first photo I thought of a blogger friend Davine, Davine this one's for you.

I'll just add a few more of the photos I shot tonight, it's late and I'm tired. Mark this one on your calendar, I'm too tired to comment on each photo! 

A cute little bunny (I just had to say something!)

A dragon slide for the kids to slide down. 

And this one was my favorite...

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

I'm Stylin'

 

Karen from twincitiesblatherblog and Bruce from dreammodeling have both presented  me with a Stylish Blogger Award. Thank you Karen and Bruce. 

The deal with this award is that I have to tell you 7 things about myself, seeings I received two awards I will tell you 14 things about myself and then I get to pass on this Stylish Blogger Award to 5 of my blogger friends, 10 in this case. 

Where to start? I don't want to state the obvious such as I love to take photos and do this blogging thing. 

Okay, now I have to think... 

1. I admire honesty (so now I have to be honest... damn!)
2.. One of my favorite books I've read lately is "White Powder" by Larry B. Lambert

3. I am open minded, most of the time

4. On days off I love to stay in my PJ's and chill out with my homework

5. I love people, hence studying in Social Work

6. I love to write, not essays so much, but emotional writing, writing from the heart

7. I adore children

8. Sometimes I wish my kids were still small 

9. I'm a romantic, candlelight and roses kind of a lady

10. I want to learn how to drive a Harley and buy one

11. I love being in nature, there's something therapeutic about playing in the dirt

12. I have a twisted sense of humor and love to laugh

two more.... hmmm

13. I have control issues which I'm working on letting go of

14.  For those of you who missed my post two years ago, I sleep with a stuffed animal, yup my luv dog. :-)

Now to pass on this award and in no particular order, drum roll please...

  1. LL because you make me laugh and have style you get a stylish blogger award

2. Rick, you take amazing, awe inspiring photos and always have kind words to share as well as humor, you have style. 

3. Pam, you're one classy lady with plenty of style and you have an way with words, love your blog!

4.Dawn, you scream style! ;-)

5. Davine, you are one stylish lady and definitely deserve a style award. 

6. Si, well now Si, what can I say about you? Of course you have style, you have compassion and you also make me laugh

7. M., you have style, sharing your words of wisdom with your blogger friends and you also take amazing photos, you have style and perseverance and are always quick to offer kind words, definitely style! Now just don't change your blog site again k? lol

8. Joseph, you funny man you! You have oodles and oodles of style, your photos are magnificent, your sense of humor keeps your site lively and you don't mind when we use your blog for an open discussion, you bet you have style! 

9. Cheryl C. you have so much style I think that you could lend some out and still have plenty left for yourself. 

10. Irina and Ashira, you are both exhibit style and thank you for bringing Moscow into my world via your blog. 

I only wish that I had more to give out, can I break the rules? I'd love to give one of these to  Beverly, Karen L, Regina, Galen, Jane, Kathy G., LSP, Chas, Tammy who makes fantastic cards, Andy, Tammy Andy's wife who took the plunge and started up her blog, way to go! And all of my blogger friends, all of my friends here have style.

We're a classy stylin' bunch we are, oh ya and so are our blogs!

And for those of you who received an award, you now post this award to your blog site, tell us all 7 things about yourself and pass it on to 5 other blogger friends...if you so choose to (doing pretty good on giving up control issues eh? lol)

Decisions

Today I shot a lot of photos and don't even know what I want to post. I have lots to talk about but no time to chat so I've decided to post random shots from my day and see how little I can say. Not that this makes any sense but what the heck... here goes nothing. 

The morning drive... wished I had one of these Fords to get through the ice on the roads.

When I'll get a Ford truck is depicted on the name of this gift shop...

"When Pigs Fly" 

In the meantime there's these monster machines clearing the snow so us little car people can get to where we're going.

Oh wait a second, the sign on the back says stay back 15 meters.. oops

And home safe and sound, I walked across the street to pick up a pizza for supper and noticed the beautiful sky

I love it when I can take photos off the memory card and not touch them and they show the true beauty I witness. 

Another day in the life of this blessed student of life.

The end! :-)

Night Classes

I'm currently in one night class which runs from 6:30 - 9:30pm and I don't much care for the hours but what the heck, I've gotta do what I've gotta do to get this degree. The university is so quiet in the evenings, it's nice. 

The building on campus where my class happens to be is in the engineering building. These students, who I'm guessing are future engineers, are so focused on their studies. From what I've noticed they gather in groups at tables in the hallways long after their classes are over and from what I've observed their pretty smart, they share information and work together. This one particular student took advantage of the peace and quiet and was obviously all studied out. 

I'm wondering if anyone knows what this is that's written on this wall. Is it just a math equation or does it represent something? I would have asked the person who was sleeping but didn't really want to bother them. 

v = -Ki

Now off to bed, I'm back in class in the morning.  I'll have to catch up to you all tomorrow after classes, see you then.

More on Memory or Lack of it!

I'd received a blogger "award" last week sometime and I've been meaning to get to this and repost it, the problem is now that I'm going to do it I can't remember who sent this to me.... don't you just love growing older? Whoever sent it to me please send me the link and I'll try to repost it k? Thanks and sorry, I know better and will put a sticky on my computer next time, hmmm if there's a next time.

Memories

Today I went to an old folks home to discuss a project where I will be interviewing and photographing some of the residents and making memory books for them. They can pass these books on to family or keep them for themselves, which ever they prefer. I'm so excited to be doing this, I love listening to stories of long ago and as you all know I love to take photos. It's unfortunate that I can't post any photos here, there's confidentiality clauses and anonymity which is understandable.  This came about through a community service learning project and I can't wait to get started, this is my kind of learning...that is until the essay at the end of this project.

The residence is comfortable, clean and has a very nice atmosphere. Unfortunately this is about all I can post of this establishment, but this photo is better than no photo at all and without some type of a photo I wouldn't have anything to share about my latest venture.

On another very happy note, we had a break from the snow today, thank goodness! I was able to get outside and use the scraper and clean the sidewalks down to the cement. The skies were blue in some places and our temperature was around -6, darn near spring weather! 

Other than homework, today has been a fantastic day, mind you even the homework went smooth, now to go and continue reading. This too shall pass and one day become a distant memory... I hope!

Cheryl

My niece wanted me to take a few photos of her by our snow pile in the backyard, she has a few friends who live in Australia who don't believe her when she tells them about how much snow we're getting. Trying to get my niece to stand still long enough for one night portrait outside is near impossible, this was about the best I could do with a rambunctious 15 year old!

Cheryl had fallen into the pile of snow, not at all what she wanted, she just wants to show her friend that the snow is as high as she is! 

Another Snow Day in Alberta

Being an Albertan I'm used to snow in the winter time. This year has been absolutely insane with the amount of snow we've been experiencing.The snow in my backyard has now piled up so high that it's getting difficult to throw snow on top of the pile, sure I'm only 5'1 but the pile is at least 4 1/2' high now and that's no exaggeration.If the snow doesn't stop coming down I'm going to have to get out my step ladder to keep piling snow... now wouldn't that be quite the sight!

 This is what it looks like in my backyard.  The pile of snow directly behind the front pile is where my bench sits. You can't even see the bench now, it's buried.

The roads are atrocious but that doesn't keep me home. I went out once today and not too far thankfully. 

Driving in this stuff is crazy making but at least most people slow down a bit. I arrived at my destination and thankfully it was open.

 

Unfortunately they didn't have the part I was looking for... heavy sigh. So this means I'm going to have to go out again tomorrow to go in search of one small part, hopefully I'll find it without having to travel half way across the city. 

Tonight while I was shoveling I had to come in to get my camera, I seen the beauty in nature on the neighbors tree. 

 

I got to thinking and I am extremely grateful tonight, at least we're getting snow and not the floods Australia is experiencing, now that's total devastation and my heart goes out to those who have lost their homes. 

And back to the topic of winter, I found this cute quote to hopefully lighten up the day:

"To shorten winter, borrow some money due in spring."
                                                                 ~W.J. Vogel

Anybody got any spare money to lend? lol 

Catering

 Today I helped cater a small job, it was for approximately 90 people, and the menu was simple. We had chili, fresh buns, veggie, fruit and desert platters and it all went over extremely well.  

There's something about catering I love and I think what I love about it is that I get a break from all of this mind work with my studies. I think in an entirely different mode when I go to the cafe and it's a welcome break, if you can call catering a break. It has become a huge bonus that the lady I work for, who is an amazing lady, is not only my boss, she's become one of my best friends.

And yes it's still freezing cold here, crazy making cold, but thank goodness I made it to work and home again safe and sound. Another blessed day, one which I am grateful for.

Imagination

I love antiques and there's this one tailors shop at the mall I frequent and every time I pass by it their window display sets off my imagination. I imagine who this dress might have been being made for, what her hopes and dreams were and what made her heart dance. I wonder what her life will be like with her new husband, how many children they will have and will she be happy?

Then I think of a mother sewing this dress for her daughter. Is her mother happy, sad, excited or all of the above? I envision the dress to be perfect for her daughters special day because the dress is being made with love and attention to detail.

In the display window there's also an old dress, a real beauty. It reminds me of a fairy tale wedding. 

 

And off they rode into the sunset and lived ever after. 

 Yup a real fairy tale indeed.

Full Circle

When I first began Project 365 on January 1st of 2009, my choice for a photo that day was a book by Wayne Dyer, the book is "There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem."  I find it extremely interesting that spirituality is not really addressed within my teachings, we are being taught based on the Western paradigm school of social work. The books I have acquired on spirituality are for my personal interest, they are not required textbooks. Do I think that they should be? You bet I do.

I  feel that spirituality is an extremely important aspect of healing, change and/or well being. I'm starting a paper on the importance of incorporating spirituality into the healing process and I'll be writing it from an Indigenous lens. I know that I'll write this paper with passion, I love the Medicine Wheel teachings and how all aspects of one's life is incorporated into leading a healthy well balanced life. I believe in holistic healing and have so much more to learn, however I know that what I'm in search of I more than likely won't find it in textbooks. It's like going on the internet to find a life partner, I'm not saying it won't happen but good luck with that one!

ccccold

Tonight I went to my first class at the University of Alberta, I'm taking one night class there. Was it ever freezing outside tonight, so cold that by the time I left the university and got to my car my fingers were so cold that they were hurting and I was only outside for about 15 minutes, mind you I didn't have my gloves on like a nut. This is getting insane, it was about -35 with the wind chill.

So what else to post tonight but more winter photos. The one I wanted to post keeps coming up sideways and I don't have the time to mess around with it, I have to be up bright and early for a morning class. Oh joy, let the studies commence!

 

 

Winter in Alberta, what more can I say besides it's damn cold!

Sailors Delight

Last night I posted a photo of our pink sky, one which was a welcomed sight after all of the snow and overcast gray skies we've been experiencing. Along with my post I mentioned the old saying "Pink sky at night, sailors delight" which meant that we were to have a nice day today. That we did, just look at how beautiful it was here this afternoon...

... so what if this was indoors at the University? It was still a beautiful welcomed sight! 

Here's what it looked like on my drive to the University...

 

You bet it was another cold one, but at least the snow stopped cascading from the skies. The temperature was hovering around -25c or so, but we had blue skies and sunshine. 

 

Just check out the icicles on this house... crazy,  but at least this is the second floor of this sorority house and the balcony hopefully will catch any ice that falls, if not there's going to be one less body in class.

Argh, I forgot to check what color the sky was tonight. It's black right now, I wonder if that's supposed to mean anything other than I'd best get to bed.

Pink Sky At Night

... Sailors delight.

 

I sure hope that this comes true. I think that we've had enough snow and enough cold to last us until spring. I've had enough of shoveling, of putting on three layers and enough of these slippery roads, where there's roads left that is. Some places, like my back alley, are nothing but huge ruts. I hope that I can get through the ruts tomorrow when I have to leave my house. If not on well, it'll be another snow day, kind of scary though, I think that cabin fever is setting in and life could get super interesting if that gets full blown. I just might have to write this essay which is due on the 23rd, or read some of my text books, heaven forbid!

Now it's off to do just as this charming young man on my new calendar is doing...

... wind down.  Not that I've done much of anything today except shovel once, read my textbook, cleaned a wee bit and went through the thought process of how I'm going to attack my next essay. I have a plan which formulates well in my mind, the fun is to do some research and put it into an academic paper... tomorrow.