tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61128879206065630762024-02-20T23:29:05.397-05:00Reflections of an Imperfect Saint**"There is a crack, a crack in everything; that's how the light gets in." - Leonard CohenLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-26757564600720317892011-04-12T16:41:00.002-05:002011-04-12T16:52:54.520-05:00I'm Moving!<div align="justify">Yes, that's right -- I'm moving! <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Not geographically; at least, not yet. Rather, at the risk of losing those of you who follow me here, I have decided to begin a sort of sequel to this blog in hopes of creating something which truly reflects who I am. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Please follow me at <a href="http://afternoonsncoffeespoons.wordpress.com/">http://afternoonsncoffeespoons.wordpress.com</a> as I continue my blogging journey! It is a pleasure to have you along!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-79419259199929352542011-03-28T13:19:00.002-05:002011-03-28T13:46:39.162-05:00Preliminary Thesis<div align="justify">I'll just brush past the apologies for my extended absence and move right into a brief post that I can justify writing on the grounds that it relates to the essay I have been working on for the past couple weeks. </div><br /><div align="justify">As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been taking a course, called Aboriginal Canada, via correspondence this semester from the University of Saskatchewan. It has been significantly eye-opening as it has explored everything from initial contact between Canada's First Nations and European explorers in the 16th century to the present struggle for self-governance and matters of education and basic human rights. Some of the course material was familiar to me, as I originally studied to major in Canadian and World History; other information was shocking, encouraging, appalling, and/or downright dumbfounding. Certainly, it has made for an interesting and intriguing course, and I appreciate the way in which it has generated in me endless questions and a desire to learn more.</div><br /><div align="justify">The present essay has to do with the issues of Aboriginal resistance and self-determination, two very pressing and continuous topics in Canadian current affairs. As it stands right now, my essay's thesis (loosely stated) is the following: that Canada's First Nations are continuously employing a variety of actions and strategies to ensure that their rights are both granted and respected, and that they be recognized in their modern identity as fully-contributing members of Canadian society who participate in meaningful and important ways unique to their traditions, cultural values, and historical (both past and present) context.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Admittedly my thesis needs a little polishing, but I've posted it here as a means of virtual accountability -- so feel free to pry and ask how my <em>magnum opus</em> is coming along. Hmmm...perhaps "magnum opus" is a bit misleading; I suppose I ought to refer to it simply as "work" or "struggle," or even "mediocre paper" -- because if a topic so broad and intricately complex is downright stupefying. My only salvation will be to focus on the hope offered by the forward-movement of Aboriginal groups throughout Canada, and the ways in which they are paving the road to a more balanced future.</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-21228761349895968722011-02-19T11:44:00.005-05:002011-02-19T12:45:29.553-05:00Eat, Pray, Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4TeajQrWXo8b6GphxgI_KOq1Vi06bFRhL1E8zViZFBr_AnR2m6dF-nJ9z1Phw335wCKDWrVFAWLBWQrcfPKd8LiToDnv6pWcEgjGj-GE-hWb38m2TnbPG9MUwnhLbjDd0gLIyaq_uHo/s1600/eatpraylove-lg.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455348523788130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4TeajQrWXo8b6GphxgI_KOq1Vi06bFRhL1E8zViZFBr_AnR2m6dF-nJ9z1Phw335wCKDWrVFAWLBWQrcfPKd8LiToDnv6pWcEgjGj-GE-hWb38m2TnbPG9MUwnhLbjDd0gLIyaq_uHo/s200/eatpraylove-lg.jpg" /></a> Yes, as you may already have figured out, this brief post is about Elizabeth Gilbert's widely-read autobiographical book (since made into the movie) <em>Eat, Pray, Love</em>.<br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I'm not usually the type of person who dives into reading the "popular" books that seem to fit into a fad-type craze; I've got everything lining my shelves from Julio Cortázar's short stories, Hermann Melville's <em>Moby Dick</em>, and other authors including Anne Lamott, Miguel de Cervantes, Sandra Cisneros, Brian McLaren, Bill Richardson, and Gabriel García Márquez. However, as one who enjoys reading a variety of genres, I recognize that some bestsellers certainly have earned that distinction. This book, in my opinion, is deserving of the recognition it has achieved.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I was first turned on to <em>Eat, Pray, Love</em> by my friend Heather, a delightfully exuberant, intelligent, and passionate woman who is presently working and living overseas. We entered into an engaging and lively discussion about the book on Facebook, where she had posted an interview with the author herself. While some might view Elizabeth Gilbert as narcissistic and others as paving the way to a kind of personal enlightenment, I am of the opinion that she brings a bit of each extreme to her writing. She is undeniably vulnerable and up-front in her writing, extrapolating (to varying degrees) upon everything from depression and divorce to meditation and Italian cuisine. And her writing is absolutely compelling!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">It is my suspicion that we all have something of a narcissist in us, and I believe that, if we allow ourselves an open mind and a string of hope, this same narcissism can take us from absorption with ourselves to recognition of what is "working" in our lives and what isn't, and then to the reality of improving upon who we are and how we live -- thereby assisting in a transformative work in us which, I must clarify, I believe is never done as long as we live. And isn't that beautiful? To think that nobody has "arrived"; nobody is complete or perfect or has it all figured out. We all move along throughout this life, sometimes more aligned with love and peace, and sometimes less . . . but all with the same potential for self-discovery and ability to make a positive impact on the world and the community in which we live. Because if self-discovery <em>stops</em> at self, I believe it is an exercise in futility. For how can a lone narcissist bring <em>any</em> love or light to the world without self<em>less</em> interaction with it?<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Those are just some of my thoughts on the subject. And, as someone who once swore off the whole idea of getting married because of varying experiences in my own life (and in part just to break with the whole idea of conformity and conventionalism), I, too, have had to work through the question of what <em>marriage</em> means in my own life, and what are the <em>roles</em> I play and why. (Let me just take the opportunity to state here how thrilled I am to be eating crow for my premature proclamation that I would never marry!) And, in light of all this, I look forward to reading Gilbert's other autobiographical account in her book <em>Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage</em>.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">For an interview between Ann Patchett (another brilliant author) and Elizabeth Gilbert, concerning marriage and its role in society today, click <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703558004574582411800110766.html">here</a>. </div><br /><br />As a bit of an afterthought, all this talk of "To marry or not to marry" has reminded me of how it was that Ramón and I got engaged. Hmmm. Methinks that story begs a whole post of its own!Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-62683310472152198572011-02-10T08:40:00.006-05:002011-02-10T09:31:09.408-05:00Cue the Arrival of Cupid<p align="justify"><div align="justify">Is it just me, or does it seem crazy to think that the year 2011 is already well underway -- soon to be proven by another Valentine's Day!?!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 177px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572065957313188626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTXD1C17AR0_hINvg410p9CAlAgdJYtO9WvMAnRup4EFuVp3wtz1u7PLS3KNSA_D7rUPPnOhcJXY5pBIYEI2lvEqB8ENoNfrGxTXgrolMMLrzbQZoR2yOfuOrz-ey8kbqcVqkH9mTr4E/s320/valentines_day.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify">To be perfectly honest, I'm more than a little excited because this will be the <em>first ever</em> opportunity for my husband and I to enjoy a <em>romantic</em> Valentine's evening together! Let me explain: Valentine's Day 2009 was the first (and only!) one when we were still dating, but I was studying in Guatemala that semester -- which translated into a cherished phone conversation, but no special evening together. Boo.</div><p></p><div align="justify">Then, in 2010, we were honoured to be hosting my Mom and Terry here on a week-long visit to Panama -- and so we got sidetracked with sightseeing and introducing them to Ramón's family for the first time, which we loved -- and again, Valentine's Day got overlooked with all the excitement of playing host and hostess. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">But this year -- finally -- we're looking forward to a nice Valentines-y evening together. We talked about the idea of going out for a romantic dinner, but what with the craziness of restaurants, not to mention the insane traffic in Panama City on even a "normal" day, we both decided that a quiet, special dinner for two at home would be more our style.<br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And so, I've been doing some brainstorming -- yes, once again via <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Martha Stewart's website </a>-- to come up with the perfect elements for an exquisite, memorable meal as well as the other components that combine to create the perfect "first" Valentine's Day evening for us! And, since I <em>love</em> the realm of cooking and entertaining, I am excited to pull out all the stops! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuZbfnNSDfTTyA1_Pr8R9YDiagDS3Q7Mh9jKY7w68anxbz9rKd7GyZb8pyb1KklW5Ir_ge5d0tBrcc76CLqqM9nT3N_pFcDAI5l7Onkl0cb-CtEWDbtNcE-0hQD5U-mlY3tlY9ICsXtA/s1600/Raspberry+Martini.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 147px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572066871160547506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuZbfnNSDfTTyA1_Pr8R9YDiagDS3Q7Mh9jKY7w68anxbz9rKd7GyZb8pyb1KklW5Ir_ge5d0tBrcc76CLqqM9nT3N_pFcDAI5l7Onkl0cb-CtEWDbtNcE-0hQD5U-mlY3tlY9ICsXtA/s200/Raspberry+Martini.jpg" /></a><br />Below are just a few of the ideas that have made it to the top of my list. To get the recipes, simply click on the links included:<br /><ul><li>Appetizers, including <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/artichoke-bruschetta">Artichoke Bruschetta </a>and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/blinis-with-smoked-salmon">Blinis with Smoked Salmon</a></li><li>A beverage selection including <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/recipe/raspberry-martini?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/valentines-day-cocktails#slide_12">Raspberry Martini</a>, a rosée wine, and, for an after-dinner drink, <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/recipe/viennese-coffee-float">Viennese Coffee Floats</a></li><li>One of two salads; either Arugula and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/arugula-and-baby-artichoke-salad">Baby Artichoke Salad</a>, or <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/sweetheart-salad">Sweetheart Salad</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xfxWofNbONcqzelCf6nQD1WnyuY6SafUThNUCf4z8GSlMhHqJBlSDZU8nuI6XyG5VSVv3PsF8EPYRa62oH8OfROfpCT54L99_1BeTsC7ljaNelwI8H7DyPc-iGyZBL1D24eis3MbmNA/s1600/Beet+Ravioli.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572066561203483570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xfxWofNbONcqzelCf6nQD1WnyuY6SafUThNUCf4z8GSlMhHqJBlSDZU8nuI6XyG5VSVv3PsF8EPYRa62oH8OfROfpCT54L99_1BeTsC7ljaNelwI8H7DyPc-iGyZBL1D24eis3MbmNA/s200/Beet+Ravioli.jpg" /></a></li><li>Main Course: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/beet-ravioli-stuffed-with-ricotta-goat-cheese-and-mint">Beet Ravioli Stuffed with Ricotta, Goat Cheese and Mint</a></li><li>And, to close the meal, figs with Asiago cheese and grapes</li><li>Dessert (possibly) of either Heart-Shaped <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/ginger-sugar-cookies">Ginger Sugar Cookies</a>, or <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/dried-cranberry-shortbread-hearts">Dried Cranberry Shortbread Hearts</a> (yes, I <em>am</em> cheesy like that!), with coffee</li></ul><p>Of course, there are also other elements that come into play, such as:</p><ul><li>flowers</li><li>candles</li><li>a good romantic playlist -- including, among others, Michael Bublé, Diana Krall, and some possible Harry Connick Jr.</li><li>romantic card</li><li>a gift -- something practical yet unique; simple but elegant</li><li>taking photos of the evening as it unfolds</li></ul><p align="justify">What are your other Valentine's Day ideas? Do you have traditions, or special memories of Valentines past? </p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos included in this post found </span><a href="http://xkcd.com/223/"><span style="font-size:78%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/recipe/raspberry-martini">here</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/beet-ravioli-stuffed-with-ricotta-goat-cheese-and-mint">here</a>.</span></p>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-30347450224496980242011-02-10T08:11:00.004-05:002011-02-10T08:38:50.495-05:00My VeraneraHello dear friends!<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">After a little more than a year living in the tropical country of Panama, I <em>finally</em> have a plant! And, as you can tell, I am absolutely thrilled! She's my very own beautiful <em>veranera</em>, better known among English-speakers as a <em>bougainvillea, </em>and she's absolutely <em>LOVELY</em>:</div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572054487836103794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDIKKGhyphenhyphenCdnQqgAqzhyphenhyphenijo-XgDlKQN_0nHNj6MjWVsJcWpC5HVk_mc20ltmt1Uay_gWwIG6UEzsnVkWPhH18RTUcijASN1Zxr1kvxL4OmLnka8rw3pR-wJKcigEUVaz2ijdm5XSDjpSw/s400/bougainvillea.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Okay . . . so that photo above isn't of <em>my</em> plant -- but that's what she'll look like someday. For now, she's a little more Charlie Brown-esque, as you can see:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxQ_XHXdj-4IyHfhcVQ5OCGnlPaY_8A3gLFceG25FNDFBkEaa8zp3I0sKQmg5e0cBv38aAeMBsEFaHihet1IHYVSN1U8xu7WP7Lq_Id0SSEbj-NKmZDe6sM7QanScBwA0d0em1iSecn4/s1600/veranera+01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572053176107994258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxQ_XHXdj-4IyHfhcVQ5OCGnlPaY_8A3gLFceG25FNDFBkEaa8zp3I0sKQmg5e0cBv38aAeMBsEFaHihet1IHYVSN1U8xu7WP7Lq_Id0SSEbj-NKmZDe6sM7QanScBwA0d0em1iSecn4/s400/veranera+01.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But that's just temporary. I think. In any case, I still do love her just the same!Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-15569702117484865732011-02-06T16:43:00.005-05:002011-02-06T17:44:13.370-05:00Painting Inspiration 101<div><div><div align="justify">I have just spent the past several hours exploring several home design websites, specifically with the goal in mind of getting a more concrete idea of how we want to breathe some life into our living room / dining room area, and what an exciting afternoon it has been! Among the most exciting websites was one by <em>Porter Paints</em>, a brand with which I am unfamiliar but which has a neat <em><strong>color</strong>sense<strong>game</strong></em> which you can access by clicking <u><a href="http://porter.voiceofcolor.com/porterpaintgame/">here</a></u>. It's a fun take on one's appreciation of colour, texture, moods and styles, and it gives some interesting feedback on how to create an ideal living space tailored to your own personality! It's a creative take on incorporating all the diverse elements into one's decorating -- however, if you ask me, there's also some room for improvement as far as the range of colour schemes that are offered in each of the results. In any case, give it a try -- just for the fun of it!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Ramón and I also took a trip to our neighbourhood <em>Do It Center</em> where we found some inspiringly colourful paint chips -- and also happened to come home with an elliptical machine for a steal of a deal: $89.00! So, all in all, it's already been a fantabulous day!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">One of the most exciting projects of the day was being able to turn this . . .<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570707885790806146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g-17KpZ86w6NuTsLAfHave-0N2bG6C8Vh_4QeHqzvMxv4x25rq5YbBK0wteubi0dEuLI4aaNopyGmwqfeh3JvASnWVzPclmV77pJoK2dY6NlxDHXPHRlpr5Rr00jmHO4AAK-yYX56eQ/s400/muebles+01.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"><br /><br />. . . into this!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570707521658024242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYOM5E1Z5YzzPYtX1EyPfgp3gYMw8suBZjVUGWk81C7J2IYkDVx2W6SV46yfnkn8lLc2ajREu5fzzc0eIqv85NbOEBhEYuIXdug0bPFYBZliCuPDZbJhmxGgZrXtozXJWLZk5LIqhyphenhyphenI/s400/sala+verde.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Okay, so it was done using Sherwin-Williams' Colour Visualizer (found <u><a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/visualizer/">here</a></u>) -- but hey, at least it gives us a pretty tangible idea of what we'd like our front room to look like! We originally considered going with this look...<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570706833292367826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVfnKdBls_a61ts7uQbzB_DCPA25dYV2g2FOz78zlkvTYwtR4TkSFtEJbqAtDnVwCKVGEu7plqyGkMC5dk55nRUBHlbsyO3EFKuPboVbKJTV_DUbEX1U8yNNLKFru0xioK-BhDC1Buw0/s400/sala+amarilla.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">...but at the moment we're definitely feeling partial to the green. Besides, the subtle change from the beige walls we have throughout our house at present to a soft yellow hue just doesn't seem to have the panache to complement our funky orange and brown couches. Which colour gets your vote? </div></div></div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-13750978149317280762011-02-04T17:06:00.003-05:002011-02-04T17:34:36.264-05:00A Trip Down Memory Lane<div align="justify">For the first time in my life, last week I wrote a letter to my uncle.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Technically, it was an email, but had I lived in a country with reliable postal service, it would have been the old fashioned kind of letter -- you know, the kind that's hand-written with your own distinctive cursive and favourite fountain pen on luxurious stationary, then neatly folded into a matching envelope, addressed in impeccable calligraphy, fitted with postage and then graced with an original seal . . . or am I the only one who gets a wee bit giddy about giving my attention to all those details? Seriously, I get all giggly inside (and outside!) on the rare occasions when I find just such a masterpiece delivered to me; sadly, none will be forthcoming even if sent while I continue to live in this particular corner of the world in a city with less-than-Vatican-calibre postal service.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">But back to the email: do you have a family member or two with whom you've kind of gradually just fallen out of touch? That's the sort of scenario we're talking about here. Honestly, I have nothing but fond memories of my dear uncle -- so it's not that there was an ugly feud or anything that caused us decisively to go our separate ways; but somehow I can't recall a <em>real</em> conversation between he and I in well over a decade.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">And so, one day while on the phone with my grandmother, I was asking her about the family. When she got to telling me about my uncle (he's the only one from that family, so there's no risk of playing favourites!), I confessed to her how long it has been since I remember actually spending some time with him. I then went on to tell her of two very specific wonderful memories I have from when I was very young -- memories in which my uncle was the key actor. Grandma, in her very matter-of-fact-yet-loving way, up and told me that I should just contact him. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">And so I did! I send him a long, detailed email, first telling him about our recent news and life in Panama, and then leading up to thanking him for those two specific memories I have of him -- memories that come to mind immediately every time I think about him. And now I'll share them with you:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I was barely seven years old; my mother spent much of the afternoon getting my four-year-old sister and I ready for a date with our uncle. She styled our hair and dressed us in our prettiest dresses, and we were ready and waiting when our uncle arrived in his shiny black car and dressed in a suit, carrying two long-stem roses -- a pink one for my sister and a yellow one for me -- and took us to the city to see <em>The Nutcracker Ballet</em>. I felt like the luckiest girl in all the world!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The second memory comes from around the same time period, but it was a sort of ongoing thing: somewhere, in some little booklet of jokes for kids, my sister came across one that said:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Q: Why did the banana kiss the cucumber?<br /></div><div align="justify">A: Because it had a peel (appeal)!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Neither she nor I understood it, but when we told it to our uncle he laughed as though it were the most clever joke around -- and from then on we told it to him every time we saw him for years to come!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Those memories, one-time events though they may be, have encouraged me repeatedly over the years. To me they are tangible reminders of love from my family -- specifically from my dear uncle.</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-68303733107033483012011-01-25T15:17:00.005-05:002011-01-25T15:40:36.261-05:00The Couches are Here!!!Hoorayyyy!!!! <div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Okay, the title is VERY self-explanatory -- but please just let me bask in the newly-arrived-furniture-we've-been-going-without-for-nearly-8-months glory! </div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">Our home has been exceptionally empty since we moved in here last June, as any of you who have spoken with me will attest. It lent itself a certain <em>je ne sais quoi</em> in the area of perpetual tomb-like echoes, which is NOT conducive to coherent and understandable conversations.</div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">So without further ado, let me introduce our beautiful new couch and love seat set that finally arrived late last night (and only 5 days later than we had originally been told) from <em>Jamar</em>: </div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566224624790979202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQva9164bmMsDoz9IzM0QuOs4v5RM5RBhP2vu4kXn7mt8Ou7erVuQVqCaD2CG2BmU9AOHu65NLYWAVWuGXesYCct30EmxQfKKhgslw29ILP7SG7OZHfrRVwft0vLJyhVXBTuIvCI_tNzs/s400/muebles+01.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">VOILA!! Are they not precious? I certainly think so! I like that they're neither boxy nor fluffy in style, and the colour duo simply cannot be beat -- at least, not for this girl. </div><br /><div align="justify">Here's a view from the kitchen toward the front entrance, just to give a fuller idea of what we're working with here:<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566224147316679714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau8XMFr4jYRnRxKI0w0D3emvV-JcMGRFGZpgObB_iGEIe3VAr5nJ5Nu097LpjeIfgoeEFGmZkbs4Bh66bBlfQ0fSRwoqCyucpTrnUTcoCMq5B5iW4qMYxjqz2paLOKn2UGUMS8lbylD8/s400/muebles+04.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify">We're thinking of adding a chair or two to the ensemble, as well as hanging shelves and a possible photo wall -- and, of course, painting the walls a colour moving away from "painstakingly neutral" -- something like a light, creamy yellow or a soft brown. Or should we go with something a little more bold? I want to keep the burnt orange colour to a minimum (even though it <em>IS</em> my favourite) so that it pops more. What are your suggestions? Thoughts? I'd love to hear a little decorating feedback. Of course, I love that painting is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to refresh a house and give your home a whole new look, so if the first wall colour we go with isn't exactly a winner I'll be okay with the idea of repainting. And there are plenty of other details -- like trim around the windows, plants, coffee and end tables, etc. -- which we'll get to slowly but surely.</div><br /><div align="justify">Sounds fun, doesn't it?! Now, if only I could get my hands on a <em>Purdy</em> brush -- my actual favourite paint brush in all the world! (Click <a href="http://www.purdycorp.com/catalog/brushes/detail/xl">here</a> to see the very object of my paint brush crush). </div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-35906596797867165942011-01-24T11:56:00.005-05:002011-01-24T12:32:10.401-05:00I'm Diggin' ItHappy new week, all!<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">So: I'm still awaiting the delivery of our living room furniture, hence the lack of photos/posting that I promised last Wednesday. Boo. BUT I've been assured by <em><a href="http://www.mueblesjamar.com.pa/">Jamar</a></em> that the delivery will take place sometime today...and, though assured I don't feel all that <em>re</em>assured...so we'll just wait and see how that goes. In any case, the promised photos and details will be forthcoming just as soon as we get our beautyous <em>muebles</em> in our home! Sadly, the link to their store doesn't include even half of their furniture selection, but it will at least give you an idea of some of their styles. Elegant minimalist, if I might coin my own term.<br /></div><div align="justify">In the meantime, here are a couple of things I've been enjoying in the absence of furniture: </div><ul><li><div align="justify">My two dearests, Ramón and Keipo -- whose company I enjoy immensely each day. Unfortunately, we don't have many photos of the three of us together, but I'm hoping to remedy that soon. I've been dreaming of a mini photo shoot including my favourite orange couch love seat!!! Here they are on the floor of our empty living room -- and yes, this pose is a favourite of Keipo's. He's a weirdo, I know; but we love him just the same!<br /></div></li></ul><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565804678268419106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9gBWeIvhHhmAWGsBXU39QP28YzeDUW0pPJgJbxikejKee4n48pZKPXhgkb8Yj2ACvlSG3S2TeID-f1Xz9QBxghwzSmODP6gcQp67oofDMPZyv3XcbBEGCwr3k8ErMLVle_DRcp4ShDY/s400/Ram%25C3%25B3n+and+Keipo+01.jpg" /><br /><ul><li><div align="justify">A new website I discovered just last week: <em><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a></em>. John and Sherry Petersik are fabulously creative Do-It-Yourself-ers, and I've been spending more hours than I care to admit reading their blog and becoming inspired by their ideas. It is beautifully fun to discover a shared passion -- even with people I don't personally know! But this young couple is exciting and engaging, and they've had me rivited to the progress of their ongoing projects.</div></li></ul><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565803666941363426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM28jRxYSFV_5FORWLW4DhSR_bVZXldFV4dJeBrR1A05oTq94Ykgy9aWUhv43dHQqhnqomLfJgQPWEVjV16HuVpmycdvAwvwBipZFbdDBsm3a98MTvmjdTDLLmhFWNsHGd02fjfhGFDw/s400/younghouselove.jpg" /><br /><ul><li><div align="justify">I'm also taking a web-based course this semester through the <em>University of Saskatchewan</em> on the good ol' Canadian prairies. The course is called <em>Aboriginal Canada</em>, and so far has explored the basics of the initial contact and subsequent generations of First Nations' and Europeans'/Euro-Canadians' interaction. I'm hoping to share a bit of what I learn with you -- some which I'm sure will be already-learned information (as opposed to "old information"), and other details which may have not yet been explored. I know I'll enjoy the learning process, as I'm kind of a nerd that way, and I'm hopeful that maybe some of my excitement will rub off in our cyber-interaction! In any case, it should be a good time!</div></li></ul><p align="justify">Now, off I go to do some more reading -- and hopefully will post later today with the results of our (hopeful) deliveries!! </p>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-87782187949636796602011-01-19T11:42:00.006-05:002011-01-19T12:41:33.508-05:00A Change in RoutineHappy Wednesday!<br /><br />At least, I hope it's a happy Wednesday for you; mine is off to a fabulous start and just may improve with the (possible) delivery of our new sofa and love seat for our living room! Just imagine a living room devoid of ANY furniture, paintings...nothing. Okay, how 'bout I help you all along just a wee bit:<br /><br /><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563951841807424018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXiNW_KhM8vNC5aadxzmo3X5FdTL6nNl3p92olbCJfuEeyaELWK-1zL35bJ9MFY0VrJAa59cyewho3gu4PD4MTUjIe6eyVnIQu36sAdXdK8jcf6WqLcJKfWWHgdmeQSf-NGpnN1Q3eyc/s400/Living+Room+Before.jpg" /><br /><div align="justify">There. That's a photo of our living room as it looks right now, as it has looked since we moved into this house at the beginning of June, 2010. Crazy, eh? And it's not that Ramón and I are negligent or indifferent to our surroundings -- we're adaptible, but not oblivious! -- it's just that living rooms and love-nest-ing are put on hold when the good ol' government forgets to pass a paycheque your way for, oh, close to eight months. But hey, we got through it and, even though it had its challenging (and comfortable seating-less!) moments, we actually grew in our relationship with one another and in our appreciation for the little things that we have had -- like health and sunshine and each other and our dog...and delicious food! One of my passions in life is cooking (not to be confused with baking, although I do occasionally bust out some Mennonite desserts!), and now that I'm not working full-time anymore I have more time to dedicate to diversifying our menu. I love both of Martha Stewart's websites, <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/">http://www.wholeliving.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">http://www.marthastewart.com/</a> -- but I digress! Once we get our furniture delivered and situated in the living room we hope to decide upon the appropriate paint swatch and begin the transformation of the empty house in which we live into a cozy, inviting home.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">So! Along with all this growing that Ramón and I have been doing (which thankfully hasn't included growing waistlines due to our twice-daily walks with Keipo!), we have also become keenly aware that we truly <em>can</em> live without most things that we formerly took for granted. We have also gained, I believe, a better sense of balancing both extremes (materialistic consumer vs. tight-wad martyr) and are on our way to acquiring some of the things that perhaps are essential to balanced living -- and, okay, a few little splurges here and there that just bring us a little more enjoyment. One of these is a washing machine!!! Yes!! For the past year I've been laundering all our clothes by hand, which I know a lot of people do and I actually don't mind all that much despite its time-consuming nature. But thanks to a great sale at our local mall we bought a lovely little Samsung number for $179, taxes in. And she works like a charm! I must admit, I was almost giddy with excitement when we tried out our first load of laundry with her -- the clothes just seemed to wash themselves! It's AMAZING!! In fact, I know get excited when I have enough clothes to throw in a load -- adjusting water levels and cycles appropriately, of course, and always without hot water as that's a luxury lacking in our entire home -- and I just HAVE to share with you the result:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzAy_OotXPhguiu19dDo6tZ6pC71uDaQkLJMx41mRH5kIhxHWhos22lsPFR-wRHW-cE-q7yzO0XcwKSx_vY0cEbQ8n9xePLBw2-lD6YuQ5ZrT0RcppFljRokBUOT4Io-UX_LKnhcUmpo/s1600/lavadora.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 348px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563949009770960946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzAy_OotXPhguiu19dDo6tZ6pC71uDaQkLJMx41mRH5kIhxHWhos22lsPFR-wRHW-cE-q7yzO0XcwKSx_vY0cEbQ8n9xePLBw2-lD6YuQ5ZrT0RcppFljRokBUOT4Io-UX_LKnhcUmpo/s400/lavadora.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI7nDz03gBPfcvqd8rIYn15NQ_dOXtrkd9ho325S-o1CFM2nY1mXjZn8xfnUydMonvxy8sJWeHW0IF3TYxuyhyphenhypheniOQ72vMLyAvxvZNYImbhL7UgqiWAIYxmVp8ZkCAkQx-mCGgO_H7cKQ/s1600/ropa.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Beautiful, isn't it! I mean both our washing machine and the clothes hung out to dry. Ahh... these are the little things that kind of feel like the big things sometimes. And I can't wait to share with you a photo of our livingroom once the initial pieces of furniture make their way here!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84R0Lr0JCziqHvD9ncgUIACxsGF8_xTsIoVSqzSLTSXLYYvdN2U5mIzU1-mM_y-sc7wVbI3KMZ8uiWXNjYqFDXOC9JOegPa6dB2elqv6obbrOHf1XwNYgEFNvoXTyeskPBjp4c8CTOZA/s1600/ropa.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 312px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563951382366188882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84R0Lr0JCziqHvD9ncgUIACxsGF8_xTsIoVSqzSLTSXLYYvdN2U5mIzU1-mM_y-sc7wVbI3KMZ8uiWXNjYqFDXOC9JOegPa6dB2elqv6obbrOHf1XwNYgEFNvoXTyeskPBjp4c8CTOZA/s320/ropa.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">We still have plenty on our list of things eventually to acquire -- not that we want to fill our home with stuff just for the sake of it; rather, we do enjoy sharing our home with others and entertaining guests with a meal and a comfortable, welcoming space so that they feel at home, too. So, part of that includes outfitting our spare room (also effectively empty at present) and the bathroom (Keipo's room when we are both away from home) and putting some original, practical and inviting touches on the living room and dining room -- but we'll get there. And we'll thoroughly enjoy the process with a greater appreciation for the little things as they come into place and a gratefulness for the fact that we know we can go without them once again, if need be.</div></div></div></div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-18194612478108393142011-01-13T10:59:00.002-05:002011-01-13T12:43:10.823-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 30<div align="justify">Hallooo!!! I've made it! My plans of writing about three things for which I am grateful for each of 30 days has now come to an end! And it only took me about three months to do it! ;)<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I must admit, I'm feeling very free at the thought of now being able to range about a bit more in my writing; however, this has been a fun journey for me to expand a bit upon the "little things" that make my life more beautiful each day.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And now, to end my list, here are a few reflections upon:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. Family -- You know that saying about how you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family? (Or, wait; maybe it's "you can pick your friends, you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose"). Okay, well, you know what I mean! <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Family is family: quirky, diverse, thoughtful, caring, exasperating -- all these things and many more. And mine is no exception! But I truly am grateful for my family, for who they are and what they do and the fact that (at least, I think this is the case for the majority of them!) they love me unconditionally. I know this is true especially of my Grandmother. Actually, both my grandmothers; although one passed away just over five years ago, now. But my Grandma Neudorf (I think she appeared in an earlier post, perhaps?) truly is my hero. She's generous, full of love, and jolly. Does that sound too Santa Clause-y? Maybe; but it's the best term I can think of to describe her cheerful nature and love of life. But she'll take no nonsense! And she doesn't hesitate to give you what she refers to as "an understanding" when you need it -- whether you're two years old or eighty-two! And I love her for it, because it's always done in love and she'll always give you the very best most love-filled hug afterwards.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I am also grateful that, despite the fact that nobody really "has it all together," they do keep trying. I wish I could give you some specific examples of where I see beautiful redemption happening in what were not-so-beautiful situations, but I don't want to infringe upon their privacy by telling stories that are not mine to tell. But I <em>can</em> say that I admire my Mom for her persistence in going against sub-cultural expectations and control mechanisms nearly two decades ago; I admire my uncle for working with dedication and devotion to take care of his family in a difficult relational situation; and I admire my sister for the attentive and caring mother she has become to my two adorable nieces. And I am honoured to be part of them, part of the same family tree. Though at times it seems we have little or nothing in common, we do share a part of our story -- the story of where we came from and how we grew through it -- and we can choose to walk with one another as we carry on to where we are going.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Geographical and Ecological Diversity -- Okay, seriously, our Earth is AMAZING!!! I am astounded at all the variety of plant and animal life in our world -- or even in one small corner of it. And moving from the prairies of Saskatchewan to the tropical climate of Panama the distinctions are even more incredible. I continuously marvel at all the life I see -- and wonder at all I don't see due to foliage or microscopic size! -- and am simply in awe. And grateful to be able to experience it all!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. Time with my Husband -- Yes, he had made an appearance or two already in this blog, but I think it appropriate to begin and end with him. Ramón is most definitely my best friend, and one of the few people with whom I can spend months and years on end and STILL find new things to discuss and to ponder and to share. Whether we are driving down the causeway in search of a latte overlooking the marina, painting the beach house in 38ºC, or working on our individual articles/assignments, we truly do enjoy being in the company of one another. And I personally think I got the better end of the deal! I am so very grateful to be his wife and that he agreed to be my husband when I proposed!! :)</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-37987242665294823982011-01-12T16:59:00.002-05:002011-01-12T17:30:30.220-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 29<div align="justify">Hello friends!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">I'm feeling particularly chipper this afternoon; I've just had a productive day of reading/studying and, now, a bit of writing, and I just feel encouraged by how well it's all going! Do you ever have those days where things just seem to click and you can retain and process information surprisingly well? (Tempered, of course, by other days in which it seems impossible to focus or retain any new knowledge). Well, today is one of those more positive days -- although it does find me writing in the afternoon instead of my preferred morning moment.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Nonetheless, here are some more tidbits which I find myself appreciating:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. Art -- Whether hanging on a wall, drawn by a three-year-old, or in the form of a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted ceramic mug (see Day 13 for more on the ceramic mugs), I am so grateful for artistic creations! I just love the way that a splash of colour or the combination of several can bring a new dimension to a room, a conversation, or even to my day. And, as much as I love having these varied works of art displayed throughout my life, I also enjoy creating them. Not that I'm much of a painter, and I've never tried sculpting, although I would love to; I simply mean putting an artistic flair into what I do. Whether my assignments (nerdy, right?!), my clothes (though I boast no fashion sense!), or the way I am, along with my husband, slowly but surely shaping our home into a space that reflects us -- in all these ways I am grateful for <em>expression</em> and <em>creativity</em> which, ultimately, lead to beautiful works of art! Hmmm... I'm thinking that this might call for some more thoughts on the idea of our lives as art.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Wittiness -- Is this a term? What I mean by this is <em>the act of being witty</em>, but I thought that might sound too wordy to begin with. In any case I am fascinated by people who seem to have just the right thing to say in the snap of a moment, a clever little comment -- not snide or condescending, mind you -- something intelligent and thought-provoking. I have the pleasure of knowing a few such people in my personal life: my dear friend Kathy, my compañera Brit, and my sister-like Melissa. Each of these are intelligent, thoughtful women and I admire their bright sense of humour and optimism about life -- and, I believe these, perhaps, just might be the characteristics which spark such fantastic barbs of wit!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Now, sadly, I have not had the pleasure of meeting personally another such intelligent, witty someone; this chap is a mite more famous than my aforementioned friends -- and, additionally, a lot more controversial. But I, however, happen to find his humour simply side-splitting and positively one of a kind! His name, dear readers, is Eddie Izzard, and he is a British comedian and "executive transvestite," as he himself will declare! (Now, if I can get my limited video-linking skills to work I will be pleased as punch to share a clip of his work with you below). I guess for now a link will have to suffice -- but please do take a look at this excerpt from his show <em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hJQsvoY6VU">Dress to Kill</a>.</em></div><div align="justify"> <br /><br /></div><div align="justify">3. Pizza -- Yes, you've probably already noted that food and beverages make regular appearances in these things for which I am grateful. And with good reason! With so many flavours in this world, such diverse cuisine, one could spend a lifetime savouring new dishes and learning a wealth of culinary knowledge: and all this comes to a head in the pizza. At least, for me it does. My good friend Ashley, whose blog I recommended earlier and whose link I'll place right <a href="http://www.theuncomplicatedyear.blogspot.com/">here</a> once more, just wrote about her desire to travel to Italy. Ahhh, such a fabulous country! And ever since my first experience with true Italian cuisine in the heart of Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples and Cinque Terre, I have been enamoured with <em>pizza</em>. And so, upon returning to Canada from the lovely Old-World Country, I set about learning to fashion my own after what I tasted there. And the results have been heavenly! Not that I generally boast about my accomplishments, but here is a skill -- an art, if you will! -- which my friends and family will enthusiastically confirm that I am in the process of mastering. I always, always begin with a homemade pizza dough and sauce, and then add on the toppings. My personal and long-standing favourite: prosciutto, pear, and carmelized onions topped with fresh time. To die for!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-62557089183039570282011-01-11T10:53:00.003-05:002011-01-11T11:56:08.972-05:00A Whole New Chapter<div align="justify">Okay: So I haven't been all that consistent with my <em>Gratitude Project</em> posts (when did I start that -- September?), but I'm really in the home stretch there -- T minus 2 posts to go -- and then I think the feel of this blog is going to shift just a bit.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">And today you'll get a taste of that.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I'm still unsure of how "personal" to get in my writing. Should I mention peoples' names? Share photos? I think so. Because, why visit an impersonal blog? Besides, if I'm going to write, I prefer to write about the things that drive me -- current events in my life, thoughts and musings, questions and the like.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So here goes: After over a year without an income, nearly eight months of which my husband was (and still is) working here in Panama, we FINALLY received his first paycheque! Seriously. Thankfully, the cheque included seven months' pay. And we are ecstatic!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I can't begin to describe what it's like to live for eight months in a house effectively empty of anything but a fridge, a stove, a dining table and chairs, and a bed. Period. (Well, we had our clothes, of course, and a book or two that came with us in the move from Canada, but that was it). No sofa, nothing hung on the walls; no book shelves, desk or extra linens; one towel apiece, one set of sheets...basically, think "extreme minimalist" and then scale it down 95%.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Not that either my husband or I are very materialistic; we're not driven by the idea of acquiring the latest model of anything, and the only type of shopping I enjoy is that of buying groceries (actually, I LIVE for going grocery shopping! How wonderful is it to find two papaya for $1.00?!), so it's not that we wanted the income for entertainment purposes or unnecessary spending. But when the only seating in the house consists of either the chairs at the dining table or our bed, comfort is at an all-time low. And without any art on the walls or photographs displayed, inspiration runs dry.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">On the up-side, however, after so many months of doing without many of the staples in many homes, life becomes very simple, for it becomes ultra clear which are the real priorities: pay the rent, power and water bills, and buy food. Period. And I suppose I could get into a debate about which things are <em>wants</em> or <em>needs, </em>but I won't -- for one of the things I have learned over these months of doing without is that a <em>need</em> might, perhaps, to some degree, be classified by an individual's or a family's lifestyle. For example, I am a student, working on completing an honours degree in International Relations, majoring in both History and in Spanish (literature and language); therefore, a relative need for me is a desk. Can I live without one? Absolutely, as evinced by the past 13 months. Am I more productive and engaged with one? Without a doubt. So you can only imagine how thrilled I was when my husband's long-overdue paycheque finally made its way from the coffers of the Ministry of Agriculture to our bank account late last week -- and we spent the weekend finding surprisingly great deals for some of our most pressing wants-turned-needs!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">Now, I have yet to be a homeowner but that doesn't keep me from modifying my/our space as I can to make our home more functional for our lifestyle -- and, thankfully, my husband is of the same mind. So we focused our efforts for this past weekend on making one of our spare bedrooms into an office space and, surprisingly, for we two who don't generally classify shopping as a good time, we found and purchased the following: an L-shaped desk, which provides working space for both of us at the same time; an office chair; a bookshelf; a clock; another shelving unit; curtains; and even a painting which is hung on the wall!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560972112624581922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KK_XuL5H32iSl_dSBAVuFAUJTOoB69fjP6yTmD0xl7wUU59RxA9XN58h29E41nZPOqaE-8lN42ZDLXApMQ6hw_Th35qz0XwCCNxGvb9Wy16uW44sf6X_g8wbu8DI6XaLMskyGyNPCMI/s400/Office+01.jpg" /><br /><br />And I am elated! It is thrilling to type this from "my office" and not from the kitchen table and to be enveloped in the productive-feeling ambiance of a functional workspace. I can't wait to tackle this week's essay for the course I'm taking (as mentioned in an earlier post, I am eternally grateful for web-based university courses!). And I look forward to sharing with you more of my experiences as we finally are able to transform our home into a place that reflects who we are and allows us to share it with those around us!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-2936392122530806442011-01-07T08:08:00.006-05:002011-01-07T09:59:23.977-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 28Ah, beautiful day!<br /><br /><div><div></div><div align="justify">The sun is shining here in tropical Panama and I just returned home from walking Keipo around our neighbourhood. It is by far his favourite time of day (and mine!), early in the morning, out exploring the scents offered by nature -- as well as by the other dogs who have left their 'business' dispersed throughout the area -- and this morning he met a new friend: a purebred Rottweiler who, it so happens, lives nearby. He is a stocky ol' chap and absolutely beautiful, and he and Keipo took to sniffing one another out right away. And, I must admit, I, too, take pleasure in seeing my puppy interact with other dogs and developing his own socializing skills -- and he is so happy to meet new friends that it seems it isn't sufficient to wag his tail; his whole hind quarters end up wiggling with excitement!<br /><br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559457865538060818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpfmuzYNuVwqICx_rPtCZhMB2yXT4tVftuXOHomvW_9vFEskGJx-oDx3ahzox0w2qZzKzq37mDGVAtZmeW2oWnH3CcuvX5XSjtLYVhXDpgThFK_94pDSABP_Cxa_m-SFj5DuxjtwqB-g/s400/Navidad+20ten+21.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">After such a lovely start to a new day, I find myself reflecting upon the beauty and encouragement that have been offered me through the following things in my life:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">1. Starbucks. Are you shocked? Yes: <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/">Starbucks</a>! Those of you who know me probably won't be surprised by this; but then again, maybe you will. It is no secret that I worked at <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWz-QBVdjUYqF83bfgSRz7E8ih7j_71q97zpI1dArHecUwYId10VKkQVaZnei7gkYz9-25o28jO3KXVwCA7HUeyHWH3Y-f_vHkPi4Asi8GcjVBR3M3Hm3O4ec1mD1JyZbUVyxJ8N-Ohw/s1600/Starbucks+Logo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 189px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559457010845050658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWz-QBVdjUYqF83bfgSRz7E8ih7j_71q97zpI1dArHecUwYId10VKkQVaZnei7gkYz9-25o28jO3KXVwCA7HUeyHWH3Y-f_vHkPi4Asi8GcjVBR3M3Hm3O4ec1mD1JyZbUVyxJ8N-Ohw/s400/Starbucks+Logo.jpg" /></a>Starbucks on College Drive for over three and a half years -- and, better yet, that I loved it! For starters, I was thrilled at the prospect of learning all about different brewing methods, <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/catalog/product?drink=espresso#view_control=product">espresso-based beverages</a>, and particularly about the distinctive characteristics of <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/learn/flavors-in-your-cup">whole bean coffees </a>grown in the three basic regions: Latin America, Africa/Arabia, and Asia/Pacific. Add to this the fact that it was conveniently located just across the street from the university where I was studying, and you have a perfect fit! Of course, I am cognisant of the fact that Starbucks is by no means the sole authority on coffee education and coffee quality; however, in my life it played a key role in introducing me to the breadth and variety of coffees produced in the world and in really teaching me about what is meant by the terms "acidity," "aroma," "body," and "flavour," as well as the art of pairing coffee with a truly complementary meal, snack or dessert. In short, Starbucks piqued my interest in something about which I have become passionate: coffee as art!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">Additionally, and even more importantly, working at Starbucks was the medium through which I was -- shall I say, blessed? I hesitate to use that term, for it seems to be both <em>mis</em>used and <em>over</em>used in this day and age, but I believe it to be a perfect fit here -- I was <em>blessed</em> with the opportunity to meet countless interesting and wonderful people, co-workers and customers alike. Truly, this is what I miss most about Starbucks and what has impacted me most profoundly over the years. There were customers who brightened my day each and every morning when they came in to grab a coffee on their way to work, customers with loud and boistrous entries who made the entire store laugh, and customers who never said much but were always polite and cheerful and understanding in the midst of a frantic moment or a too-full store. As for my co-workers, few stood out so much as Heather, Brooke and Ashley -- young women who were professional, hard-working, cheerful, and genuinely interested in others and in the work they were doing. <em>(And -- let me take a moment here to recommend Ashley's own blog which she has recently started up: </em><a href="http://www.theuncomplicatedyear.blogspot.com/"><em>The Uncomplicated Year</em></a><em>. Ashley is a thoughtful, talented writer who isn't afraid to be honest and up-front, and I truly appreciate her insights about everyday things which we sometimes take for granted.)</em></div><br /><br /></div><div align="justify">And so -- in a nutshell! -- I am oh-so-grateful for Starbucks!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 143px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559454961486308690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqkUhneXEqNwbHUbi0h0zVuLCzFwMZuJtfox0zyD0FDd8BMz8ktq28zx76dnDty5F7a8x5hxqnudFGMWUx15iGj3G9TXXpkQlCDMaWAmdAuIlKvnhhyphenhyphenvmh4MBBXAC9-iQmEDOmwnHrqQ/s400/latte.jpg" /><br /><br />2. History -- What used to be my most dreaded subject in high school, due to all the dates and names that I could never remember and therefore got jumbled and incorrect on tests, has now become one of my foremost fascinations. History, the story of our world through the millennia and the people who have lived in it and impacted the present, is chock full of moments of discovery and triumph, pain and suffering, and the resilience of humanity through it all. And what fascinates me most is that each region, each country, each family, and each person has their own unique story! Ultimately, this is our context for today! With so much to learn and so much intrigue, I can't believe I ever dreaded this topic in school -- although I suppose the undesirable grades on tests had a lot to do with that!<br /><br /><div align="justify">3. The Classics -- Whether talking about classic novels, classic music, or even classic cars (though I admit I'm not much of a car buff), little explanation is required as to why these things have been coined 'classics'. Is there any greater enjoyment than listening to a favourite song or reading one of the classics like <em>Moby Dick</em> or <em>Don Quixote de la Mancha</em>? I think not. And, to celebrate such joy, I thought I'd share a link to the classic <em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Ncxw1xfck">Mr. Blue Sky</a></em> sung by E.L.O. Enjoy!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-7297818551533426342011-01-06T07:37:00.006-05:002011-01-06T09:16:20.711-05:00A Reality CheckIn light of the situation here in Panama over the past four weeks, first with extensive flooding of certain regions of the country, and then complications moving into contamination of the capital city's water supply, today I find myself exceedingly grateful for something mentioned in the earlier days of my musings on gratitude: running water.<br /><br /><div><div align="justify">We, and tens of thousands of other Panamanians, have been without water on and off since December 8, 2010 -- sometimes for days at a time, and others for 12-hour periods in which the city alternates as best it can our limited supply of this precious natural resource. This week, however, has brought a new development: our running water is not potable. The stock of bottled water has been depleted in all local stores, and so we are left with the only option of treating our water at home: first filtering our tap water, then boiling it on the stove, letting it cool, and then consuming -- rather sparingly -- a refreshing glass of H2O.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">This certainly has brought me greater perspective on the situation in which much of the world finds itself on a daily basis, with <em>little or no access to safe drinking water.</em> We, who have grown up in Canada, the United States, parts of Western Europe and certain other nations, will be hard-pressed ever to appreciate what this means. I suppose we could play the numbers game, try to go a day without using the water from our taps -- for bathing, drinking, laundry, or other cleaning -- but still we know that water is just an arm's length and a tap-turn away. It has even been an adjustment for me, and this is after the five months we lived on the beach in the interior of Panama with no access to running water at all, and after months spent in rural Haiti without the same. I am exceedingly grateful that neither Ramón nor I have gotten sick from the water we are drinking this week.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">This brings to mind the events leading up to, including and following the Millennium Declaration of 2000, which birthed the United Nations Milennium Development Goals (MDG's) -- a "global action plan to achieve the eight anti-poverty goals by their 2015 target date,"<span style="font-size:85%;">1</span> which lists, as a component of its goals, the importance of drastically increasing access to safe drinking water on a global scale. As listed on the <a href="http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals">UN MDG website</a>, the Millennium Development Goals are as follows:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">1. End Poverty and Hunger<br /></div><div align="justify">2. Universal Education<br /></div><div align="justify">3. Gender Equality<br /></div><div align="justify">4. Child Health<br /></div><div align="justify">5. Maternal Health<br /></div><div align="justify">6. Combat HIV/AIDS<br /></div><div align="justify">7. Environmental Sustainability<br /></div><div align="justify">8. Global Partnership<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Each of these points is further broken down into several more detailed steps or components. Access to safe drinking water falls under "<a href="http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/environ.shtml"><em>Target 7.C</em></a><em>: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation</em>." However, below this point it states that "[w]ith half the population of developing nations without sanitation, the 2015 target appears to be out of reach." (see the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals Report 2010 pdf <a href="http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20Report%202010%20En%20r15%20-low%20res%2020100615%20-.pdf#page=60">here</a>).</div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I understand that this issue is highly complex, particularly when factoring in issues such as displaced persons, failed states, political unrest and civil wars, entire nations impoverished, contamination/pollution, natural disasters -- the list could go on and on. But it is no wonder that countries and regions such as Haiti, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia continue to battle diarrhoeal diseases and undernutrition when the water they consume is not safe!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559074731481343490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoquIsTzDNcew0xlMsouYN-pMeLGbQX1daGm7j9UF-k_Ki1X57uGXxxugqxXf96Nf2rVBJO_A8nEtyPNJkFawhDNopxjdvqWjkYZdzahKyVg1D9bH_jkZC6dci1UA-n9d8PtlOJZN8Uc/s400/HCCC+Haiti+2007+079.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Nonetheless, I remain hopeful that each of these eight goals -- particularly that of access to safe drinking water -- <em>are</em>, in fact, achievable with the cooperation and involvement of individuals, local communities, the international community and corporations. I believe it is important to acknowledge the truth of what is stated in the Foreword of the 2010 MDG Report -- that "improvements in the lives of the poor have been unacceptably slow, and...are being eroded by the climate, food and economic crises"<span style="font-size:85%;">2</span> -- and, after accepting and grieving this truth, move forward in our own contributions to achieving these goals, not only for the comfortable world of middle-class suburbia, but also for the world.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;">Footnotes:<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;">1. "global action plan" - source - <a href="http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/</a></span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;">2. Millennium Development Goals Report 2010, page 5 <a href="http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20Report%202010%20En%20r15%20-low%20res%2020100615%20-.pdf">http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20Report%202010%20En%20r15%20-low%20res%2020100615%20-.pdf</a></span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo mine; taken in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, February 2008. </span></div></div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-79551206855614047092011-01-05T14:51:00.002-05:002011-01-05T15:27:22.669-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 27<div align="justify">Hello! Along with a new year, in my life, has come new responsibilities and opportunities, one of which is a new on-line course in which I have enrolled -- and which I would like to explore more in-depth today. And so, without much preamble, I'm going to get straight to the point of this entry: things number 79, 80 and 81 for which I am grateful.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">1. Words of Encouragement -- I think I've always been grateful for kind or encouraging words, whether in recognition of a job well done or throughout the course of an everyday conversation. Just yesterday I received an unexpected message from an unexpected friend -- and how it made my day! Though a seemingly "little" thing, it brought great encouragement to read those kind words from a friend with whom I have an inexplicable deeper connection. And what a gift to encounter these friends from time to time in our lives, people with whom we share a similar set of fundamental values for who we are and who we hope to be. And so I thank you, dear friend, for the way in which you brightened an otherwise hum-drum day.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Authenticity -- Is there anything more refreshing than the company of a genuine, sincere, authentic person?<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. Memories -- That the human brain can store and recall events and emotions from years past is a wonder to me! As I look back through my own story I am grateful for the memories that accompany me in the present, and will be by my side in the future. Memories are a little bit like history, aren't they: we have the opportunity to take them for what they are, to study them, and to learn from them far into the future. The funny thing is that, once some time has passed, I have learned to appreciate even many of the unpleasant memories (though not all! This is an "imperfect saint" writing here!), for I have come through those situations and they, too, have changed me. In many cases, they have taught me the value of speaking up when something is not okay. They have taught me to be assertive (not aggressive), to be direct, and to be able to look at a situation for what it is and to remedy what is not working well -- without taking things personally. I have learned not to wait for "the right moment" to bring up a topic which desperately needs to be discussed, but which nobody wants to touch with a ten-foot pole; I have learned that it is okay to figure things out as you go along, rather than sticking exclusively to a pre-set plan; and I have learned that, oftentimes, life doesn't go according to my expectations -- but if I choose to work with it, it often turns out even better than I could ever have imagined!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-3070264268064945682010-12-30T09:08:00.002-05:002010-12-30T10:09:44.827-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 26<div align="justify">Hello again! I trust you have enjoyed this Christmas season, with or without the crazy family dynamics and, shall we say, "interesting" moments where all or few are gathered. This was the second year that my husband and I were with his family for Christmas, and the second that we weren't with mine -- although last year my family blessed us with a gathering in November, which felt like our usual Christmas, complete with trimmed fir tree, the farmhouse decorated with lights, snow on the ground, and singing Christmas carols together as a family after sharing a meal together. I love those traditions! And, while my family certainly is far from perfect, I have always sensed a true joy radiating from them over the holidays -- not because of the material or commercial implications, but rather because of the opportunity it gives us to come together as family and encourage one another by our presence and, yes, sometimes also some small presents as well. Ahhh, homynyms!!!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">At present I find myself with the usual holiday sinus cold, but despite the endless blowing and sneezing I am inspired to write. Why today and not on healthier days? Perhaps I become more reflective when my energies are not sufficient for running around or cleaning the house; perhaps I realize how inconsistent I've been in writing; perhaps I just find pure enjoyment in the act of writing... . I think all three are true. And so, let me grab a mug of steaming chai which I've got simmering on the stove (yes, it's a home made brew, complete with cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh ginger root, a wee bit of anise and peppercorns, a bit of green tea, and topped off with some milk and honey!), and we'll continue this reflecting together.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I have long been one who weaves in and out between happiness and melancholy. First off, I suppose I should establish what I mean by those two terms; while some might argue that its just semantics I am convinced that it is of utmost importance to begin any discussion with the working definition well intact so that all parties involved might understand clearly what is meant by the terms in question. That said, this "happiness" which I mentioned above is something that I'm still trying to pin down. To my thinking, a more accurate, and perhaps noble, goal is that of <em>contentment</em>. To be content signals a balance of peace, perspective, effort, patience, and acceptance. Does it include <em>being</em> happy? Does "happy" mean a perpetual smile on one's face? Optimism? Constant euphoria? I know that, when left to my own devices, I can slip into a state of brooding -- a state which I have affectionately termed my "Ecclesiastes Phase," for it is characterized by my feeling that "everything is meaningless!" -- but, on the whole, I am generally a content individual. (I must also insist here that I believe that <em>contentment </em>and <em>complacency</em> are to very divergent things -- and I shall never strive for the latter). <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And so, I have grappled with the legitimacy and possible importance of this contemporary fad of seeking happiness. In all honesty, I was inspired to follow the idea of <em>The Gratitude Project</em> by Gretchen Rubin's <em>The Happiness Project</em>. I was feeling down, which, as I reflect back upon it as objectively as I might upon something in my own life, seems rather to be expected after a year of so many changes -- many of them positive, but some of them also difficult: moving to a different country and culture, then moving three times within that new country; leaving behind all friends and family save my wonderful husband; leaving behind a job and not having a new one here, as I still await acceptance for a work visa; and, what has hit me hardest -- and most surprisingly so, to me -- was the leaving behind of all social networks. Now, I am a true introvert in that I re-energize through time alone, but I also delight in the company of a few close friends and having the opportunity to be able to invite them over and share a coffee or dinner and, undoubtedly, wonderfully open and authentic conversation. Of course, there are also the daily acquaintances that one takes for granted -- the people I saw every morning and afternoon when they came in to get their morning cup of coffee or tea in the café where I worked, the hundreds of other students on campus and in my classes on weekdays, and the small community of friends at the church where I attended and directed music. And while there are moments when one feels they have too many social engagements or pressures (and I often felt this way), the entire and sudden absence of all is an incredible shock even to the introvert. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">It has now been just over one year since I left my previous home to come to my new one, and as I look back I can see all the marvellous changes and the slow, mysterious workings of the Spirit and our ever-present God. And all the beauty and hope shines far brighter than the difficult moments and causes me to be thankful for all that surrounds me -- but I still need help in those bleak moments. And so I reflect, I seek a more eternal perspective rather than a self-centred present-day focus, and I write it out for you and for me. And underneath and on top of it all I am content -- not always elated, but often smiling and, even in the difficult moments, hopeful of the redemption that I know will work its way in and then work its way out.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. Home -- I am grateful for a space to come to, a space which can reflect my life, a space to share with my husband and with others. I love to invite people in -- not huge crowds, but rather one or two people, or the occasional dozen or so -- and to bless them with food and music and a relaxing, inspiring environment. I am grateful for a roof over our heads, and one that hasn't been flooded as many homes have in Panama this month. And I am grateful that, despite the overuse of the cliché, home really is where the heart is -- where friends and family gather -- and that "home" can move around and be adaptable as needed.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Piano -- For as far back as I can remember, and then even farther, I have always been in love with the music that can be created on the piano. Such expression, life, creativity, diversity! And I find that my soul connects with something far deeper than the simple ebony and ivory when my hands come alive on the keys. I am grateful to have had parents who saw the importance of giving me piano lessons for more than a dozen years, grateful to my teachers who helped me to learn and to grow, and grateful for the opportunities I have had to share music with others from my heart.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. Keipo -- Our dog Keipo is such a joy! He's my first dog (I was always partial to cats before him), but he certainly is setting a high bar for any potential dogs to come! Of course, we follow the formula of exercise, discipline and affection for him (inspired by <em>el Encantador de Perros</em>, or <em>The Dog Whisperer</em>, César Millán), and we have seen how he thrives on this routine! I love taking him for an early-morning walk, and many people in our neighbourhood, along with some of their dogs, are already familiar with him. I've even had people stop me on the street to ask whether we have taken him to a private trainer (which we haven't). And he's very playful and obedient, and he always keeps us laughing with his puppy antics! He reminds me not to take things too seriously, to stop and smell the roses (at least, that what <em>I</em> do while he's sniffing out other things!), and to enjoy life -- which truly is easier alongside him and my wonderful husband!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-33751697497233282112010-12-10T10:19:00.002-05:002010-12-10T11:34:49.090-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 25<div align="justify">Is gratitude the same as happiness? Somehow I don't think so. Is it a step toward "being happy"? I'm not too convinced of that, either. Maybe it's just semantics, but I think that, oftentimes, happiness is overrated. A happy person isn't necessarily a fulfilled person or a contented person. And isn't it possible to be rather melancholy, and yet at peace with life? I believe so. Is happiness something to strive to attain? Perhaps; however, I'm not convinced that it should be our end goal. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">There are many subjects in life -- unavoidable themes that touch almost every person -- which are neither happy nor uplifting topics to be discussed; and yet, in order effectively to deal with such issues, they must be engaged. Things like emotions, illness, financial struggles, personal problems, questions about the future, discrepancies between a couple concerning how many children they want to have, or whether they're able to at all. Death, relationships, loneliness, aimlessness -- all are themes which touch our lives to varying degrees and which, if we are want to break past them and continue to heal and to grow, we must confront head-on and be honest about with those who surround us. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Are we happy during these times? With few exceptions, no. But these can be turning points which spur us on to brighter futures, clearer days and cloudless confidence in who we are and our ability to tackle certain undesirable situations and still come out okay. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And it is in these moments of honesty and transparency that exists the potential for some of the greatest connection and support between two people. Looking back to several of these moments over my life, while I acknowledge wholeheartedly that they were not happy times, I am forever grateful for them. Some of them have taken years to digest, and some I continue to attempt to break down and understand, but in the end all shed light upon the complexities of life -- of what I so selfishly at times call <em>my</em> life, but which, in its truest form, is life here on this earth throughout history, affecting the present day, and touching the future. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I find that <em>being grateful </em>is not always the same as <em>feeling grateful</em>, but in the end I believe they are connected and, thankfully, both states lead me to a place where I am not quite so exigent upon the people and systems around me; they lead me to <em>being </em>more understanding, more patient, and, hopefully, more kind. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And so, while my life is far from perfect, I know that it is beautiful, and I am grateful for the things -- both little and not-so-little -- which shape it into the unique existance that it is:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. Good Foam -- Few things in life excite me so much as ordering a latte and then receiving one topped with beautiful foam. Dense yet light, creamy and reminiscent of merengue, masterfully-made foam is a little taste of heaven! It transforms a simple latte into a tasteful work of art, and my coffee drinking ritual into a rejeuvenating moment that makes my spirit soar!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. The Colour Orange -- Even in the years before I studied a bit of colour psychology, orange has long been my favourite colour. What on this earth so quickly communicates such exuberance and cheer as this bright colour?! While some may be put off by its harshness, I prefer to see it as vibrant. Looking to colour psychologists, they praise the warmth and energy of the wide range of orange colours, as well as the socialization it inspires. According to Suzie Chiazzari, author of <em>The Complete Book of Colour</em>, the colour orange "frees emotions, promotes self-esteem and the capacity to forgive. This stimulating colour fights depression and cultivates good humour." Apparently, the personal attributes given this colour seem also to fit my profile: the list of characteristics that Chiazzari uses of those who often wear or employ the colour orange includes <em>active, competent, independent, competitive, impatient, motivated, creative, practical, full of energy</em> and <em>well organized</em>. I'll leave it to those who know me best to state which of these apply to me!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. My Computer -- Not owing to any particular make or model, my computer is among the things for which I am grateful because of the manner in which it keeps me connected to those I love. It enables me to communicate through the written and spoken word, whether for others or myself; it allows me to produce public or private creations, assigned or chosen works, and to access a whole wealth of information existant in the cyber world. It truly is a wonder!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-36694073130858802212010-12-08T19:03:00.002-05:002010-12-09T11:17:15.018-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 24Onward and upward!<br /><br />As my husband and I continue to be in an exceedingly drawn-out period of waiting for him to receive several months' pay for the job he is currently in, we are, out of necessity, holding off on decorating our home -- or buying living room furniture, of which we presently have none. Not a chair, a rug or even an end table. Of course, we are eager once again to enjoy the luxury of a sofa in our home, but we recognize that it is just that: a luxury.<br /><br />Although I admit that this time of waiting and of highly restricted budget has had its challenges and stress-filled moments, it has also offered us a time of seeing priorities more clearly. Things that we say are "needs" become exposed as the "wants" they truly are; learning to be content in all situations, whether in moments of plenty or of doing without, becomes a possibility if I am open to it; and thankfulness for what we do have -- each other, our health, our love, and our mutual support -- becomes our ongoing cheerleader and brings optimism to a seemingly hopeless situation. I have become grateful for many "little things" which I previously enjoyed almost daily and which, for now, are hopes and dreams for the future. And, in the extra hours which I spend in our home and not at a job, I have been exploring these dreams of what I hope is a not-too-distant future -- dreams which include the following things for which I truly am grateful. (As this post is going with an overall decorating theme, I have taken the liberty of including some photos which have particularly inspi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWUZGcGjFgsky3NqEwGaqgaM0CEtX0x4mXs1byXon2XMzpTGuHz2fRXRFoYMBnvIxYec71kks09ojAO3CYVN8wME-X6vBRWaP4r-3rsQKFBUwiiuUBOYs_i3W8wwnKxnjo1CDPqrTGtc/s1600/decorating+ideas+-+living+room+and+colour.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548716731232436274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWUZGcGjFgsky3NqEwGaqgaM0CEtX0x4mXs1byXon2XMzpTGuHz2fRXRFoYMBnvIxYec71kks09ojAO3CYVN8wME-X6vBRWaP4r-3rsQKFBUwiiuUBOYs_i3W8wwnKxnjo1CDPqrTGtc/s320/decorating+ideas+-+living+room+and+colour.jpg" /></a>red me):<br /><br />1. Painting -- Some may know that I had the privilege of working for a paint company several years ago; a job which, on the surface, would seem inconsequential but which, inadvertently, prepared me for a future love of painting once-drab walls with delightfully vibrant colours! The very act of painting I find relaxing, particularly the cutting-in -- which is the very phase which most painters abhore. In it I find peace, tranquility and beauty as I convert my home or another's into a unique work of art, and I look forward to the day when I can take this step with our own current home!<br /><br />2. Plants -- I need not digress about the richness of life that a potted plant brings to any room. Just imagine the inspiration offered by growing numbers of tropical plants which will someday grace the whole of our home! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N5KXXMoyMaG_Y2oZ9ielzm0UoYxsS23hShjrr0MKht7kH-b4y29jTYkuMU057cR7fEDauvEu1tXUk1Hc3mHhR8jPMfHBmPTunenk9lt9nsZWj_xaWtZVMddwPjwUKcesBNTa4WQLLic/s1600/decorating+ideas+-+living+room+and+colour+02.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548716723600259362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N5KXXMoyMaG_Y2oZ9ielzm0UoYxsS23hShjrr0MKht7kH-b4y29jTYkuMU057cR7fEDauvEu1tXUk1Hc3mHhR8jPMfHBmPTunenk9lt9nsZWj_xaWtZVMddwPjwUKcesBNTa4WQLLic/s320/decorating+ideas+-+living+room+and+colour+02.jpg" /></a><br /><br />3. Texture and Art -- Fabrics, area rugs, furniture styles and colours, paintings and photos framed along the walls -- these are just a few of the elements which make up any room, distinguishing it from all other places on this earth! And what could be more lovely than artfully grouping together such pieces as will bring added life, colour and vibrancy to our house?!Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-77929893823243344912010-12-03T10:57:00.002-05:002010-12-03T11:11:55.414-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 23<div align="justify">The list goes on!<br /><br />1. Potlucks -- Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed the excitement and variety offered by a potluck. And not just excitement and variety of food; the people who gather are equally as varied in personality, background and style. And the more, the merrier! What a great opportunity for each guest to share a dish with a personal touch -- undoubtedly also offering a glimpse into the type of food that she or he most enjoys. And there's nothing like a growing spread of food to encourage lingering conversation!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Caroling -- Whether participating in the act of singing for others or on the receiving end of carols being sung outside the door to your home, Christmas caroling brightens the lives and the faces of all involved. Warmth and cheer, giving and delight are all a part of the experience, and it offers a chance for neighbours and strangers to become connected in a beautiful way!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. The Christmas Season -- While I think that Christmas has become, in many ways, over-commercialized, I do appreciate and am grateful for the fact that it serves as a reminder to show love and kindness to those around you. It encourages me to be generous -- not in over-spending on things to keep up appearances or in an insincere attempt to impress; rather, in my words and my actions, and in thinking of others and how I might surprise them with simple pleasures. I have my Grandma and my Mom to thank for much of this: I was raised in an environment in which guests are always invited and welcome, and where hospitality takes on the form of offering food and drink, and encouraging conversation and genuine connection. This sense in me is almost innate, perhaps in part because of the ease with which these two women in my life have so naturally received and entertained friends and family, and in part because of the own value I place on relationships. In any case, I am grateful for the additional opportunities that the Christmas Season offers me to connect with those who surround me and to brighten their day in my encounter with them, however brief or extended that may be.</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-46412178998592875462010-12-03T10:31:00.002-05:002010-12-03T10:56:18.468-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 22<div align="justify">It may be considered cheating to post for more than one day at once, but I'm so far behind and have broken so many rules that, really, this whole activity cannot become much more inconsistent! :-) And, after all, I'm the one in the driver's seat here!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">And now to continue reflecting upon some of life's greatest gifts:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">1. Forgiveness -- I never cease to be amazed at the love and grace extended when one person forgives another. And I know that I have been the recipient of such grace far more often then I deserve to have been, for I know that, intentionally and unintentionally, my actions and words hurt those around me far more often than what <em>they </em>deserve. Whether because of selfishness, nearsightedness, pride, impatience, or imprudence, or a horrible combination of these, I know that I am imperfect. And I am working on getting even just a wee bit better day by day. And it has been a pleasant surprise for me to find that it is in my still-recent marriage that I most often have these opportunities to change what could be a detrimental gut-reaction and temper it instead with love and patience, with kindness and understanding. And to wait before reacting. I know my husband certainly exercises this kind of grace with me.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">2. A Simple Life -- As far back as I can remember, possibly in part having to do with my temperament, I have been drawn to and appreciated a life lived simply. Clutter makes me feel anxious, and meaningless running around and scrambling causes me to want to hide myself away. But true, intentional living I find synonymous with peace and integrity. From uncluttered and streamlined furniture to organized work and storage spaces, from a clean, uncrowded kitchen to a refreshing, restful bedroom -- all this, to me, speaks of calm and of life. I do not enjoy amassing things either out of boredom or a "must-have" mentality; rather, I prefer each element in my home or in my space to have a specific (or multiple) purpose(s) ranging from beauty to functionality. And simplicity with time is another crucial factor. What use is a simple home if the family is always rushing either around inside it or out to another event? A simple life, to me, must include healthy meals with loved ones, reflection, laughter, work, music, rest, and quiet -- all in moderation. This style of living breathes into me new life each day!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">3. A Change of Pace -- My husband and I just returned this week from three days in El Salvador, a country which neither of us had visited. We truly enjoyed our time there, between a bit of sightseeing, walking and relaxing. And leaving the comfort zone of our own home in a familiar city always makes me see things with new eyes. There's nothing like a change of pace to remind me how much I appreciate the life I do have, or to remind me of what is missing in terms of relationships and misplaced priorities! And for that fresh breath I am grateful.</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-61478775029692876822010-12-03T09:25:00.002-05:002010-12-03T10:29:21.509-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 21<div align="justify">Happy December to you all!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">As I sit down to write I find myself listening to Christmas music for the first time this season, and it lights me up inside. The very song playing at the moment is <em>A Christmas Jig/Mouth of the Tobique Reel</em> from Yo-Yo Ma's Christmas Album. I would like to share it with you <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5jufFWvp4w">here</a>; unfortunately there is no video, but at least it will provide some unconventional seasonal music enjoyment! <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I believe myself to be in good company as I express additional feelings of gratitude during the Christmas season. Whether you celebrate the Christ side of Christmas, or simply enjoy a different aspect of the holidays, I think you will find a certain inexplicable warmth and cheer underscoring these weeks to come. For many, Christmas brings many stresses as well -- shopping in crowded malls and stores, drawn-out searches for "the perfect gift," additional activities and events crammed into an already-crowded calendar, possible travel in less-than-excellent road conditions, and extended time spent with relatives -- but there are so many factors that bring pure enjoyment and ever-present reminders simply to delight in the present, as in the here-and-now, with loved ones and to make each moment a special memory for the days and years to come.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">It is in this spirit of anticipation and delight that my inspiration for gratitude is drawn today:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. Christmas Baking -- I generally draw much more pleasure from cooking than from baking, but the inevitable exception is that, during the Christmas holidays and the weeks leading up to them, I transform into a veritable Suzy Homemaker and find myself whipping up all sorts of delectable concoctions: piping hot beverages, sweet and spicy treats, and an array of goodies to have on hand for any impromptu or planned gathering with family and friends. And the possibilities are endless! With ginger, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and anise, one can create such delightful, flavourful goodies -- and, of course, they always taste better when accompanied by some egg nog, mulled wine or cider, spiked coffee or the like!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Sweaters -- While I do enjoy the ever-present warmth of the tropics, I have always taken pleasure in the coziness of those moments at home on brisk-cold winter evenings, wrapped in a sweater and wool socks with a mug of hot chocolate, a good book, and perhaps a blanket. And if there's a fire in the fireplace? Heavenly!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. Wrapping Gifts -- The adjective "creative" isn't one of the first that comes to mind when describing myself, but there are certain activities in which my creative side certainly does come to the surface and shine -- and gift wrapping is one of them. I can (and do!) spend hours on end choosing colourful paper, ribbons, tags and the like, mixing and matching them to create unique and truly personal gifts which express my love for family and friends both inside and out. After all, if a gift is an expression of one's esteem for another, why not extend that expression to the creativity involved in enveloping the token inside?</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-34175237863925334172010-11-09T08:49:00.003-05:002010-11-09T09:21:11.163-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 20<div align="justify">Greetings and Happy November to all! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I know; it's a tardy acknowledgement of the present month, but I've been M.I.A. for a few weeks now and am now crawling back with my proverbial tail between my legs, penitant for my absence. Had I been more disciplined, this would be more like <em>Gratitude Project: Day 53</em>, but I trust that my sole reader out there will be understanding and forgiving, granting me the freedom to move at my own pace.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I've been rather stuck in my own head space, which, in past experience, can become somewhat of a vicious cycle, difficult to free myself from its grasp, but I believe awareness is a good beginning in finding balance. And so, I share with you my three things for the moment:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. I am grateful for Colour -- How better to liven up a room -- or one's life! I am hard-pressed to find something which cheers me as deeply or as quickly as dressing myself in my favourite orange blouse, or drinking a coffee from my purple hand-crafted mug, or sitting in a green armchair with a good book or a glass of wine. And walls painted in bright hues -- divine! I was privileged to have a creative housemate who was as fond of colour as I, and we painted our house to our taste: a beet-red kitchen, eggplant-purple sitting room, avocado-green entrance and bathrooms, and mango-yellow hallways. It was fantastic! So cheery, so unique; one can leave their own mark on a moment simply by the colour she brings into a situation, and I love the creativity that such variations on colour inspire.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Smoothies -- Flavourful, colourful, healthy, and so many variations available! In my opinion, a smoothie is always a welcome addition to any meal -- particularly breakfast. My personal favourites are: a) Blueberry and Banana with a splash of Lime; b) Papaya; c) Peach-Strawberry; d) Raspberry. Of course, I've never turned down a smoothie of any kind yet! <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. A Cozy Sweater -- I always find it so comforting to cuddle up in an old, favourite sweater on a rainy or breezy day. Of course, don't expect me to get much of anything done aside from reading or napping; there's just such abandon in wrapping up in the warmth and comfort as though it were a trusty old friend. Ahh...thinking of such moments almost makes me want to move from the tropics of Central America back to the Canadian prairies -- <em>almost</em>!</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-29180081166325046402010-10-19T07:59:00.002-05:002010-10-19T08:31:35.812-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 19<div align="justify">Continuing along with the theme of my Keipo-eaten sandals, and true to my husband's word, last night we went looking for some new ones to replace my favoured old ones. We did, in fact, find a pair with which I bonded almost immediately and which fit the requirements of the job description, so I parted with a little more money than I would have liked to and they made their way home with us. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">This morning I decided to put them to use on Keipo's morning walk, particularly since our path was muddied by last night's falling rain -- and off we went! Unfortunately, at about the halfway point of our walk, I began to feel a slight discomfort on my left pinky toe and my right big toe...but there was naught for me except to push onward towards home. And, of course, as I quit my new purchase upon entering our house, I was greeted by two newly-formed blisters. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Aarrrrgh!!!!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Whether this is a lesson in forgiveness, in flexibility, in generosity, in patience, in responsibility -- or all these combined -- and despite how "little" an issue this may, in fact, be, it seems I will be working this out so that the lessons can work their way into my life and who I am. And I do desire to be more easygoing in matters such as this, so I will also be using my husband as a case study. :)<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And now, to share some things which I have already internally processed, and for which I am grateful:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1) <a href="http://www.vantagepoint3.org/">VantagePoint3</a> -- A few years ago now, I was blessed with an invitation from a good friend of mine to participate in <em><a href="http://www.vantagepoint3.org/index.php/tour/year_1___emerging/">The Emerging Journey</a></em> stage of VP3, "a lifechanging discipleship and spiritual formation process" which took the form of meeting with a group of 11 others on a weekly basis for 8 months. It was nearly the equivalent of taking another university course, and from the outset the VP3 materials make it clear that there is a significant commitment required on the part of each participant as far as the time, effort, and energy needed fully to contribute to and take advantage of this discipleship course. It was to be a year of even more growth and depth than I had imagined, and it truly has impacted my life. It had me asking more questions and seeking out more answers, looking at the true character of God and of myself, and working out how it is that God and I can work in tandem if I am open to what God presents to me. Much of who I am today -- at least, the positive side of me -- has been shaped by what I learned with the fellow disciples in VP3, and I would love to share the journey with others!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2) Laughter -- Is there any sound more pleasant? Of course, there are a few people on this earth who bleat out obnoxious sounds where there should be a melodious laugh, but, on the whole, laughter brightens and cheers, and brings two people or a group together. And I am so glad that my husband and I laugh often and deeply, enjoying the sheer pleasure and hilarity of any given moment!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3) "Pink Coffee" -- In mid-2009, when my nieces had just turned 1- and 2-years old, and I at the time working at <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/">Starbucks Coffee Company</a>, I was preparing for one of my frequent visits to my sister's apartment after work. Each time I went there I brought her a different beverage -- hot, cold, espresso-based or not -- and, each time, the girls wanted a coffee of their own. So I was ecstatic the day it occurred to me to bring them each a kids' steamed milk with some raspberry syrup so that they could enjoy their own "coffee" along with their mommy. And it was a hit from the get-go! They still talk about "pink coffee," and my husband and I have enjoyed introducing them to the world of creativity through beverages. And now that we are living in Central America, my eldest niece is convinced that I just don't get to come visit her because I have to spend so much time working at Starbucks! Ahh, the life of a child! </div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112887920606563076.post-63062298774653714442010-10-18T09:32:00.002-05:002010-10-18T10:09:08.409-05:00The Gratitude Project: Day 18<div align="justify">I so often fall so short of my ideal of the person I want to be. I know that nobody is perfect, which brings a bit of comfort...but that isn't sufficient reason for me to neglect my shortcomings and work to smooth out the rough edges of my character.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">A simple occurrance yesterday shone a rather fierce spotlight on one area in particular: how bothered I become by something being wrecked. I can deal with a broken dish or a cracked glass, or even the usual wear and tear on shoes, clothing and other daily-use items, but when something is suddenly destroyed "for no reason," as I find myself saying, it is a struggle for me not to fly off the proverbial handle.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Last night Ramón and I were getting ready for bed when he decided to check on our dog. He left our bedroom and immediately I heard, "Oh, Keipo!" -- and when I asked what had happened, his response was, "Something that you're not going to like very much:" Keipo had chewed off, in numerous pieces, the entire top of my most-used flip flops (thankfully, not my Birkenstocks!) and was working away at the toe, rendering the right sandal completely useless as just a sole. <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Now, you may point out, flip flops are easily replaceable. And you're right, they are. But, to my imperfect self, that is not the issue. The injustice, to me, is that my formerly perfectly-useful and very frequently worn (yet still in beautiful shape) and VERY comfortable flip flops, for which I paid $35 nearly three years ago, were innecessarily demolished by our one-year-old puppy. There was no need for that; he has other chew toys and knows not to attack our footwear, under pain of a <em>chancletazo. </em>Plus, despite the fact that my husband has been working for this particular bi-national company for just over six months, he has yet to receive any of his hard-earned income (thanks to the corruption and bureaucracy representative of much of LatinAmerica), and so, incurring such a frivolous and should-be unnecessary expense seems to me rather absurd!<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And so, in light of this, I found myself stewing in my own anger at Keipo's destruction, considering how to balance good stewardship with forgiveness, acceptance, patience, "need" vs. want (although these were my only footwear item which I could use for cleaning house and walking with Keipo when it's rainy/muddy, due to being purely plastic -- so to me it is rather clear that I do, in fact, require just such an article of footwear) and doing without in light of no income. And this same rhythm of thought/argument/struggle has characterized my life ever since I was a child. Why is it that I grapple -- for days -- with the idea of replacing such things for myself, yet have no qualms about giving much larger sums to a particular clinic in Haiti? Then again, is my reasoning aberrant? <br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">This rather lengthly prelude leads me to three things for which I find myself particularly grateful this morning:<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">1. An Understanding Husband -- Daily I give thanks for the man with whom I have been blessed to share life, and he never ceases to amaze me with his unending patience and understanding nature. I have much to learn from him; his immediate response last night was to comfort me upon the loss of my beloved right sandal and to say, "First thing when I return from work tomorrow we'll go in search of some new sandals for you, okay?" It just wasn't an issue for him: my sandal was wrecked and no longer useable, and so it must be replaced. Simple. And problem solved. Of course, his being so understanding and relaxed made me feel horrid about how <em>I</em> had reacted; and, of course, I knew that he was right. But I didn't feel any less twisted up inside by the "injustice" of what had happened. How is it that, sometimes when we feel the most loved and cared for, we also feel more awful about our true selves and undeserving of being on the receiving end of such understanding and generosity?<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">2. Turning Points -- I realize that this is sort of a lumped-together point, but I am grateful for the simple things in life, the everyday little occurrances which have things to teach me. Like, for example, paying the bills or cleaning the house -- I find that in these little acts of care and responsibility I am reminded of the importance of contributing to the world around me in a positive way. "Being responsible" has it's own reward, as things tend to operate more smoothly, but there are also little "aha!" moments that come now and again as I wash our laundry by hand, or bathe our dog, or prepare dinner, and I am grateful to have a family for which to care.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">3. Something Borrowed -- In light of my sandal-less present, my husband offered me the use of his sandals -- a bit too big for me, but still comfy and practical, and they worked beautifully as I walked Keipo on our freshly-rained-upon streets this morning. Whether a book borrowed from the library, a ladder from the in-laws, or my husband's sandals, I am reminded that it isn't always necessary to <em>own</em> an object. There is beauty in the sharing, in less-consumeristic actions and in making better use of what <em>is</em> around.</div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07675329654013447236noreply@blogger.com1