I celebrate my Feb 2 birthday all month, from beginning to end. :-)
Thank you for celebrating with me!
How do you celebrate your birthday (or other special days), dear Reader?
Northern Lights Southern Cross is a Canadian immigrant’s journal. My spouse and I have been living in Alberta for twelve years now, and this rugged landscape has become our home. These entries describe our journey through the days...our random thoughts, our lofty dreams, our faltering steps, our bright hopes. Please join us for a brief sojourn or an entire season.
28 February 2010
20 February 2010
19 February 2010
Two amigos and the man from Snowy River
Today my equestrian partner and I had the privilege of riding with a fellow horse lover, whom we named the man from Snowy River (because of his hat). The three of us had a lovely afternoon, despite--or because of--the fact that each of us had work we needed to be doing instead of spending a couple of hours on horseback.
The sun sparkled on the crusty snow; our horses ran with wild abandon; a small plane droned overhead, more than likely on its Springbank arc. On the ridge looking down over Griffin Valley Ranch the three of us stopped for a photo break [see here when Marilyn shares the pics with HB and me], and as I looked up at the huge blue prairie skies my soul saluted the scene below with undiluted joy.
All's right with my world today. Tell me about your world ...
The sun sparkled on the crusty snow; our horses ran with wild abandon; a small plane droned overhead, more than likely on its Springbank arc. On the ridge looking down over Griffin Valley Ranch the three of us stopped for a photo break [see here when Marilyn shares the pics with HB and me], and as I looked up at the huge blue prairie skies my soul saluted the scene below with undiluted joy.
All's right with my world today. Tell me about your world ...
02 February 2010
01 February 2010
39 random facts about me
NB: To read tomorrow. Here are more or less 39 random facts about me, in no particular order:
1. BIRTH:
It’s my 39th birthday today (Tues, 2 Feb). I was born on a Tuesday in Johannesburg at 8:20 a.m. to my parents’ (and siblings’?) delight. {Thanks for having me, Mom and Dad.}
2. CLOTHING:
I’m a jeans ‘n’ long-sleeved-shirt kind of girl, mostly because of our Canadian climate, but I always wear a dress on my birthday. I also like colourful handknitted woollen socks and scarves and sweaters.
3. FAMILY:
My mother-in-law is a sweetie and I am glad I married her gentle son. Not a single in-law joke comes to mind.
4. I have two older brothers and a sister (as does my spouse), two Leach sisters-in-law, an 18-year-old nephew, a 9-year-old niece, and our family’s newest little granddaughter (7 months); all the Leaches live in sunny South Africa.
Our extended Phillips family is scattered across a couple of continents and divided by two oceans. I am blessed by an assortment of in-laws and nieces and nephews (all of whom we hope to see before they graduate from high school). I am also happy to be part of a huge family of mostly charming cousins, living on various curves of the globe.
In our new home we have been adopted by the Little/Mung family with whom we celebrate the changing seasons of life in all its fullness.
5. HOME:
I love wintry Canada and feel privileged to be living here. I also miss my sunny homeland and consider South Africa one of the world’s most beautiful countries; most of all I miss the linguistic and cultural diversity of Africa’s people.
6. MARRIAGE:
In May I will have been married to my lifemate and travelling companion for 15 years. We met two decades ago, so this year I have known Robin for longer than I haven’t known him.
7. LEFT-HANDED:
I am left-handed—like my hubby and my dad and my cousin and my best friend’s mom and a couple of my schoolmates who all sat in the same row.
8. HIGH FLIGHT:
Unlike my hubby, I am fond of heights, I have no fear of small spaces, and I particularly like to combine the two and fly high in tiny planes. (One of my favourite poems is John Gillespie Magee’s “High Flight.”)
9. TRAVEL:
I love to travel—my first choice is by air. Rail is second, water a close third. Car travel is a necessary reality in a country this vast, seldom a choice.
10. In the past 15 years I’ve lived in South Africa, the Czech Republic (Prague) and Canada (Calgary and Cochrane, Alberta). I’ve travelled to/through 16 countries, and hope to (re)visit many more. We now have (pen) pals in many ports.
11. HIPPOS:
I freely admit to being rather fond of Hroshi, our hippo-companion, and her extended family (filled as they are with imagination and stuffing).
She is the inspiration for many of my as yet unpublished travel stories, which I hope to have the courage to share … one day. Hroshi says to tell you hippos are my favourite animals, along with giraffes.
12. FARM GIRL:
One of my favourite movies is Charlotte’s Web. Yes, I’m a farm girl at heart—”I had a farm in Africa”—and I adore pigs.
13. HORSES:
I finally took up horse riding last year—I’ve loved the majestic beauty of horses since I was a little (farm) girl—and now I ride a couple of times each month with a lovely partner.
15. (I have no idea what happened to #14. Sorry.)
JOY:
On most days I am a joyful little soul, full of life and laughter.
16. On other days, the lunar tides play havoc with my moods and I seek solitude (to protect the innocent) as much as possible.
17. TEACHING:
I have always been a teacher at heart, even before I studied to “become” one. I used to teach classes of hundreds of students (at RAU in Johannesburg) and I thrived in that chaotic, creative environment. Now I teach classes of under a dozen students, and some days it’s a challenge, I confess. But there is something special about knowing your students’ spouses and birthdays and habits and quirks.
18. BOOKS:
I truly admire Luci Shaw’s poetry and (the late) Madeleine L’Engle’s fiction. Their co-authored book, Friends for the Journey, is a favourite of mine, and one I’ve passed along to many of my writing companions over the years. {Thanks for introducing us, SBR.}
19. I enjoy reading (and teaching) literary classics, and plan on working my way through the Complete Works of Shakespeare this decade; I was invited to read a dozen of his plays at university for my degree, and enjoyed more than half of them.
20. WRITING:
I am learning to see myself as a writer—my preferred style, or voice, is clearly that of a correspondent. In 2007 I co-authored and published an anthology of letters: The Hippo and the Unicorn. I have finally and fully made peace with the process and the content. It is what it is: a book of letters between two unusual friends on a journey. Pure and simple. My former co-author and I remain friends and fellow writers, but are no longer working together.
21. This year I have chosen to work with a new partner—a fact which surprised us both, since I prefer to write alone, as does she—and we’re having the time of our lives. There’s something to be said for the serendipity and shared joy of co-creation. We’re currently writing a book together, and each of us is working independently as well. Watch this space.
22. LETTERS:
I fully intend to keep alive the dying art of letter-writing—send me your postal address and I’ll send you a sampling of words written in ink on real stationery, before Easter.
As an aside, I used to think there was no techno-hope for me, but I’m learning … s-l-o-w-l-y. I’ve even caved in to Facebook (‘twas my little sister who wore me down). No cell phone features in my immediate future, though!
23. HOBBIES:
I love to create. One of my favourite hobbies is designing and making photo-cards. Another is gardening. And napping.
24. I enjoy photography and assist my spouse during weddings, etc. He’s the lens; I’m the voice.
25. MUSIC:
I play piano (neither often nor well, but with increasing freedom and zeal). A couple of fellow players inspire me and prevent me from giving up altogether.
26. I prefer classical music, but have sufficiently eclectic tastes to appreciate a range of original composers and songwriters. I like lyrics that tell a story.
27. I do not have a good singing voice (or so I’ve been told in recent years), but I do love to sing. My favourite childhood memories include being in the youth choir at BMC. Last night, restless for some reason, I sang us both to sleep. (Since my husband does not know I cannot sing, he encourages me, saying my voice soothes his spirit.) I believe the Bible’s exhortation to “make a joyful noise unto the LORD” is meant for me.
28. WALKING:
Although I have the body of a runner—I was part of the track team at school for 12 years—I have the heart of a walker. I love to amble around my neighbourhood with my camera, taking photos and greeting folks along the way.
29. I love being in mountains, sun, rain or snow. I enjoy hiking. And did I mention napping?
30. WEATHER:
My soul comes alive when it rains, particularly when there’s an electrifying thunderstorm. As a child I used to go into the garden in stormy weather (a practice that wasn’t encouraged by my kin). As an adult I like to stand at the edge of a lake when there’s lightning (another practice that’s not encouraged).
31. I have tiny feet for my height, unusually long arms and large piano-playing hands—and my extremities are invariably cold.
32. FOOD:
I enjoy baking (in particular the tastebud-treats I receive from gifted bakers each Christmas) but not cooking, especially not complicated dishes. I am content to make (and prefer to eat) simple foods: soups, stews, salads, fruit plates—which can be quite attractive. My mom eventually gave up telling me not to play with my food. The fridge magnet “Dinner’s ready when the smoke alarm goes off” was made for domestic ungoddesses like me.
33. My favourite staple food is rice; my favourite take-out meal, Chinese. Robin and I will most likely go out to Shanghai Palace—again!—for my birthday (on Wed night, since I have a weekly Tues commitment with one of those rare people I’ve seen almost each week for a decade, and yet we never run out of things to say).
My favourite desserts include vanilla ice cream (like Snoopy, I’m a purist), PJ’s fresh-from-the-oven apple pie, and Wilmien’s milktart. And anything my mom makes.
34. SOLITUDE:
Although only my closest friends believe this about me, I’m actually a mild introvert (according to personality profiles), which means I refuel in solitude in order to have energy to be with people. Most folk see me only as a “people person” and don’t know my silent side—although some wish they did! My favourite sacred space is the Hermitage, a rustic cabin at a local retreat centre. I also enjoy King’s Fold, further from home.
35. BELIEFS:
Spiritually, my prayer is to grow in grace and wisdom and joy as I choose to serve my Creator God, with the power and encouragement of His Spirit.
36. I believe Jesus Christ is Who He says He is. But “prone to wander, Lord, am I; prone to leave the Lord I love.” This year my fervent plea is to wander less, and walk the talk more.
37. I believe in angels but have never seen one. I’ve seen a vision (once). It scared the living daylights out of me and I still find it nearly impossible to speak of, more than twenty years later. One thing I will say: the experience cemented my adolescent decision to surrender to the lordship of Christ, once and for all, no turning back—despite wandering off the beaten track into thorny thickets at times.
38. I don’t understand suffering, but trust that God has a purpose in mind for humanity and for all of His creation.
39. QUOTE:
Since I collect both postcards and quotes (and my friend Heidi says I collect people), I’m stealing this last quote about postcards from our pastor at DCC (whose 39 random facts about his birthday last year inspired me to write my own today). “I want my gravestone to be shaped like a postcard from heaven. I want it to read: ‘Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here.’”
1. BIRTH:
It’s my 39th birthday today (Tues, 2 Feb). I was born on a Tuesday in Johannesburg at 8:20 a.m. to my parents’ (and siblings’?) delight. {Thanks for having me, Mom and Dad.}
2. CLOTHING:
I’m a jeans ‘n’ long-sleeved-shirt kind of girl, mostly because of our Canadian climate, but I always wear a dress on my birthday. I also like colourful handknitted woollen socks and scarves and sweaters.
3. FAMILY:
My mother-in-law is a sweetie and I am glad I married her gentle son. Not a single in-law joke comes to mind.
4. I have two older brothers and a sister (as does my spouse), two Leach sisters-in-law, an 18-year-old nephew, a 9-year-old niece, and our family’s newest little granddaughter (7 months); all the Leaches live in sunny South Africa.
Our extended Phillips family is scattered across a couple of continents and divided by two oceans. I am blessed by an assortment of in-laws and nieces and nephews (all of whom we hope to see before they graduate from high school). I am also happy to be part of a huge family of mostly charming cousins, living on various curves of the globe.
In our new home we have been adopted by the Little/Mung family with whom we celebrate the changing seasons of life in all its fullness.
5. HOME:
I love wintry Canada and feel privileged to be living here. I also miss my sunny homeland and consider South Africa one of the world’s most beautiful countries; most of all I miss the linguistic and cultural diversity of Africa’s people.
6. MARRIAGE:
In May I will have been married to my lifemate and travelling companion for 15 years. We met two decades ago, so this year I have known Robin for longer than I haven’t known him.
7. LEFT-HANDED:
I am left-handed—like my hubby and my dad and my cousin and my best friend’s mom and a couple of my schoolmates who all sat in the same row.
8. HIGH FLIGHT:
Unlike my hubby, I am fond of heights, I have no fear of small spaces, and I particularly like to combine the two and fly high in tiny planes. (One of my favourite poems is John Gillespie Magee’s “High Flight.”)
9. TRAVEL:
I love to travel—my first choice is by air. Rail is second, water a close third. Car travel is a necessary reality in a country this vast, seldom a choice.
10. In the past 15 years I’ve lived in South Africa, the Czech Republic (Prague) and Canada (Calgary and Cochrane, Alberta). I’ve travelled to/through 16 countries, and hope to (re)visit many more. We now have (pen) pals in many ports.
11. HIPPOS:
I freely admit to being rather fond of Hroshi, our hippo-companion, and her extended family (filled as they are with imagination and stuffing).
She is the inspiration for many of my as yet unpublished travel stories, which I hope to have the courage to share … one day. Hroshi says to tell you hippos are my favourite animals
12. FARM GIRL:
One of my favourite movies is Charlotte’s Web. Yes, I’m a farm girl at heart—”I had a farm in Africa”—and I adore pigs.
13. HORSES:
I finally took up horse riding last year—I’ve loved the majestic beauty of horses since I was a little (farm) girl—and now I ride a couple of times each month with a lovely partner.
15. (I have no idea what happened to #14. Sorry.)
JOY:
On most days I am a joyful little soul, full of life and laughter.
16. On other days, the lunar tides play havoc with my moods and I seek solitude (to protect the innocent) as much as possible.
17. TEACHING:
I have always been a teacher at heart, even before I studied to “become” one. I used to teach classes of hundreds of students (at RAU in Johannesburg) and I thrived in that chaotic, creative environment. Now I teach classes of under a dozen students, and some days it’s a challenge, I confess. But there is something special about knowing your students’ spouses and birthdays and habits and quirks.
18. BOOKS:
I truly admire Luci Shaw’s poetry and (the late) Madeleine L’Engle’s fiction. Their co-authored book, Friends for the Journey, is a favourite of mine, and one I’ve passed along to many of my writing companions over the years. {Thanks for introducing us, SBR.}
19. I enjoy reading (and teaching) literary classics, and plan on working my way through the Complete Works of Shakespeare this decade; I was invited to read a dozen of his plays at university for my degree, and enjoyed more than half of them.
20. WRITING:
I am learning to see myself as a writer—my preferred style, or voice, is clearly that of a correspondent. In 2007 I co-authored and published an anthology of letters: The Hippo and the Unicorn. I have finally and fully made peace with the process and the content. It is what it is: a book of letters between two unusual friends on a journey. Pure and simple. My former co-author and I remain friends and fellow writers, but are no longer working together.
21. This year I have chosen to work with a new partner—a fact which surprised us both, since I prefer to write alone, as does she—and we’re having the time of our lives. There’s something to be said for the serendipity and shared joy of co-creation. We’re currently writing a book together, and each of us is working independently as well. Watch this space.
22. LETTERS:
I fully intend to keep alive the dying art of letter-writing—send me your postal address and I’ll send you a sampling of words written in ink on real stationery, before Easter.
As an aside, I used to think there was no techno-hope for me, but I’m learning … s-l-o-w-l-y. I’ve even caved in to Facebook (‘twas my little sister who wore me down). No cell phone features in my immediate future, though!
23. HOBBIES:
I love to create. One of my favourite hobbies is designing and making photo-cards. Another is gardening. And napping.
24. I enjoy photography and assist my spouse during weddings, etc. He’s the lens; I’m the voice.
25. MUSIC:
I play piano (neither often nor well, but with increasing freedom and zeal). A couple of fellow players inspire me and prevent me from giving up altogether.
26. I prefer classical music, but have sufficiently eclectic tastes to appreciate a range of original composers and songwriters. I like lyrics that tell a story.
27. I do not have a good singing voice (or so I’ve been told in recent years), but I do love to sing. My favourite childhood memories include being in the youth choir at BMC. Last night, restless for some reason, I sang us both to sleep. (Since my husband does not know I cannot sing, he encourages me, saying my voice soothes his spirit.) I believe the Bible’s exhortation to “make a joyful noise unto the LORD” is meant for me.
28. WALKING:
Although I have the body of a runner—I was part of the track team at school for 12 years—I have the heart of a walker. I love to amble around my neighbourhood with my camera, taking photos and greeting folks along the way.
29. I love being in mountains, sun, rain or snow. I enjoy hiking. And did I mention napping?
30. WEATHER:
My soul comes alive when it rains, particularly when there’s an electrifying thunderstorm. As a child I used to go into the garden in stormy weather (a practice that wasn’t encouraged by my kin). As an adult I like to stand at the edge of a lake when there’s lightning (another practice that’s not encouraged).
31. I have tiny feet for my height, unusually long arms and large piano-playing hands—and my extremities are invariably cold.
32. FOOD:
I enjoy baking (in particular the tastebud-treats I receive from gifted bakers each Christmas) but not cooking, especially not complicated dishes. I am content to make (and prefer to eat) simple foods: soups, stews, salads, fruit plates—which can be quite attractive. My mom eventually gave up telling me not to play with my food. The fridge magnet “Dinner’s ready when the smoke alarm goes off” was made for domestic ungoddesses like me.
33. My favourite staple food is rice; my favourite take-out meal, Chinese. Robin and I will most likely go out to Shanghai Palace—again!—for my birthday (on Wed night, since I have a weekly Tues commitment with one of those rare people I’ve seen almost each week for a decade, and yet we never run out of things to say).
My favourite desserts include vanilla ice cream (like Snoopy, I’m a purist), PJ’s fresh-from-the-oven apple pie, and Wilmien’s milktart. And anything my mom makes.
34. SOLITUDE:
Although only my closest friends believe this about me, I’m actually a mild introvert (according to personality profiles), which means I refuel in solitude in order to have energy to be with people. Most folk see me only as a “people person” and don’t know my silent side—although some wish they did! My favourite sacred space is the Hermitage, a rustic cabin at a local retreat centre. I also enjoy King’s Fold, further from home.
35. BELIEFS:
Spiritually, my prayer is to grow in grace and wisdom and joy as I choose to serve my Creator God, with the power and encouragement of His Spirit.
36. I believe Jesus Christ is Who He says He is. But “prone to wander, Lord, am I; prone to leave the Lord I love.” This year my fervent plea is to wander less, and walk the talk more.
37. I believe in angels but have never seen one. I’ve seen a vision (once). It scared the living daylights out of me and I still find it nearly impossible to speak of, more than twenty years later. One thing I will say: the experience cemented my adolescent decision to surrender to the lordship of Christ, once and for all, no turning back—despite wandering off the beaten track into thorny thickets at times.
38. I don’t understand suffering, but trust that God has a purpose in mind for humanity and for all of His creation.
39. QUOTE:
Since I collect both postcards and quotes (and my friend Heidi says I collect people), I’m stealing this last quote about postcards from our pastor at DCC (whose 39 random facts about his birthday last year inspired me to write my own today). “I want my gravestone to be shaped like a postcard from heaven. I want it to read: ‘Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here.’”
31 January 2010
Sunday snippet
On this last night of January, my heart feels lighter than it has in months.
May 2010 be a year of healing and hope, dear Reader. Sweet dreams.
May 2010 be a year of healing and hope, dear Reader. Sweet dreams.
29 January 2010
Pre-birthday reflections
Written on Friday night, Jan 29:
Since I'll be out all day tomorrow (8 to 8!) and I rarely write on Sundays--and since I have a work deadline on Monday, and Tuesday is my 39th birthday--I thought I'd post these thoughts tonight.
2009 was not an easy year, from beginning to end. My prayer is that I will learn from it, move on ... and never have to repeat that particular collection of experiences.
Last January we endured a difficult trip to BC (weather-wise), and on the way home we got stuck in Revelstoke overnight (combination of avalanche/mudslide/unsafe driving conditions). Feb. was fine (I ALWAYS enjoy my annual birthday retreat), but Mar/Apr/May remain a blur. Tax season is ... taxing, for both of us.
June brought a welcome reprieve from work; we stayed in Vernon-on-the-lake with dear friends, attended a memorable wedding in Penticton ... and I started a new hobby: horse riding, something I've wanted to do for years.
In July we travelled to BC again to photograph a wedding in Surrey. Although the day itself was gorgeous--and the bride beyond beautiful--the week was psychologically wearying. Rather unexpectedly, R experienced an emotional slide into quite deep depression, and in August we finally sought psychiatric help. (In retrospect, this is something we should have done years ago; if only we'd known then what we know now!)
August went from bad to worse. On the first day I got stung by wasps while helping our landlord redo the deck; R escaped for a week during the noise and chaos of construction ... and my brother had a near-fatal car accident on Aug 7. The next day I nearly got us evicted from our lovely home by starting a no-win argument with my landlord; he was unwell, and I was in shock after hearing Wal's tragic news--not the best combo for a calm conversation between fiery personalities. I tread carefully around certain folk at the best of times. This was not the best of times.
In August and September, both my sister and my mom were admitted to hospital, within weeks of Wal's accident. Mari simply contracted measles, while Mom's health complications continued to plague her for months, ranging from heart failure and other organ malfunctions, to the recent discovery of a growth on her cheek (finally biopsied this week) and cataracts on her eyes.
In October Robin's father passed away.
By Nov/Dec, we realised we needed another little holiday. A generous soul in California graciously hosted us, and we (i.e. my spouse) chose to drive the 40 hours from here to San Diego via Vancouver, joined by two BC companions with whom we'd not travelled before, between Christmas and New Year, in frightful weather conditions....
Much was learned by all parties during our very, very long road trip:-) Need I say more?
One of the trip's highlights shared by all was visiting the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo (the primary purpose of the trip for our youngest travelling companion); another was visiting the beaches in the area. R enjoyed his day on the USS Midway, as well as exploring various military museums. For me, staying with our host (whom we'd met in Prague in 1995) made the trip more than worthwhile. I enjoyed the company of all four housemates, but it was a comfort and joy staying home and reconnecting with my friend while the other three went out sightseeing and shopping and driving to LA and back!
{Thanks for having us, MR, for feeding us, for playing piano for me, and for being a gracious bachelor despite the invasion of your space. You were most kind.}
All's well that ends well, and R and I enjoyed our drive home from Surrey to Cochrane--with a more pleasant stop in Revelstoke this time around--just before school started in mid-January. These are my Friday night reflections as I head into a busy weekend.
Since I'll be out all day tomorrow (8 to 8!) and I rarely write on Sundays--and since I have a work deadline on Monday, and Tuesday is my 39th birthday--I thought I'd post these thoughts tonight.
2009 was not an easy year, from beginning to end. My prayer is that I will learn from it, move on ... and never have to repeat that particular collection of experiences.
Last January we endured a difficult trip to BC (weather-wise), and on the way home we got stuck in Revelstoke overnight (combination of avalanche/mudslide/unsafe driving conditions). Feb. was fine (I ALWAYS enjoy my annual birthday retreat), but Mar/Apr/May remain a blur. Tax season is ... taxing, for both of us.
June brought a welcome reprieve from work; we stayed in Vernon-on-the-lake with dear friends, attended a memorable wedding in Penticton ... and I started a new hobby: horse riding, something I've wanted to do for years.
In July we travelled to BC again to photograph a wedding in Surrey. Although the day itself was gorgeous--and the bride beyond beautiful--the week was psychologically wearying. Rather unexpectedly, R experienced an emotional slide into quite deep depression, and in August we finally sought psychiatric help. (In retrospect, this is something we should have done years ago; if only we'd known then what we know now!)
August went from bad to worse. On the first day I got stung by wasps while helping our landlord redo the deck; R escaped for a week during the noise and chaos of construction ... and my brother had a near-fatal car accident on Aug 7. The next day I nearly got us evicted from our lovely home by starting a no-win argument with my landlord; he was unwell, and I was in shock after hearing Wal's tragic news--not the best combo for a calm conversation between fiery personalities. I tread carefully around certain folk at the best of times. This was not the best of times.
In August and September, both my sister and my mom were admitted to hospital, within weeks of Wal's accident. Mari simply contracted measles, while Mom's health complications continued to plague her for months, ranging from heart failure and other organ malfunctions, to the recent discovery of a growth on her cheek (finally biopsied this week) and cataracts on her eyes.
In October Robin's father passed away.
By Nov/Dec, we realised we needed another little holiday. A generous soul in California graciously hosted us, and we (i.e. my spouse) chose to drive the 40 hours from here to San Diego via Vancouver, joined by two BC companions with whom we'd not travelled before, between Christmas and New Year, in frightful weather conditions....
Much was learned by all parties during our very, very long road trip:-) Need I say more?
One of the trip's highlights shared by all was visiting the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo (the primary purpose of the trip for our youngest travelling companion); another was visiting the beaches in the area. R enjoyed his day on the USS Midway, as well as exploring various military museums. For me, staying with our host (whom we'd met in Prague in 1995) made the trip more than worthwhile. I enjoyed the company of all four housemates, but it was a comfort and joy staying home and reconnecting with my friend while the other three went out sightseeing and shopping and driving to LA and back!
{Thanks for having us, MR, for feeding us, for playing piano for me, and for being a gracious bachelor despite the invasion of your space. You were most kind.}
All's well that ends well, and R and I enjoyed our drive home from Surrey to Cochrane--with a more pleasant stop in Revelstoke this time around--just before school started in mid-January. These are my Friday night reflections as I head into a busy weekend.
28 January 2010
Invitation to the Classics
Today's literature class was fun (for me, at any rate; the jury's still out regarding the rest of the class). We discussed the value of literature in an increasingly non-literate society, and examinded what makes a classic a classic. I emphasised the prevalence of classical (and biblical) allusions in our everyday language -- any examples are welcome -- and tried to instil a modicum of enthusiasm in my band of brothers.
Today I also introduced them to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, one of the most widely read and oft' translated allegories of all time. (Not everyone had heard of Bunyan or his classic work, which means I've already taught someone something new.)
I suspect this class, hands-down my favourite of the four I teach, may be quite a challenge in many ways. I have renewed empathy for English teacher John Keating in The Dead Poets' Society (played by Robin Williams). But I'm up for the challenge: count me in! Already I'm looking forward to our next class together ...
Today I also introduced them to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, one of the most widely read and oft' translated allegories of all time. (Not everyone had heard of Bunyan or his classic work, which means I've already taught someone something new.)
I suspect this class, hands-down my favourite of the four I teach, may be quite a challenge in many ways. I have renewed empathy for English teacher John Keating in The Dead Poets' Society (played by Robin Williams). But I'm up for the challenge: count me in! Already I'm looking forward to our next class together ...
Tea at Tim's
Twice this week already I've been surprised by the kindness of an unexpected gift (more than twice, but two occasions you now know of). Early yesterday evening my Can-African sister, WB, rang our doorbell and asked if I could come out and play. I could.
We fellowshipped at our local Tim Horton's, and feasted on steeped tea and sweet somethings of little nutritional value. Since WB is my faithful gym partner (I being the more reluctant drag-me-out-of-bed variety), we treat ourselves once in a while after an hour of exercise.
But yesterday was special: an early birthday treat, pure and simple.
We fellowshipped at our local Tim Horton's, and feasted on steeped tea and sweet somethings of little nutritional value. Since WB is my faithful gym partner (I being the more reluctant drag-me-out-of-bed variety), we treat ourselves once in a while after an hour of exercise.
But yesterday was special: an early birthday treat, pure and simple.
26 January 2010
Early birthday surprise
Before I leave the office, let me share one good thing about this week so far:
Imagine my surprise when I found a sweet little gift bag on my snowy doorstep yesterday ... containing a "really woolly" birthday card and ...?
I have no idea.
Without a moment's hesitation I added it to the other sweet little gift bag received from a BC friend in early January. You may ask why I wait until Feb 2 to unwrap my treasures: I always do. One of my annual birthday joys is going away by myself and reading birthday mail (and once in a while, opening gifts from sweethearts who leave them on my doorstep ahead of time).
I was invited to attend a meeting in the city (I try and take Mondays off whenever possible, but this one was too important to miss) and it went really well. A good start to the week, made even better by my unexpected treat from beloved friends-on-their-way-to-Vernon. {Thank you, A & C.}
Imagine my surprise when I found a sweet little gift bag on my snowy doorstep yesterday ... containing a "really woolly" birthday card and ...?
I have no idea.
Without a moment's hesitation I added it to the other sweet little gift bag received from a BC friend in early January. You may ask why I wait until Feb 2 to unwrap my treasures: I always do. One of my annual birthday joys is going away by myself and reading birthday mail (and once in a while, opening gifts from sweethearts who leave them on my doorstep ahead of time).
I was invited to attend a meeting in the city (I try and take Mondays off whenever possible, but this one was too important to miss) and it went really well. A good start to the week, made even better by my unexpected treat from beloved friends-on-their-way-to-Vernon. {Thank you, A & C.}
Tuesday of trials
I'm on my way out ... mostly because I always go out for a few hours of refuelling on Tuesday nights, in rain or snow or windy weather, but partly because I need a break from the office. It's been a day of one technological trial after another.
Signing out (with relief),
Techno Babe
P.S. Today did contain a couple of sparkling moments. More details to follow when I'm in a more sparkling mood myself. [Note to self: write about EGM.]
I said in an earlier post I'd write about my King's Fold experience, but I'm not ready yet. Maybe when I'm older (next week this time) and greyer (day by day) and wiser (who knows when?).
Suffice it to say, I'm going somewhere else to celebrate my 40th birthday this time next year! :-)
Signing out (with relief),
Techno Babe
P.S. Today did contain a couple of sparkling moments. More details to follow when I'm in a more sparkling mood myself. [Note to self: write about EGM.]
I said in an earlier post I'd write about my King's Fold experience, but I'm not ready yet. Maybe when I'm older (next week this time) and greyer (day by day) and wiser (who knows when?).
Suffice it to say, I'm going somewhere else to celebrate my 40th birthday this time next year! :-)
24 January 2010
Home from the Hideaway
Tonight I'm not going this write.
(This is me not writing).
But in the coming week I'll try and pour out on this page some of what transpired this past weekend at King's Fold. Anyone got some soothing vitamin E oil for the (growth) scars on my soul?!
Monday: Quiet Day. One unavoidable meeting only.
(This is me not writing).
But in the coming week I'll try and pour out on this page some of what transpired this past weekend at King's Fold. Anyone got some soothing vitamin E oil for the (growth) scars on my soul?!
Monday: Quiet Day. One unavoidable meeting only.
22 January 2010
The Hideaway
I'll post more details upon my climb down from the tree house where I'll be spending my weekend.
21 January 2010
Shanghai Palace and a frosty drive home
Twice a year Robin and I celebrate life by joining two of our dearest friends at Shanghai Palace in NW Calgary. T & R celebrate their birthdays in July and August; B and I in January and February. The wider family celebrates major public holidays and seasonal occasions together at home, and has done so for a decade already, but our Jul/Aug and Jan/Feb meals are reserved for the four of us alone.
Tonight--as always--we each chose a favourite dish and then shared the food among us. We chatted amiably for hours, and reluctantly said our fond farewells when it was time for the babysitter to go home to bed.
What a foggy night to be out! We could barely see the car ahead as we slowly made our way home from the city to our sleepy little town, shrouded in mist. The hoarfrost was a feast for the eyes, eerily visible along the dark edges of our limited vision.
Tomorrow I'll be sure to get up early and see if I can capture some frosty frames for sharing here.
Tonight--as always--we each chose a favourite dish and then shared the food among us. We chatted amiably for hours, and reluctantly said our fond farewells when it was time for the babysitter to go home to bed.
What a foggy night to be out! We could barely see the car ahead as we slowly made our way home from the city to our sleepy little town, shrouded in mist. The hoarfrost was a feast for the eyes, eerily visible along the dark edges of our limited vision.
Tomorrow I'll be sure to get up early and see if I can capture some frosty frames for sharing here.
20 January 2010
Olympic Torch
Hooray!
The Olympic Torch is passing through Cochrane today around 11:20. I hope to come down into the town after chapel.
Yesterday, my friend Annemarie Fairman (who was celebrating her birthday) had her photo taken with the torchbearer.
I'm reminded by these festivities that we are all to be bearers of light ...
The Olympic Torch is passing through Cochrane today around 11:20. I hope to come down into the town after chapel.
Yesterday, my friend Annemarie Fairman (who was celebrating her birthday) had her photo taken with the torchbearer.
I'm reminded by these festivities that we are all to be bearers of light ...
19 January 2010
MSF January retreat
Once a month I join a couple of friends at a local retreat centre. Mostly we spend the day alone, each in our own space, writing, dreaming, seeking solitude or the company of others. I choose to enjoy the lunch hour with my fellow retreatants, but silent meals are an option.
Invariably I return home from these days away refreshed in body and soul, ready to tackle the demands of home and work (and working from home, hence the need for a physical retreat from my home office).
Today I came home to more work than usual ... what with the looming deadline of two articles for a local denominational paper, the refining of my literature course, and several other odds 'n' ends left unattended to before closing my office before Christmas. Back in the saddle!
Invariably I return home from these days away refreshed in body and soul, ready to tackle the demands of home and work (and working from home, hence the need for a physical retreat from my home office).
Today I came home to more work than usual ... what with the looming deadline of two articles for a local denominational paper, the refining of my literature course, and several other odds 'n' ends left unattended to before closing my office before Christmas. Back in the saddle!
18 January 2010
January babes
If you have a January birthday, please let me know.
I've remembered a few ... but I know I've missed some.
Happy Birthday!
I've remembered a few ... but I know I've missed some.
Happy Birthday!
More Glimpses on a Monday
See link [here, once it's written] for an article I had fun writing today.
It was my privilege to interview local author and humorous speaker Connie Cavanaugh for the next edition of the Horizon. The monthly column I now write--More Glimpses--used to be Connie's; back then it was simply called Glimpses.
After hours of visiting with this dynamic darling, I came home and tried to capture in words some of what we'd shared ... no easy task! I'll tweak my first draft tomorrow. The right words eventually come (as does my deadline, sometimes in reverse order). Thankfully I work for the world's sweetest editor (who prefers me to write these articles so that she doesn't have to!) and I'm not behind ... yet. A nice feeling, so early in the year.
Tomorrow's my monthly retreat day at Mount St Francis: oxygen for a writer's soul.
EP,
off to percolate
It was my privilege to interview local author and humorous speaker Connie Cavanaugh for the next edition of the Horizon. The monthly column I now write--More Glimpses--used to be Connie's; back then it was simply called Glimpses.
After hours of visiting with this dynamic darling, I came home and tried to capture in words some of what we'd shared ... no easy task! I'll tweak my first draft tomorrow. The right words eventually come (as does my deadline, sometimes in reverse order). Thankfully I work for the world's sweetest editor (who prefers me to write these articles so that she doesn't have to!) and I'm not behind ... yet. A nice feeling, so early in the year.
Tomorrow's my monthly retreat day at Mount St Francis: oxygen for a writer's soul.
EP,
off to percolate
17 January 2010
The mystery of the missing cat
Last night R and I attended our seminary Christmas function.
In December, the students celebrate the end of the semester; in January, the academic and admin staff celebrate the start of a new term. I was surprised and honoured to receive a gift from my dean for having been an adjunct instructor for five years already. (Time flies, eh?)
I enrolled at the seminary in 2000 for an M.Div. degree; graduated in 2003; and began teaching my first course in 2004. Now it is my privilege to teach four (compulsory) courses: Basic English; Research Strategies; Christian Classics (my favourite); and History of Western Civ.
My history-loving spouse helped out as my consultant and technical advisor last semester. This year he has decided to enrol in a Master of Arts in Military History (specialising in World War Two). He enjoyed being my co-instructor and grew more comfortable in front of the class as the semester progressed.
At the staff supper, my colleagues and I had a splendid time solving a mystery involving the theft of a black cat ... and a widow's mite.
In December, the students celebrate the end of the semester; in January, the academic and admin staff celebrate the start of a new term. I was surprised and honoured to receive a gift from my dean for having been an adjunct instructor for five years already. (Time flies, eh?)
I enrolled at the seminary in 2000 for an M.Div. degree; graduated in 2003; and began teaching my first course in 2004. Now it is my privilege to teach four (compulsory) courses: Basic English; Research Strategies; Christian Classics (my favourite); and History of Western Civ.
My history-loving spouse helped out as my consultant and technical advisor last semester. This year he has decided to enrol in a Master of Arts in Military History (specialising in World War Two). He enjoyed being my co-instructor and grew more comfortable in front of the class as the semester progressed.
At the staff supper, my colleagues and I had a splendid time solving a mystery involving the theft of a black cat ... and a widow's mite.
24 December 2009
Christmas Eve
Tonight's service at Dalhousie Community Church was simple and sweet.
Each year Hank Klassen recites a story (or Bible chapter) from memory: truly inspiring!
What are the Christmas carols you most enjoy, dear Reader?
Any childhood memories?
Each year Hank Klassen recites a story (or Bible chapter) from memory: truly inspiring!
What are the Christmas carols you most enjoy, dear Reader?
Any childhood memories?
20 December 2009
Solstice: longest night
Each year we celebrate the winter solstice when the days start to lengthen ... and my spouse's spirits rise.
Retreat!
Once a year I go on a weeklong silent retreat ... to refuel and allow my soul to catch up with my body.
This week away from work and home remains an annual highlight. My beloved spouse supports my need for solitude (although, being the quieter of the duo, he doesn't share my yearning).
I am blessed.
This week away from work and home remains an annual highlight. My beloved spouse supports my need for solitude (although, being the quieter of the duo, he doesn't share my yearning).
I am blessed.
Mount Saint Francis
Note to self:
Post MSF photos taken by Debbie of sleigh ride and Greccio Christmas.
Post MSF photos taken by Debbie of sleigh ride and Greccio Christmas.
01 December 2009
Dec 1: New day, new month, new blog
Greetings, dear Readers.
I have moved my blog over from nlsc2009 to nlsc2010@gmail.com in preparation of a whole new year of writing. Feel free to drop me a line, leave a comment, or simply stop by at your leisure.
As many of you know, I blog rather sporadically ... but my hope is to capture at least a few weekly thoughts.
EP
I have moved my blog over from nlsc2009 to nlsc2010@gmail.com in preparation of a whole new year of writing. Feel free to drop me a line, leave a comment, or simply stop by at your leisure.
As many of you know, I blog rather sporadically ... but my hope is to capture at least a few weekly thoughts.
EP
11 November 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)