Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 21st day of February, 2017.

Today was my paternal Grandmother’s Birthday.

She was born this day 116 years ago.

Her legacy lives on in her daughter and grand-children and great-children.

My daughter and I named our jewellery line/business after my Grandma Stella.

She was always full of surprises.

 

Yesterday was a quiet day.

I had coffee in the morning and a visit with my neighbour.

Alvin loved the attention and took advantage to say the least.

 

Well here we are back to work again.

The days off always seem to fly by but then again so do the workdays.

In approximately three weeks we will be moving our clocks ahead by one hour.

I do like moving ahead because it means less getting ready in the darkness ….

 

Food for thought.

Do you have something or someone in your life that makes you crazy?

In your thoughts all of the time?

Not in a good way.

Does this something or someone lead you to cry yourself to sleep some/most nights?

My advice:  if you have tried approaching the situation head on, and nothing changes.

Simple walk away.

Life is too short to be miserable some or most of the time.

 

Just my approach to life in my “golden” years.

Always surround yourself with love and light.

No drama.

Who needs it.

 

Have a great day.

I hope that you all enjoyed Family Day yesterday.

 

Special Hello to: You ….

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 10th day of December, 2016.

Skies are clear as I gaze out of my home office window.

The sun rise is beautiful.

Love to see blue sky and the SUN.

Chimneys throwing out smoke as the furnaces work to keep our homes toasty warm.

Another cold day in paradise.

I have waited for at least a couple of months since I first decided to do this Christmas Shopping Event.

I am so excited for people to come.

It is today from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Last night I was up until 1:30 doing preparations.

Getting the treats ready.

I iced 68 sugar cookies, made a Garlic Chili Cheeseball and my Key Lime Coconut Dip.  Both the cheeseball and the dip are made with Steeped Tea mixes and additional ingredients.

So excited.

I cleaned and I cleaned.

Set up the Steeped Tea table.

Set up the Dear Stella Jewellery table.

I removed almost everything from my kitchen counter to make room for the treats and stuff related to the “party.”

My kitchen looks so different.

Put things away ( will be fun remembering where I placed them ).

I must admit my house looks darn good.

All ready for people to attend our Christmas Shopping Event.

One of my friends from work makes all Natural Bath products and she will have a table. (Love to Scrub).

So three vendors.

So exciting.

I also did the prep work for my dinner party which is tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Well I have a few things left on my list to one being a relaxing shower before I get dressed.

Wish me luck.

I hope that you all are doing great and are having an awesome Saturday.

Stay safe, keep warm and do something nice for someone you know or do not know.

Spread the kindness.

Missing my baby boy.

Mr. Alvin is spending a couple of days at his sister’s house.

Too much excitement for him to be home.

He would be too stressed.

Special Hello to: my sister, yes we are to Skype tomorrow after supper.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 12th day of November, 2016.

Today would have been my Dad’s 83rd Birthday.

We did not have the best relationship.

He would not have won any Father of the Year Awards but at the end of the day; he was still my Dad.

We start the day with only a bit of brightness which may be the sun this Saturday morning.

I believe they might have forecasted rain for today but I hope that does not happen.

 

Yesterday my daughter and I worked hard to prepare for the Craft Show that we are attending today in just a few hours.

We readied our remaining jewellery inventory.

It is always an amazing time when I get to spend moments, minutes and hours with her.

She is the best.

I never tire of telling the world about this incredible woman that I know and she just happens to be my daughter.

My Steeped Tea Leader “C” will also be at the event with Steeped Tea of course, so that will be great.

I have no idea how big this is or how many people will attend but I am happy to be there with my girl.

 

Well this will be short today.

Please remember that no matter what your relationships are like with your family – they are still your family.

If we show respect and give respect there will be respect at the end of the day.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all those families torn apart by differences and such; life is too short; try to work for better days.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

P.S. Wish us luck with the CrAfT SALE today ….

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 10th day of November, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my brother who rests with the angels, he would have been 53 today.

Gone but not forgotten.

 

The mornings are now dark until I am at work.

It is dark now as I walk home from the bus after work.

Up in the dark and down in the dark.

It is that time of year.

Our walk last night was so beautiful.

I wore a long sleeved t-shirt and a vest instead of a jacket and was plenty warm.

 

Perhaps you are feeling a little blah today with everything that is going on around the world and in your life.

Here is something to think about or ponder.

Hope is what separates us from every other living creature on this planet, and our ability to accessorize.

Perhaps we are not the most intelligent creatures on the planet but we are hopeful.

( I used “ability to accessorize” from part of a line from one of my all-time favourite movies “Steel Magnolias” ).

So no matter what is going on around you just remember there is always hope, always.

As long as human beings inhabit this planet there will always be hope.

It is what gets us out of bed in the morning.

It is what gives us the drive to do better.

It is what gives us a reason to live.

 

Have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: my friends back home.

Always, Carol and Alvin

P.S. so excited for Saturday as my daughter and I are taking our Dear Stella Jewellery inventory to a craft sale.

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 15th day of November, 2015.

Today is the Birthday of my nephew “J” ….. he will be out of the hospital today celebrating with family, friends and neighbours.

So happy for him.

He has come a long way since the accident of last year.

 

This morning as I look out of the office window the sky looks like a massive snowbank with a hint of dark blue throughout….

Alvin is patiently waiting for me to go downstairs.

But because the little one remains somewhere I am doing all that I can upstairs before going down.

Of course, we were up at 5:00 and he has had breakfast and went outside.

I wish that the only living breathing creatures in this house were me and Alvin.

 

The weekend has gone by at a reasonable pace, I think.

Yesterday I had several break through moments …… I cooked again the kitchen …..

I even walked in my sock feet in the kitchen.

There were two outings one to the grocery store for me and the other, Alvin and I went for a wonderful walk.

It was really nice out in the afternoon.

One of our neighbours was out putting up lights.

The neighbour is covered in lights.

Looks so pretty at night all lit up.

 

Well my thoughts today are to just grapple the anxiety and get on with my life.

Each day I get stronger.

I can do this.

Thank goodness for me Alvin …. he is my hero.

Lots to do ….. will be a fun day, I am thinking.

Recording the jewellery that we will take to the craft sale in a couple of weeks.

Making some calls and sending some emails to see who would like to order some tea for Christmas.

 

Special Hello to: all those doggies out there, thank you for your support and love.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 8th day of November, 2015.

Oh my goodness such a wonderful Saturday had by this Momma and Mr. Alvin.

We started out having coffee and tea with our friends …

The room was filled with love and laughter.

So much laughter.

My friends are such great story tellers …..

After they left my daughter arrived ….

We put ourselves ready and were off to the Shoppers Drugmart Gala.

They had such good treats including the most delightful chocolate cake with pink buttercream icing ….. yummy ….. melt in your mouth.

The cake was made at the bakery in the nearby Save-On Grocery.

We played spin the wheel and received free items (makeup) and after making our purchases we received more free items.

Then we went to the grocery store and then home.

First thing after putting groceries away was to go with Mr. Alvin for a nice walk.

The weather was absolutely amazing for November 7th …… it was in the double digits.

I think about 13 or so degrees celsius.

We are making some new items to add to our Dear Stella Jewellery Collection and worked on them over the course of the evening.

Something totally different and new.

Very exciting.

We started the process last night …..

I made stir fry for supper which is my daughter’s favourite.

Also preparing for an upcoming craft sale.

This morning after we have pancakes for breakfast we will be working out how our table will look for the sale.

We are sharing the table with my neighbour.

Four feet …. that is what we will have for space.

Well I had better get this show on the road.

What an awesome weekend.

The sky is overcast but perhaps the sun will shine at some point.

I hope that you all had a great weekend.

Happy Happy Sunday everyone…..

Time for coffee and to make pancakes and then back to the jewellery preparation.

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of March, 2015.

Today is the 35th Birthday of my darling daughter …..

Wow, I cannot believe that she is thirty-five, where have the years gone?

It really seems like only yesterday she was in high school and now it has been 17 years since she graduated.

There are so many wonderful things to say about this girl of mine.

She is kind-hearted, kind of shy in a way but not, smart and funny and super talented.

As far back as I can remember she excelled in the arts.

Didn’t matter if it was drawing, painting or taking photos …. she was really good.

I could tell at an early age that she had the “eye.”

She just could visualize ….

After taking some courses through the City of Regina in photography and art classes in High School she entered the Arts Program majoring in film at the University of Regina.

Two years later she decided to take a break and regroup.

All this time she worked at least one job sometimes two.

One day she called me at work to “say that she had figured out what she wanted to do.”

I was elated …. she knew.

She applied to NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) in Edmonton for their photography program.

They only took a handful of applicants from all over the country and the likelihood of her getting in would be tough.

But she put together her portfolio with everything they asked for and was ACCEPTED.

The only student from Saskatchewan accepted that year.

Quite the feat.

During the two year program she took photos of “Buzz the Owl” at the Edmonton Zoo, photos at a cemetery, had friends model …. all for projects.

She even set up a cover for a magazine ….

Over the years she has taken photos of pets, children, families, weddings and nature.

In between we started our own “jewellery line” ….. Dear Stella Jewellery.

Now she takes photos of our jewellery ….

I could write for days of her accomplishments.

Today I found out that an art project she was working on with an artist and others will go to China to be displayed in a museum.

I am so very proud.

She has always been my special girl.

So today on her 35th Birthday I celebrate her life thus far.

Happy Birthday my Darling ……

May the next 35 be just as exciting and incredible as the first.

Special Hello to: my daughter on her 35th Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of February, 2015.

It is an overcast, gloomy snowy morning here in Edmonton.

It is bright and sunny inside my house.

As per my daughter’s request I made pancakes for breakfast.

We enjoyed them with real maple syrup (the expensive golden liquid) and fruit.

Love pancakes ……

Followed by a hot cup of coffee.

After breakfast Alvin and I danced to Sam Smith “I’m not the Only One.”

Alvin placed his paws on my shoulder and although he seemed to hold on for dear life …. I believe deep down that he loves to dance with his Momma.

At least in my mind …..

So far “Family Day” has been great.

We are just preparing to sit down and make some jewellery.

Some new pieces for our “DEAR STELLA JEWELLERY.”

We both being creative …..

My daughter is into so many creative outlets …… photography, jewellery, artist journaling and collage …..

So exciting.

Well time to get out of the pyjama’s and into some comfy pull on pants (sweats) and a t-shirt.

YAY ….. I have the whole day off and at home.

I am so happy when I can spend the day at home with Alvin and my daughter ….. not to forget the grand-pups …….

Unfortunately my son-in-law had to work today ….. boo to the Feds …..

Have a great Family Day to everyone, and even if you do not have it as a holiday I hope that you have a day to be with your family.

Time to go and get ready to make jewellery.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends …. Happy Family Day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day…..to end the year….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 31st Day of December, 2014.

The last day of this year.

I have been away from writing since my blog on Christmas Morning.

I just did not have words to write …..

Perhaps it was a good way to end the year.

Giving myself some time to reflect on the year and the holiday.

Yesterday when I was updating my excel spreadsheet with the purchases that I had made over the last couple of weeks; I came across a notebook with only a few pages written upon.

Crazy but they were from the first three days of January, 2014.

Usually in addition to writing this blog I write in a gratitude journal everyday.

This past week I have not written in that journal either …. perhaps that is why I feel like I am just wandering about and not doing much.

This is the entry from my gratitude journal and I would like to share it with all of you:

“DAY 1565, Friday January 3rd, 2014 – 5:05 a.m.

Looks like rain turned to snow overnight.

Still mild out.

Back to work as feeling better.

Using one of my new notebooks from Manda.

Hard to believe Christmas over and already Day 3 of the New Year.

I’m reading Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book – “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life.”

One important thing: watch judgments – as without opposites we would not be – can’t have short without tall, high – low etc.

I want to be only kind and positive.

I want to serve humanity and help animals.

Alvin is on my lap.  I love to cuddle with him.

Today is a great day.

We are safe, warm, happy, kind, grateful and alive.

I am a money magnet.

Money comes to me easily and effortlessly.

Thank you for this great life, and this wonderful day.

Signed with a “THANK YOU” and a “HEART.”

 

I guess this sums up my thoughts and feelings of late.

Sometimes we just run into a roadblock that keeps us from doing what we love.

I am happy to report that I am back.

It doesn’t matter if one person or five hundred people read my blog.

It only matters that I love to write it.

This New Year I want to add more to my blog ….. I did start way back when but got caught up with work ….

Photos are nice.

I need to share some of this past year.

 

Dear Stella Jewellery Open House in October.

Another Dragonfly adorns my front wreath this summer.

Creating a bracelet for the Bride. Wedding #2 and in Las Vegas.

Necklaces for the Bride

Diaper Cake for Co-worker at the Office.

Beautiful Sky near my Home

Fruit Pizza for my 57th Birthday

My brother’s neighbour’s baby calf …. so cute.

Flowers at my brother’s acreage.

Young kitten at my brother’s.

YAY, they installed a fountain in one of the small lakes near my house.

Front porch for fall.

Jewellery out for our October Open House – Dear Stella Jewellery

Well it is time to go and take down the Christmas Tree.

I usually keep it up for New Year’s Eve but then I was thinking about time over the next few days … figured better to take it down now.

Then I can get the house back to norm.

The sign says it all ….. Halloween Day at the Office

House decorated for Christmas 2014

Several dozen iced sugar cookies ….. yummy

Treats made by my friend “S” for Christmas…

Above my fireplace

Rudolph and Santa’s Elf above the fireplace.

Me by the tree on Christmas Eve …. opening gifts. Sure looked tired ……

Mr. Alvin with one of his Christmas gifts ….

My favourite thing to take photos of ….. the Christmas tree

Special ornament from my BF back in Regina ….. he looks so dignified standing at attention.

Sweet treats at office Halloween Lunch

Nutcracker Collection

The little Angels were made by my Mom and my daughter over twenty years ago.

Our big snowfall of 2014 – early in December.

Gifts under the tree.

Oh, how I love taking photos of the tree.

Ignore the wrinkly hand …. was eyeglass shopping. Bring on the hand cream.

More gifts.

Friends brought me coffee from their trip to HAWAII

This sweet treat arrived in the mail and I so enjoyed them ….. My friend send me a second batch and I still have some to have later.

Back yard.

“ME ALVIN” looking out of our temporary bedroom window …. a new place for him to look.

Okay time to go ….. I just could not help myself sharing more photos.

Have a great New Year’s EVE.

If you drink do not drive.

If you drive do not drink.

If you drink stay at home.

If you are out ….. pack a toothbrush and spend the night.

Happy New Year.

I wish only good things for everyone.

Me and Alvin wish you all good health, great joy, much love and laughter and abundance.

HAPPY NEW  YEAR.

We will be snuggling on the sofa and watching movies tonight.

Perhaps having some Bailey’s and coffee as I bought some for Christmas and have not cracked the bottle yet.

Okay I am signing off for now.

Special Hello to: every living being on the planet …. our hope is that you are all safe and warm.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 17th day of November, 2014.

Well another weekend packed away in the memory banks.

It was a great one and very busy.

That seems to be the state of my life as of life.

I can sum it up easily in one word “B-U-S-Y.”

Now busy can be tagged as negative or extremely positive or a combination of both.

Depends on how you look at it.

I tend to think of it as extremely positive…

The more busy I am the more I have accomplished.

Between a full-time job and a part-time job that has increased hours from 12 to 20 over the past month, home to look after, my Alvin, our jewellery, writing my blog and time for me….. well it is plum, busy.

I do like to be busy.

Luckily at this time my daughter and son-in-law are living with me while their new house is being built.

With them here I am able to keep this hectic schedule.

I do remember to take some time for me ….. likely less than it should be but I do take some.

I do love working at the store.

It does take a couple of shifts to get back into the “holiday mode.”

So that is my life at the moment.

Busy but wonderful.

I hope that you have a great Monday.

Special Hello to: all you folks out there who are working multiple jobs, keeping a home and trying to maintain your sanity.

All I can say is “take one day at a time.”

Always, Carol and Alvin