Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of August, 2016.

Oh my goodness there is such an amazing cool breeze filling the house at this moment.

I have all of the windows open to drink in this beautiful air.

It touches my arm and feels so good.

Comfortable for the boy as well.

We should have been up and gone for an early morning stroll as I had planned to do on my vacation days but alas the sofa called with tidbits of dreams that filled my mind.

Oh well, we shall walk later.

Last night later in the evening just as the last bit of sunlight filled the sky, Alvin and I sat outside on the patio sofa and enjoyed the stillness of the night.

It was so wonderful.

He loves to sit there with me any chance he has.

Yesterday was an amazing day every minute.

Started out with Elton and Casey dropping by to spend the day with me and Alvin.

We had a quiet early morning just visiting and going out into the backyard.

Enjoying each other’s company.

I guess it was just before ten in the morning when I head out to mail a couple of packages and to pick up some items to make a pot of chilli.

I was gone less than one hour.

When I was within ear shot of the house; I could see a big multi-coloured cat just leaving our yard and then I heard them.

All three were barking …. all three different voices….. all so cute.

They were happy to see me as I was happy to see them.

We spent the rest of the day doing bits of this and that.

A huge parcel arrived for me from my friend “V” back in Regina.

Some items were the tupperware that I had ordered when she was here to visit (she sells tupperware) and the rest of delectable goodies for my upcoming birthday.

There was an apron to match the one she wore when she cooked the best homemade soup on the planet and a beautiful mug in matching pinks and greens – birds of a feather – flock together.

There was a brownie peanut butter cup birthday cake and three kinds of cookies and I will mention here that two of the cookies were tucked into two of the pieces of tupperware and it was not until I opened them to wash them that I noticed the cookies.  What a delightful surprise.

She gave me a tupperware insulated lunch bag that is of nautical design and so nice.  There were two additional pieces of tupperware to boot and the winning $60 million lotto ticket for tonight’s draw.

What an awesome person she is, so thoughtful and kind and oh so generous.

This has been the week of wonderful parcels arriving at my house …..

In the afternoon my friend “P” stopped by to drop off some apples from her tree and was surprised to see me at home.

I haven’t seen here since I have been on vacation.

She was on her way to get her hair cut and I invited her to come for tea on her way home which she did.

We had such an awesome visit.

She loves puppies as well and they all got many a pat while she was visiting.

Mr. Alvin was just a tad bit jealous of Casey, I will say.

I made the chilli for supper and have enough leftover for the next million years.

I froze most of it …..

The kids picked up the puppies after work and after all their errands.

We had an awesome day.

Later just before our walk we delivered a Steeped Tea Catalogue to one of my neighbours and friends and of course had a wee visit.

Then we walked.

Then after I put the chilli in the fridge and freezer Alvin and I retired to the deck where we enjoyed the late night air and stillness of it all.

What a glorious day …..

I am so grateful to have such amazing family and friends.

I am so touched by the generosity and as I said most grateful.

Well time to get this late morning on the road.

My head was filled with all sorts of odd dreams this morning so I just let them happen.

Sometimes you just have to do that ….. even though there are things I should/could be doing.

After all is that not what vacation is for ???? to dream???

Happy Friday ALL.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” thank you, thank you, thank you.  You should have a parcel delivered today.  I have to check the tracking number.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

 

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of March, 2016.

It is a bright and sunny morning here in Edmonton.

Happy Easter Everyone.

After our early morning rise so that Mr. Alvin can eat and go outside; we went back to bed.

I fell back asleep, and then a bit later woke up and just laid there ….. thinking about life and people.

Today feels like a day more than others filled with Love.

We do not say it enough.

I wrote this poem many decades ago and it is for you …..

To all my friend and family ……

Have a great, great day …….

May you be surrounded by loved ones and great memories.

I LOVE YOU

There is something on my mind

That I want to say

I’ve thought it a million times

And showed it in many ways

And as my mind drifts

To some far island shore

I stop and think

How lucky I am

It’s you that I adore.

But still I find it hard to say

But yet it’s very true

In itself it’s so simple .

It is only – I LOVE YOU !

Written by Carol Lewis (1976)

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends all over the world ….. Alvin and I would like to wish you a very special Sunday …. Easter Sunday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday morning the 20th day of May, 2015.

The sun is shining at 5:50 a.m. here in Edmonton and has been up for a bit.

It is so nice to have lightness out when I arise from bed at 5:00 a.m.

I love this time of morning before the day gets loud and busy.

I love snuggling with Mr. Alvin on my lap as I write in my gratitude journal at 5:00 a.m. just after he has had his breakfast.

I love the SUNSHINE.

I love that the temperature is much warmer this morning.

I love that the temperature inside the house was 69 this morning without the thermostat on.

I love that I am me.

What do you love?

Take a couple of minutes and write down some of the things that you love.

Write down the first ones that pop into your head.

Just be in the moment.

If you do not have pen and paper just think list them in your mind.

My list could / would go on forever.

I love my daughter and son-in-law and grand-puppies.

I love the dew on the grass in the morning.

I love birds singing.

I love green grass.

Guaranteed you will be smiling and feel a million times better when you think about what you love.

I am so grateful this morning that Mr. Alvin is feeling better.

His Doctor said sometimes they get “bugs” …… too ( not the ones that fly around like a bee or fly ).

Have an awesome day ……

Life just gets better and better.

YAY, I have some extra time to snuggle with Mr. Alvin before I leave for work.

Always a great way to start the day ….

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

Special Hello to:  Hello family …… we miss you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of September, 2014.

Oh, what a gloriously beautiful sunny warm morning.

It feels like summer again but with a hint of coolness to the air.

You know the feel that you have in early fall.

It is so nice outside.

I spent a couple of hours outside yesterday (it was beautiful, too) mowing grass, pulling weeds, trimming back my roses (which I am going to pull as they just are not doing well), emptying most of my plant pots (a few were not affected by the recent frost) and just general tidying up.  It was glorious.

This is truly my favourite time of year.

Oh, I hear the geese honking up a storm as they are preparing for “winter” or travelling south.

Some stay for the winter ….. others do not  ….. I should google to see why.

Anyway …. they were flying by and saying hello.

I certainly have enjoyed this weekend.

How much better than this does it get:

-started Saturday morning off with coffee at my friend “G’s” house.

-then home and Penny had gone to the Vet with her Momma & Dad so decided that me and the boys should go for walk.

-we did, it was so nice out.

-then home mowed grass and did yard work ….

-laundry and some cleaning.

-made supper.

-went for groceries after supper.

-then had tea and watched a Star Trek movie or at least part of one. (I have already seen them all a million times, so I know how they end).

-then to bed …. snuggles with Mr. Alvin ….

PERFECTION.

I hope that you had a perfect weekend thus far.

Today I am off to work at the store.

Just enjoying a cup of coffee and some quiet time before I leave.

Have a great Sunday.

Do something fun today.

If you have sunshine ….. go outside and enjoy ….. no boots or heavy jackets …….

Special Hello to: my sister back in Regina ……. HELLO ……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – October 29, 2013

Chapter Three:

October 1, 2013

“Jeannie, it’s me, ” I say in a firm hushed tone as she turns her head to the sound of my voice.

October 2, 2013

Jean smiles at me with warmth but something is missing, and I want so much to believe that this is real and that we are all together again; safe and happy.

October 3, 2013

Alvin who has been still (which is highly uncharacteristic of him) suddenly pulls on his leash and brings me forward with a jerking motion, as we are now within touching range; my heart almost stops and I gasp aloud.

October 4, 2013

Suddenly I hear the sweet soft voice of my sister “Grace” telling me “Do not worry” as my mind spins confused; I do not know what to say as I just stand there close enough to smell their scents.

October 5, 2013

I can hear Alvin sniffing, and as I turn my head to see what is happening he has jumped up on Edward’s legs wanting attention, and the reaction is startling.

October 6, 2013

“Please stop”, I yell at Edward, as I dive toward them.

October 7, 2013

Edward had reached down and pulled Alvin up by his harness holding him tightly in a football hold; as my poor boy whimpered, and all the while squirming to get away.

October 8, 2013

I was only a few seconds behind Alvin as I went tumbling through the air, and much to my surprise landing in Jack’s arms.

October 9, 2013

All of a sudden I realize that other than the few words that I have uttered in the minutes that I have been surrounded by my siblings; that not one of them has spoken a word; how odd.

October 10, 2013

I now remember that Grace had told me “not to worry” but did I actually hear her speak those words, and in between the noise and confusion in my head, I hear my Alvin whimpering as he wants to get down.

October 11, 2013

At this very moment, I really do not know what to do; screaming for help will not do me much good, and besides they are my family even though I have a funny feeling they are not from here or maybe it is that I am not from here.

October 12, 2013

This just seems so surreal, and in the moments that pass I am unsure and slightly frightened by all that is happening but I do know one thing for sure – I have to rescue Alvin from his hold and soon.

October 13, 2013

In the next moment, I decide to speak to “my siblings” perhaps I can get the Edward to let Alvin down so that he will not be frightened, and as I think about it; Edward releases Alvin who runs to my side.

October 14, 2013

Everything seems to be happening so fast and so slow all at once … I am grateful that Alvin is once again safe near me.

October 15, 2013

I must do something, and then suddenly without warning I hear all their voices invading my mind, and then one at a time telling me all is well and that you are safe here, but where is “HERE?

October 16, 2013

I certainly feel like screaming my head off but that definitely is not the answer and, as I have been so preoccupied with Alvin and the “siblings”,  I have not noticed that the fog has already lifted considerably and I can now see what is ahead of us.

October 17, 2013

The colour and the clean lines take my breath away, and as the siblings steer us toward the building, I wonder, “Is it a building?”

October 18, 2013

Then I hear their voices each climbing over the other as they try to answer my question.

October 19, 2013

One by one and layer by layer I uncover what they are saying and yes, it is a building; it is where everyone gathers when they arrive here; “HERE” ….

October 20, 2013

Worried feelings enter my body, and I tremble slightly trying not to let these enter my thoughts as I know they will hear them and where is this place; how far have I travelled?

October 21, 2013

I have no idea what to do, nothing is familiar other than Alvin, do I run, will that do any good, what kind of arrival station is this?

October 22, 2013

Slowly, and with reluctance I follow my escorts, and of course, Alvin is right by my side (which is unusual for him) as we near the entrance to this place.

October 23, 2013

Approaching the entrance to the building each of my escorts falls into line with me and Alvin being in the middle, and as we enter the archway to the interior of the building I feel a strange energy raining over us; leaving me feel oddly clean and warm.

October 24, 2013

Alvin shakes as if he has been in the bath and oddly enough I feel as though droplets of water are hitting me with his every shake, am I going crazy?

October 25, 2013

Suddenly I realized what was happening each thought that was I was having was physically coming true, and for Alvin as well …. the water …. it all is starting to make a weird kind of sense to me.

October 26, 2013

So that being the case we truly are not on our planet or at least not on the same plane of existence ,so now what; I am starting to feel a sense of hopelessness but at the same time a sense of intrigue fills my mind.

October 27, 2013

As I begin to look around and take in our our new surroundings I notice how clean and void of bright colours things things seem to be;  and there is something about the silver, white, pale blue colours that is refreshing and almost healing.

October 28, 2013

All there seems to be are walls and columns, no desk or chairs and I do not even know if this would be considered an office or not; where are the computers and such and other people.

October 29, 2013

As I turn my head, and begin to rescan the room I notice a table with what appears to be a computer and behind it a bright green chair, and I know they were not there a few moments ago; my mind starts racing with visions of a million things.

Story Line by line – August 17, 2013

FIRST LINE …..July 25, 2013

As we walk along the water’s edge the coolness leaves my skin with goose bumps and prickles, as if there is someone behind me.

July 26, 2013

Alvin pulls on his leash and brings me back, the fragrance of freshly cut grass fills my nostrils; my heart beat quickens, and I am unable to shake the feeling.

July 28, 2013

The sky is overcast with a hint of sunrise peeking through and the leaves of the trees rustle in the breeze, and I think how did I get here? 

July 29, 2013

What does that mean, and what is making me think these thoughts?

July 30, 2013

All of a sudden the leash tightens as Alvin pulls me forward.

July 31, 2013

My body lurches forward as I fight to keep my balance, what is going on …. “Alvin,” I cry as things appear to be happening in slow motion.

August 1, 2013

Alvin turns his head and with eyes as big as saucers; I suddenly realize what is going to happen.

August 2, 2013

I had no control, and could feel my breath slowly leaving my body as it was happening.

August 5, 2013

As the fog lifts from my brain and I come round; I realize that quite some time has passed as dusk has fallen, and then the horrifying thought comes to my mind where is my Alvin?

August 6, 2013

My thoughts turn immediately to the searing pain in my head as I try to stand the pain is impossible but I must ….. try to….

August 7, 2013

I do not understand what happened;  partially putting things together, realizing my thoughts turn to my beloved Alvin ….. as I try to call out his name…. I feel something warm against my body.

August 8, 2013

Suddenly I hear voices off in the distance calling my name.

August 9th, 2013

As I start to focus on my surroundings, I realize that I am not where I was and things do not look familiar.

August 10th, 2013

I want to cry out but I am frightened, and I do not quite know why.

August 13, 2013

My mind is racing, please let it slow down so that I can concentrate on what I need to do, please.

August 14, 2013

Okay, I will open my eyes again and try to focus on what is around me, and all I see is nothingness, there is absolutely nothing, how can that be?  and where is my Alvin?

August 15, 2013

“This does not feel right” as I manage to pull myself up off the ground and slowly regain my senses realizing that the only thing the same is the coolness to the air.

August 16, 2013

This is absolutely crazy as I look around only to see; it is as if I have been plucked away by someone or something and placed in this spot surrounded by a deep engulfing fog; it seems like there is nothing else here but it, and I feel so alone.

August 17, 2013

As the veil of fog begins to lift from my brain a million questions flood my thoughts, and then it hits me!

 

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and welcome to Tuesday, July 31st, 2012.

Last day of July for 2012.

The sun is brightly shining here in Edmonton and it promises to be a GRAND day.

I just know it.

Everyone I meet and everything I touch is going to be magical.

Good things are coming today for us all.

What are your good things?

What would happen to you that would make you bounce up and down like a small child excited for an ice-cream cone or their dream toy?

Mmm, let me see.

What would do that for me?

Well actually a few things.

A visit to my family and friends back in Regina…..

To tell my Aunt Helen that I love her in person ……

To tell my “Dad” Charlie that he is the best and that I love him in person…..

A huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers …… I love flowers….

A shopping trip to West Edmonton Mall where I could buy whatever I wanted…..

To travel to some faraway place….

To be in perfect health and have all the money that I ever would want or need…. (so I could be home with Alvin and take him for walks in the morning and at night) .

I guess we could all list a million things but these are a few of the things that popped into my head….

Whoops, how could I have forgotten ….. to take a trip to New York City with my daughter ……

So keep that list in your mind and think of those things often and they will come about …… the more you think about doing something the sooner it will come…

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Peace and love to all.

Special Hello to:   dreamers …….

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

AMAZING SIGHT AT WEST EDMONTON MALL

Yesterday afternoon when I was finished my shift at Bath & Body Works, and on my way out of the mall.

As I going up the escalator, I quickly spotted a very unusual sight on the down side.

Can you guess?  I was so taken aback by these three guys.

There were three Buddhist Monks or perhaps Tibetan Monks, I truly do not know the difference.

They were dressed in the same robes as I have seen the Dalai Lama wear.

I instantly felt a warm feeling overtaking my body from the inside out.

I felt so wonderful.  As I am writing this, I cannot fully explain in words the feeling that I had as I passed them.

I also noticed that everyone all around them had huge smiles on their faces.

Isn’t that so great to have such a profound effect on others.

Without even saying ONE word or making even the slightest of gestures.

I knew at that very moment ….. that everything in my life was right.

That my path was clear, that my life from that moment on would be easy and fun.

Filled with amazing possibilities and dreams fulfilled.

I must say that I never in a million years thought that I would see Buddhist Monks in West Ed or anywhere in my life.

Unless I happened to be travelling abroad.

Perhaps it is a daily event for others but I was truly inspired and touched by these three unassuming men in their brown & red robes.

Thank you. Thank you.  Thank you.  I will say thank you for the rest of my life.

It is so important to keep your eyes open as you walk about your daily life.

You never know what you will see and how you will be effected.

Always, Carol

P.S. I wonder what/where they were going at the MALL.