The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The sun is rising and it is Saturday. I am so happy that it is the weekend and that we survived another week. I think that for most of us that is a huge deal. I am grateful for the weekend and that I am able to be at home, in my safe and happy place. Surrounded by the warmth of souls that have come and gone and by memories. Oh, the memories do truly help keep you warm at night and give you the energy to get going in the morning. Happy Saturday.

Last night our friends Iris and pups Teddy and Kobi came for a visit. At first the pups just ran up the steps and into the house with every bit of energy in them and back and forth once inside from back door to front door. Then they stopped and started to sniff about and we both knew they were wondering where their old friend Alvin had gone. Teddy and Alvin have been best friends for many years. They used to have sleepovers and Teddy was here for special occasions and just for visits with no reason other than to see his buddy. Iris could not even mention Alvin’s name before they got into the car because he would get so excited. Iris is energy sensitive and reminded me that she could feel Alvin all around and where else would he be but in his house with me. She always makes me feel good and she gave me wonderful comforting words of encouragement and support and love. They are family to us. In between the tears we even managed to have some laughter. Where are the tears without laughter. Both are so important to us all. I love watching Teddy and Kobi as they ran about. They went outside at one point shortly after arriving and were sniffing around as I am sure they could smell their friend. Kobi loves to watch the neighbourhood out of our front window and she stood on her hind legs and took in our world. Teddy played with a toy of Alvin’s. Joy returned to my house for a few minutes. I am so grateful that they were in the city and stopped by. Iris and the pups had walked over as she did not have her car in the city only her husband’s truck. I decided that it would be nice to walk them home. So we chatted and walked. I ended up staying at their house chatting until almost 10:00 p.m. and then quickly walked home. Home safe and sound. Our neighbourhood is good but you never know. Even coyotes could be out. We looked at pictures from their farm. They have two new cats and I saw videos of the pups and the new cats. The new cats were used to dogs so it was cute to see them interacting. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I cannot wait until the next time. Thank you Iris, Teddy and Kobi for the visit. We missed you guys.

Today is laundry day and some cleaning. Then back to moving photos from the old computer to the hard drive. Too bad there was not a more efficient, more faster way of doing this but alas there appears not to be. Just a footnote to everyone out there – make sure that you store your photos and edit them. Through out the bad shots, the duplicates etc. Always.

Amanda is stopping by in the early afternoon after a dental appointment and before she goes to spend some time with her bestie. Both my “kids” were/are so blessed to have good people in their lives. Alvin had a village, he had our neighbourhood. Iris reminded me that it was Alvin who brought us all together. It truly was. He was the best guy ever and my longest male relationship. I am forever grateful for the relationships that he helped me make and keep for well over a decade. Oh, how I miss him. I am excited to see my girl. Always good to see her. She is the best.

Have an awesome Saturday. Take some time to be with family and friends and for yourself. Remember better to live in the moment today than to get hung up on the future or the days ahead. For there is only today as we are not promised tomorrow. Enjoy this day!

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

Living … One day at a time

Good Morning,

We had some rain overnight.

Yesterday or at least in the late afternoon we had a strong COLD wind.

As I was walking home from the bus, I was grateful that I had a warm coat and gloves.

Alvin and I went for our usual walk only it was not so usual.

We got as far as the “poop bag station.”

He had a poop turned to look at me and headed for home.

Okay, perhaps he was cold even though I had put his winter jacket on him.

So we had a short walk.

That might be part of the reason that he was up at 2:00 a.m. and then a few times after that until we were up to stay up at 5:09 a.m.

ARGH.

Definitely need COFFEE this morning.

I also am thinking that the later we go to bed the later he sleeps.

Or it seems that way.

We were in bed before 9:00 last night and five hour later we were up.

I guess we will go to bed later tonight.

I will get this figured out.

We have only been together for almost ten years …..

Relationships always require work …. no matter who or the type.

Work.

I guess everything we do requires work of some sort.

Ah.

 

Just thinking as I glance about my newly renovated (painted) office at all my photos, cards and books ….  how much I love this space.

The bulletin boards that my daughter made me for Christmas a few years back are finally up and filled with photos, ticket stubs, letters and poems.

My bookcases are filled with the books that I love …. each area special.

Books for children in one case with Minnie Mouse and a Bunny sitting atop.

Collectible magazines of Princess Diana and the Royal Family and some of my favourite people.

My purses hang on a rack on the door.

I have bios, self-help, and fiction.

All sorts of different topics and story lines.

I do love to read.

Right now I am reading Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming.”

I feel good in this room.

Best choice of paint colour ever.

I am so grateful to my friend for matching the paint to my handmade curtains “with absolute perfection.”

 

Well it is almost time to hit the road.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket.

Touching my foot as he is never far from me when I am at home.

For his sake, I wished that I was able to be home with him all day, every day.

This would be a great time to come into lots of money.

Mmm, a million dollars.

That would be nice.

A gal can dream.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Living your life always with kindness and respect.

Always.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 29th day of August, 2018.

It is dark out although the sky appears to be getting light now at 6:15 a.m.

No rain overnight.

The smoke seems to have lightened mostly and I hope that the fires in British Columbia and elsewhere are going out or have gone out.

I wanted to share another “Apple Crisp” story …

Last night with nothing left that resembles milk in any fashion; I opted to use the “choke cherry syrup” that Teddy’s Mom gave me.

It was so good, I may have to use it instead of milk for awhile.

The syrup was so good.

 

Of all the time we spend on this earth most of it is spent fashioning relationships.

We have positive and negatives relationships.

There are ones that make you want to pull out your hair and then there are ones that you simply cannot live without.

I think because we have both YING and YANG in our life’s relationships that keep us growing and living.

They keep us falling in love, in love and falling out of love.

They help us manage our lives.

Without relationships we would not exist.

In my opinion.

Even if you live on your own like me, relationships of all sorts play an important role.

 

My relationship with my four-legged buddy, Alvin.

He “loves me unconditionally.” (more when I have treats, of course).

He is happy when he gets a neck massage.

He makes me smile.

He makes me feel important.

 

My relationship with my daughter.

One of the most important of my life.

She is the best and not just because she is my daughter but because she is this warm, kind and generous human being.

She lights my day and night sky.

I feel as though she was my most best achievement.

Giving birth to her changed my life.

 

We have our relationships with our siblings.

My sister and I share this incredible bond.

Our lives.

We sound almost identical and are eighteen months apart, so not twins.

She has been there forever ( I am the older of us).

She makes me laugh and no one tells a joke like she does.

She is a great reminder of what was, what is and what can be.

I have two brothers whom I love very much.

My only regret is that I do not know them as well as I should.

Life happens.

 

I have relationships with people that I grew up with, school chums, work mates, neighbours and other folks that I have met on the bus or along my 60+ years.

They all play an important role in who I am.

I am what I am because of all of these relationships.

Mostly positive.

 

Well time to go to work.

I hope that you will think about your relationships as they are so important to each of us.

 

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and all of my girl friends.  Thank you for being in my life.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Afternoon and Welcome to Saturday the 4th day of November, 2017.

Well already it has been a great day ….

Up early …… my daughter slept over last night.

She had a dream about this REUSE centre located in our City and wanted to go at some point.

We decided after our pumpkin pancake breakfast to check this place out.

They carry mostly paper products ranging from cards to books and everything in between.

We were barely in the door and she noticed this cutting mat.

She has been looking for one for a long time.

It was brand new still in the retail plastic.

They normally sell for about $50.00 and our total including items for both of us was $5.00.

We both found lots of items that we will use ranging from cards to books to magazines to wall paper and stencils.

I found enough Christmas Cards to last me a lifetime.  Bonus.

We had a great Friday night after having homemade Chili and garlic buns with deep dish apple pie for dessert.

The tree is up and partially decorated.

I have all afternoon to decorate and do laundry.

After a busy evening and morning ….. it is time to head out for a walk.

Time for Mr. Alvin …..

It has been snowing with the sun shining this morning and into this afternoon.

Which seems totally strange but beautiful.

I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

Time to get this show on the road.

Thank you my daughter for a fun evening and morning.

Happy Saturday.

With the tree up ….. doesn’t get better than that.

 

Special Hello to:  special Relationships … those who are lucky enough to have them.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  with the sun shining the snow is sparkling like diamonds in a glass showcase.

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 29th day of January, 2017.

Looking like another beautiful day.

The sky is mainly overcast but the sunrise is peering through.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous here in Edmonton.

Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit with my daughter and the pups.

Alvin and Aspen are still figuring things out.

Aspen wants to play so badly with Alvin.

Yesterday, at one point we were up in my office and they had some “playful moments.”

Her size kind of intimidates Alvin but he tried.

Alvin would bark and Aspen would bark because he was barking.

Then he would playful chase her but remember she is quite big and almost took out a table that I have in my office.

So cute to watch.

He tried to do “the thing” you know ….. he’s a guy and she’s a girl or at least that is what it looked like ….

Milo just stood beside us and barked when they barked.

Of course, remember he is only 5 pounds.

We had a great visit and look forward to the next one.

We even took them all for a walk.

Looking so cute walking down the street.

Our three Amigos or at least trying to be.

Left to Right: Aspen, Baby Milo and Alvin.

Now Baby Milo has grown and is now 5 pounds.

Despite the barking which if my neighbours were home would not have been great.

Thankfully it did not last too long.

In time they will all be best buds.

Alvin is the oldest and it is definitely taking him the longest.

I guess that is true for older humans, as well.

Young ones learn quickly for the most part and the old ones well it sometimes takes a bit before they are comfortable.

Nothing wrong with either scenario.

Well time to get this ship on the water or time to get this show on the road.

We have had a great weekend thus far and have another busy day ahead.

Time for Alvin to have another haircut and bath.

We have or rather I have lots to do mainly some items but a lengthy list so time to get started.

Have an awesome Sunday.

Remember no matter who you are if you are meeting someone new it is okay to take your time getting to know them.

Taking your time is okay.

Relationships are not to be rushed.

 

Happy Sunday.

Almost February and then S-P-R-I-N-G …….. wonderful.

Our winter has been good but spring is always most welcomed.

 

Special Hello to: You, remember you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 17th day of January, 2017.

Another gorgeous plus temperature day in the hood ….. Edmonton.

We have been loving our walks and it is so nice to be able to get out for a leisurely walk with my boy.

I love looking back and checking on temperatures and what was I doing on this day.

So here is the memory for this day in 2012.

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

……………………………………………………………………………

 

Happy Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 ……

On this “cold” winter’s morn …… I hope that you are toasty warm.

I always get such a kick out of my dog Alvin.

We have this morning ritual.

As I have shared before he now thinks that he is a lap dog.

Which is okay by me.

But anyway back to this morning.

Most mornings when I go to pick him up …. he walks around for a few seconds before letting me pick him up.

This morning he stood still waiting for me.

Then once up on my lap.

He takes a few moments to stand in one spot and look around …..

He usually turns almost all the way around before he settles down in my lap.  Looking about the room.

(He especially took a long hard look at the bowl of bananas sitting in the middle of the table.  LOL.  He loves bananas, and has a bit every morning with me.)

But it is how he does it that is so darn cute.

He very gingerly steps one paw at a time … ever so carefully….

I love my Alvin with all of his little quirks … he always puts a smile upon my face.

Like now he is lying on the hall floor and was looking at me …. then he sighs and turns around.

I sure would love to know what he is thinking…..

But it is all of the little rituals, the things that we share …. that makes our relationship special.

The belly rubs at the top of the stairs each night after his supper ….

Playing fetch …. him dragging me along our walk … (not all of the time….)

Always remember it is the little things that make life great ….

I have a great life and I hope that you have a great one, as well.

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice who continues to inspire me on a daily basis,  and I think of her always …..

Always, Carol

………………………………………………..

Special Hello to: my cousin Janice …. my lifelong friend.

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 Tuesday the 5th day of July, 2016.

Overcast and cooler this morning and forecast for not so hot of a day.

 

I was just thinking about why are we here?

Should we not be here to be great?

We are all great in our own way, right?

Why is it then, that we cannot seem to get by the outside factors, such as: financial difficulties and bad relationships?

For some reason we cannot see outside our immediate “boundaries.”

I call them boundaries because they seem to lock us into the immediate and do not let us see beyond.

They are like a door that we just cannot open.

I guess something to ponder on this Tuesday.

If we could all just see how wonderfully fantastic and great we are ….. what a wonderful world this would be.

We are all great in our own way.

 

Well I guess it is that time once again.

Some mornings the time just seems to zip on by and that is one of them.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Just remember even when you are stressed about how much money you have in the bank and whether or not you can pay that next bill – that is not what defines you.

When you are in a bad relationship and cannot see the light for the madness – that is not what defines you.

You define you.

 

Special Hello to:  all my fellow human beings …. today do the right thing.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of April, 2016.

Today I reminded even more to live in the moment and to be happy.

You never know where life will take you and when life will take you.

So live that life …. live your life.

Even when things are not working perfectly …. whether financial or relationships.

It is not those that define who you are it is you who define how you will handle your finances and relationships.

So take a deep breath and relax.

Help yourself by helping others.

Helping and giving thanks is always a good thing.

It helps to bring that flow of energy in the positive direction.

Have the best Thursday ever …… lend a hand ….. be grateful.

 

Special Hello to: all of our Angels who are watching over us now and always.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 12th day of September, 2013.

Another gorgeous morning albeit it is only beginning to get light and it is 6:40 a.m.  🙂

That’s okay we are entering my most favourite season of all – FALL.

Now on another unrelated topic……. ( I am over 50 and it is okay for me to veer like this, LOL)

Wow, it is so funny how one can get caught up in the moment and forget that at that moment everything does not revolve about you.

Yes, I know it’s true.

Even though most days I think that it does (LOL, really laughing out loud).

Sometimes,  I get caught in a moment of frustration or something and momentarily lose my “positive energy.”

Now usually I do not let this reflect on “whomever” is around me but then I might retell the story later and that is not good.

I do try and put a positive “fun” spin on it and usually at my expense.

But I do try and keep my days and nights – well you know the waking time fun and positive.

I like most people have my moments of self-doubt and frustration over things …. usually it is money.

They say it cannot bring you happiness but on the other hand without it sometimes it is hard to be happy, too.

I should perhaps explain this a bit further.

Making sure that the bills are paid on time doesn’t necessarily define or not one’s happiness level but it is the stress that can disturb your positive energy flow.

Don’t you think that as long as you can bring the flow of money into your life and that you are healthy and can pay your bills in full and on time and … and perhaps have a bit to play with ….. that is good.

I hope that this is making some sense.

I will admit that most of my life no matter how things were  (health or finances or relationships), I always found the silver lining …. so basically I am a happy person.

I have always been grateful for what I have …. a roof over my head and food in my belly….

I was always grateful to go to school when I was a kid.

Anyway on this topic I could go on and on.

I guess at the end of it all ….. I would say:

I am a single over fifty lady who lives with her BF Alvin ( I do have human friends, LOL), I work two jobs, I have my own home and mortgage, I am in good health, I have great family and friends, I like to think that I am creative, I love to write and am working on a story and make jewellery with my daughter, love to have a cup of coffee with my friends,  and I love to live my life.  Somedays I falter slightly when things go awry but for the most part I am one happy lady.

So if any of this makes sense and hits home and helps I am grateful.

I hope that you have a great great Thursday….

Special Hello to: all those pet owners out there ….. HELLO

Always, Carol and Alvin

Sometimes there are rainbows hidden in the most “un” obvious places.

Roses are my rainbow.

Grandma Stella these are for you … from my garden.