Winter has arrived.

Just in case you're not yet aware: winter has now arrived. Officially in the next 24 hrs, but the weather is already here (and the snow & wind continues as I write).

Tonight we thought we would be hugging dh mere moments from now at the airport, but travelling from one coast of Canada to the other on the weekend before Christmas rarely goes smoothly (especially on the taxpayer-subsidized-airline... NOT like the other one we OWN STOCKS IN, where the staff are polite to us, just a few of the many owners... grumble, grumble, grumble). Anyways, dh's flight from Halifax was delayed this morning and by the time they arrived in Toronto, the airline had 'bumped' them off their connecting flight from there to Vancouver, AND the subsequent connection home to the island. SO... he was temporarily stranded in Toronto, where the next winter storm was brewing; they'd re-booked his flight for a Toronto-Calgary flight TOMORROW. Hmph. As luck would have it, he was put on standby for the next Toronto-Vancouver flight and was blessed with a last-minute seat, so should be arriving any second now in Vancouver. How he's going to get from Vancouver to the island afterwards is the next hurdle. We were supposed to be dining out tonight with his parents and friends of ours. Getting ahold of his parents to explain the situation wasn't a problem, but apparently I didn't have a phone # or email of our friends, so have left a message with the restaurant and am counting on them to relay the message. HOPEFULLY that goes alright and we have understanding friends. :)

Lest you think his travels are the only messed up thing today - our computer that recently had its harddrive replaced has decided to die. It doesn't boot into windows; all it says is "Disk Boot Failure. Insert System Disk. Press Enter." Now, wasn't it doing this 3 or 4 wks ago which is why i had the harddrive replaced in the first place?! Looks like it'll be going back into the computer place to get fixed... yet AGAIN. How very frustrating. Maybe I shoulda asked Santa for a money tree.

And then the pipe in the ensuite froze... AGAIN This is the second time I've been in there with the hair dryer thawing it out. THANKFULLY I got it flowing again and have left it dripping so it might not freeze overnight (I hope). I've got all the electric baseboard heaters in the house on at the momet; scares me to think what our next bill will be like, but when it's -3 outside and pipes INSIDE your house are freezing, it might be time to turn up the heat. LOL (to my credit, this particular pipe is in a north outside wall, and while it has insulation around it, the north wind apparently is not helping much).

Had a few moments of mindless eating today when I first found out dh might end up in Toronto overnight. Got off the phone, went straight for food. Humbling to know we are never that far away from that which we struggle against. ;)

The postponed neighbourhood hall party is SUPPOSED to be happening tomorrow morning, which means an early morning getting up there and organized. HOPEFULLY people show up... I ran into one local family in the grocery store late this afternoon who knew nothing about it. :( Keep your fingers crossed.

Anyways it's freezing down here in my father-in-law's office so I need to warm my toes up by the fire. I'll write again... when the computer is fixed, or I'm at the library, or back here, or something.
Namaste
~n~

Snow Day!

School's out - too much snow!!! LOL You might wonder why a homeschooling family cares when school is cancelled because of the snow, but my ds's best friend who lives next door goes to school, so it was one of the first questions ds asked this morning, "Do you think school will be cancelled?" when he saw how much snow we had outside. Indeed it was, and the two boys have been happily playing together all morning. We only have about 2 or 3" at our place, but there are a number of large, curving (treacherous) hills between here and town that the school bus would have had to navigate, so in light of that, no school (and La Leche League meeting and Tai Chi class tonight have both been cancelled as well). It's not often school is cancelled because of the weather out here on the mild west coast; 2 yrs ago when we had a wicked hurricane-force storm pass through was the last time - there were so many trees across the road, power lines down, that it really was dangerous to drive for a few days. But today, we shall enjoy the sun shining on the beautiful, glorious snow outside, and just enjoy building a snow family and fort and playing in it!

I think I may have just had the MOST delicious smoothie ever invented!! 1 banana, 1c frozen local blueberries, 1 1/2 c frozen local strawberries, about 2/3 L of homemade almond mylk, and 1/4 c E3Live, and about 20 whole raw cacao beans blended. DEEEEEEEEElicious. (I've also had some scrumptious raw vegan brownies today from Jennifer Cornbleet's book (dates, walnuts, cacao powder, agave, cherries) - and also some yummy raw mint hot chocolate... that's raw chocolate 3x already today. )

I've been thinking more (and talking with people in my life) about the disappointment of not getting that job... just sorting through the emotions. I am at a place in my life where I do not NEED to work (I mean, I can always USE more money, but the reality is that I am managing just fine - *WE* are managing just fine - with me not working full-time... yes, of course there are sacrifices being made, certainly, but it is a balance that seems to be working very well for our family in this moment). I don't necessarily WANT to work either - not full-time anyways - I certainly don't want to be away from my children hours every day, or to put them in school or daycare so that I can work a 'regular' job. That is SO not what I am wanting for my life right now. But I am often daydreaming of creative ways lure more income into my life...

Things I would be interested in doing for money in 2009 (LMAO, this may NOT be the list you were hoping for, boys - laughing to herself, she thinks 'are there any men who read this blog anyways?! I thought the only two readers were Aleesha & Charlene!!') -
1. compost pick-up and consultation services
2. raw food and juice feasting coaching and maybe even 'cooking' classes; I wouldn't even object to doing raw food catering or opening a raw food restaurant or take-out place... all things that have passed through my mind.
3. cob building - I am quite confident this is something I would love doing. The guiding principles of mudgirls (www.mudgirls.ca) REALLY fit with what I'm seeking in terms of potential employment.
4. reiki practitioner - I need more experience & training...
5. I would like to investigate Aura Soma and possibly become a practitioner, but I feel the costs are beyond what I am able to arrange at this point in my life. But Colour therapy is definitely something I'm interested in...
6. somehow incorporating these and even more of my interests and especially my interest in lifelong learning into a position where i could share my passions with others (writing, speaking)? i don't even know what this might look like, but I'm going to put it out there in the world, on this blog, and see what comes of it.

I know one interest I have right now that is really pulling at my heartstrings is living in community. This has been growing within me for some time now... and I have had conversations with my loved ones about how important I feel having a strong sense of community around us is. I have toured intentional cohousing complexes and spoken with people who live in, and those who would like to live in, some sort of intentional community (Google places like Windsong in Langley, BC or O.U.R. ecovillage in Shawnigan Lake, BC for examples, or read the book Ecovillage at Ithaca for another wonderful example). I don't know why this interest pulls at me so, but it does. I imagine the children going outside on pedestrian streets between the earth-friendly homes, having playmates of various ages around to play with and other watchful, friendly, caring, guiding adults around to converse with... a village of homeschoolers and beyond... Certainly I enjoy this sense of community from our local homeschooling families when the children are at classes together and out and about together, and I sometimes wish I could be surrounded by their positive energy and support more often than I find myself. I *do* so appreciate and am filled with such immense gratitude for the other hl'ing mamas and our wonderful LC; I *so* value their support and encouragement.

Another interest that is growing in me is in regards to WATER. I am really feeling such a pull towards speaking out on water preservation, on the protection of this vital resource. Our community water system at present chlorinates our water, although I think they are moving towards a UV system in the near future. I have willfully been ignorant towards the effects of chlorine on us - the more I read/hear/learn, the more I think chlorination is not protecting the health of those it purports to. We now have a chlorine filter on our shower, but the rest of our house water is as-it-comes from the tap. I really want to get a Reverse Osmosis system for drinking water.

Ahhh I have SOOOOOO many interests, I could go on and on. Such is the life of an Aquarian and lifelong learner. LOL But right now, I am feeling a strong need to get the children back outside to enjoy the sunshine and snow, and I also want to make the time to exercise this afternoon. I rowed 10 kms yesterday as I'd missed the day before and it felt great to go 10 km again - a year ago I was rowing that far every day but recently I've been very consistent with 5 kms a day and that feels really manageable and sustainable and it is good to be exercising (and sweating) daily, even if only for 25 minutes.

Namaste,
~n~

ups and downs

Yesterday was an odd day. A bunch of emotions floating through the sky of my life... First while we were driving, not 5 minutes from our house, I hit a little winter bird and killed it. I stopped and went back to it and was shaken that a life had been lost at my hands. It was just a day of different emotions - some good moments, some challenging... I found parenting a little challenging as we were finishing up our Christmas shopping; the little people simply did NOT want to go at a speed I wanted to go at - a little battle of the wills as they wanted to stomp in every patch of snow downtown they could find, and I just wanted to get out of the COLD and get the errands DONE... LOL I exercised a lot of patience and restraint!!! We had a really nice stop at Cafe Bliss yesterday and although I was a little disappointed the book I'd asked to be put aside had been sold accidentally, the food made up for it. I enjoyed a raw pizza and salad and the kids had a kids' plate with fruits and veggies and nuts and we loved the mint hot chocolates (raw) and a little smoothie one of the kids had. The food was such a welcome break to the errands of the day. Nonetheless we have now completed our holiday shopping and only have wrapping and delivering now, and some holiday baking to make as gifts as well. Oh, and the other disappointing news of yesterday was that although I was shortlisted for the marriage commissioner job and went for the interview and they called references, I was not one of the two successful applicants. Here I had a 50% chance, and I blew it. :( Bummer. It made me think (long and hard) about the many times in my life where when I've really wanted something to work out one way, it doesn't, and leaves me filled with disappointment and then typically I end up going down another path altogether or coming back to this path much later, from another angle. (how's that for cryptic) Anyways I was reminded of when I first came out of high school, applied to only one post-secondary institution, CERTAIN i would be accepted, and when faced with a rejection letter mid-summer, scrambled to make alternate plans for the fall, all the while dealing with the disappointment of putting just one egg in my basket, only to have it not hatch. You'd think I would've learned, but this pattern has happened a couple times in my life. Always good to have a Plan B, I guess. I wasn't looking for f/t work (not that this was), but what attracted me to this position were the flexible hours. Anyways, I think at this moment, with 4 volunteer positions and trying to fit in Reiki sessions and homeschooling, I am probably busy enough.

But still, generally a little disappointed about yesterday.
~n~

HOLY CRAP it's COLD.

Well, okay, so it's not -42 with windchill like it is in Winterpeg, but -18 on the West Coast is nothing to act smug about. I cannot begin to tell you how dreadfully COLD it is. The WIND, my friend, the WIND is soooooooo strong and unrelenting and well, cold. If it weren't for the wind, it would be quite bearable, maybe -2 or -3; still cold, but bearable. But this North Wind is just insanely cold. I realize we're not an isolated pocket here on the West Coast - apparently most of Canada is in a deep freeze. Global climate chaos, anyone?! I've NEVER experienced anything quite this cold here. Never in my multiple decades of life. LOL

Well, enough of that sob story, eh. The power was out for, oh, 6 hrs today. After the first hour the inside temperature of the house had dropped (because of that wind) from 20C to 10C, at which point I got the woodstove going. Made the kids soup and then pasta for dinner on it, and we warmed ourselves in front of it while playing boardgames and singing carols.

Today I am REALLY truly grateful for the employees of the local electricity utility that work crazy hours and go out in all kinds of crazy weather so that people like me can enjoy warmth and comfort from inside our homes while the crazy weather whirls around us.
I am grateful for enough cut, dried firewood and for the trees which gave their lives to heat my home. (I am reminded that 2 yrs ago when we were without power for 3 days we had none.)
I am grateful for having lots of candles (PartyLite ones).
I am grateful dh returns home in just 6 more sleeps (weather co-operating).
I am grateful for being able to postpone the community christmas party until next weekend, when dh will be home and able to come. And I am grateful for the wonderful community support I receive.
I am grateful for hot water.
I am grateful for clean dishes and clean, warm, dry clothes.
I am grateful that the two friends who came over yesterday allowed me to share my Reiki skills with them, that they would let me into their space. I am deeply honoured.
I am grateful for the winter wind, which makes me even more grateful to be inside a warm, cozy bed, in a warm, cozy home.
I am so very grateful for my children who love to snuggle and who I enjoyed playing boardgames with today, and watching them decorate gingerbread people, and I just feel so honoured to be a part of their lives.

power's out

windy and cold - VERY cold - here. light dusting of snow on the ground, currently -1. Power just went out (I'm running on a uninterrupted power supply unit with the computer, but time is of the essence... must shut down momentarily). Will post again once it's up (shouldn't be long; not more than a couple hrs anyways).

Neighbourhood christmas party this morning was cancelled as the local community hall was without power (no good having a party in the dark, cold hall). Postponsed it until next Sunday.

Must go now. Beeping loudly at me.
~n~

animals

forgot to mention that a hummingbird came to the window as i finished up the first reiki session. this is what i found out about hummingbirds on the web:

Hummingbird comes when we need to spend time soaking in the love of nature so we can learn how to integrate joy into our lives.

The hummingbird brings us the gift of beauty... When the hummingbird flies into our lives it can indicate a need within ourselves to complete a specific lesson that we have been avoiding... Hummingbirds have the advantage of seeing things from all angles and can show us how to expand our perceptions... The hummingbird serves to remind us of the beauty and wonder of the world. While their speed and sound may sometimes startle us, they help pull our attention out of the mundane so that we can acknowledge and appreciate the beauty of Creation.

isn't that beautiful? Also saw a raccoon (who visits daily) around the same time. we have a couple of them who come and eat the cat food (we have outdoor cats) - lately they've been around very regularly. a little odd to see them out in the daytime, however. here's what i read about raccoons:

Symbolically hands represent holding or receiving. If raccoon appears to you it might be asking you to let go of a situation, person or habit. On the other hand it could be telling you to reach out and embrace the gifts being offered to you by Great Spirit. Extremely curious it leaves no stone unturned. Curiosity has its advantages and its disadvantages. Following ones curiosity can open doorways into new and exciting territory, although curiosity applied without caution can lead to trouble. These masked bandits are persistent robbers and do not tire easily. Because of its masked face the raccoon holds the energies of disguise, magic, and secrecy. Hiding behind its mask it can take on several identities at once and play out different roles. Seldom does it reveal its true identity. It loves adventure and leads us down a road to new discoveries. Shape shifting is part of its magic. Raccoons have an air of indifference around them when caught in the act of a robbery (so true!!). Strong and muscular the raccoon can hold its ground in most all situations and teaches us to do the same. The raccoon holds the gift of transformation. When it appears in a persons life the many faces of self are about to be revealed.

Saturday

Another Saturday night at home, snuggled in with the kids, warm in our beautiful (if unfinished) home. The snow is falling (first of the season) gently outside, and the Christmas lights on the cedar tree in the front yard look beautiful, with the branches dusted with snow. The children went to a friend's birthday party this morning while I gave Reiki to two friends here at home. I've got the soup for the community christmas party (which is tomorrow morning, btw) made, the buns made, in the morning I'll cut up veggies and make dip, rice krispie squares (festive ones, ;) made, (vegan) chocolate gingerbread cupcakes made, and 5 dz gingerbread people made, with icing and decorations ready for little ones to decorate. Got the CD player and holiday music, the extra presents for Santa to hand out, the elf costume, the crafts and art supplies... PHEW. Have I remembered everything?! Let's just hope the snow that's falling doesn't stop people from coming out tomorrow morning.

Last night I read The Hidden Messages in Water by Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher. If you haven't gotten into reading or watching (on DVD) any of his work, I highly recommend it. When I have more time than I presently have, I'll share what really excited me about this book I read last night. Not every day that you find a book that you just can't put down, a book that you have to read cover-to-cover before going to sleep.

Have you heard of the movie, What the Bleep Do We Know? I had to look this one up on Wikipedia... or you can check out the website at www.whatthebleep.com/ It looks like a movie I'd enjoy... but maybe it's only me who hasn't heard of it; after all, it originally came out in 2004. That's only 4 yrs to hear of it out here where we get no radio, no tv signals, and no newspaper... LOL just kidding on that last one. But I am pretty out-of-touch with the Continent (meaning North America). Just to show you I'm not completely out of touch, though, I am aware of some kind of global economic crisis apparently goin' on at the moment. Hasn't really affected my reality here on the Island, but I guess it might one day. Alls I know is I'm gonna grow some more food for my family in 2009, travel less (not hard to do since 2008 was a banner year for travel in this household; now we're so flat-assed broke we couldn't get off Paradise (aka this Island) if we wanted to - LMAO), and um, well, that's all I can think of right now. See? I'm not completely out-of-touch. (well, so maybe I am. LOL)

But at the moment it's gettin close to 10, and even if it is Saturday night (and i pretend i don't have anything better to do), young children need sleep if they're going to party hard tomorrow morning, so I'd better start some semblence of a bedtime routine around here, before Wee Willie Winkie comes-a-knockin'.

Namaste
~n~