On my birthday a mentor and stunning, wise lady stopped in and shared a book with me that I have been reading since. I have read it slowly letting some things soak in, re-reading sections I really felt resonate in me. I always enjoy Pema Chodrons musings, but this book was what I needed to hear. I mentioned in my last post waaaay back when (sorry, insert embarrassed face) but today is a big day for me and I awoke to another message from this friend I felt compelled to share.
Oh how I love the idea of this...letting there be room. Allowing feelings, being real. Everything happens for a reason. All that we go through is a lesson and makes us stronger. I have had to say goodbye to a lot and none of it was easy or something I wanted to part with but things changed. Life shifted and I had to protect my heart and stay on path and let go of anything that threatened that. I had to keep looking ahead and know that every step forward would be something to empower authenticity in myself and my boys. I have made heaps of mistakes but everything I do is for those three little men and to try and show them to follow their hearts.
Cancer is my zodiac sign and it is me through and through to a T. If you are on Pinterest and a Cancer as well follow my Zodiac Love board and be amazed.
I LOVE being home and making a nice home for my family. Saying goodbye to every home we moved from over the years has been difficult for me because home means so much to me. Renting since 2014 has been hard, it makes me insecure and afraid. The ambiguity of not having control over things makes me uneasy as a Momma Bear. Today something very very exciting is happening after months of rather complicated arrangements...I am signing the papers to MY OWN HOME!!!!
It is tiny and old but it is surrounded by lovely trees and I knew from the first time I saw it wearing my jammies and a toque after dropping the boys at school that it was right. Before I even stepped inside my heart started shouting out "YES". It felt right. Like I said, it was complicated and is definitely going to be a project fixing it up but I am beyond excited and proud.
So, off to the lawyers I go to empty my bank account and sign on the dotted line and stay tuned for the images of my new to me nest and endless DIY projects to come.
Luv ya friends, your support on this journey is something that fills me up and keeps me moving forward always. I would love to have you all over for a house warming but it will have to be outdoors because the biggest challenge of my new abode is that it is tiny. Full of possibility but not without entertaining challenges for sure.
If love prevailed everywhere there would be no terrible wars, no prisons, no dreadful poverty, no bitter quarrels between those who work and those for whom they work. And on the Green Meadows and in the Green Forest there would be no suffering from traps and terrible guns. Love, that wonderful great thing that is contained in one little word of four letters, could and would bring joy and happiness to every heart for all time if only we would give it a chance.
- Thorton W. Burgess
I had to share this right away after getting the boys settled for the night. It was taken from the book I am currently reading to Ry, The Adventures of Bob White.
I haven't found so many teaching opportunities within a story since reading The Box Car Children series to him and Liam, and perhaps Mr. Peabody's Apples. Okay, maybe also The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane as well but I have written about that before here, it's a beautiful story to mesmerise any child. Oh and I can't forget the Elsa Beskow books like Children of the Forest and Peter in Blueberry Land that Ry still is completely captivated by that we started reading in Waldorf preschool. They are hard to find but really sweet stories about living amongst nature.
Last chapter we learned the difference about being indignant and angry and even when either showing respect through Farmer Brown's boy. Tonight when I gave Ryan examples and asked if it would be anger or indignation he could choose the correct one. I would have had a really difficult time teaching him that on my own. Tonight we read about love and Farmer Brown's boy spoke of his love of the Bob Whites, a quail family that ate the bugs off their garden plants it was lovely. How everyone has a role and when we love with respect we are rewarded. Ry told me excitedly about some bug life cycles he learned about at the school garden and how he was going to check our garden. At a shop earlier with my Mom he say some pewter quail figurines and said right away: "That's Bob White and his family". And I also got to speak to him about all the quail at my old house where his Dad lives and why I got so upset when the strata landscapers trimmed the tall grasses along our property without permission during quail baby season. Mrs. Bob White did just as our quail had done and made her nest in a place so obvious no one would look and that year the landscapers killed them. He was too young for me to explain at the time. So many connections, my Momma cup runneth over. Only five short chapters to go and I can't wait to read again in the morning then I will be on the hunt at old book stores for more Burgess Bedtime Stories.
Here is a brief description from Good Reads as I don't feel I can do them justice...
* Young readers travel to the timeless world of the Green Forest and Smiling Pool. Gentle lessons about nature, the environment, and the “lesser folk of fur and feathers” for today’s young readers and listeners. • * • * Originally published in 1919, “The Adventures of Bob White” is part of the rich heritage of children’s nature books left to us by Thornton W. Burgess in his long running — and much beloved — series of children’s nature books about the Green Meadow and the Green Forest.. • * • * This book is the nineteenth in Thornton Burgess’s “Bed-Time Storybook” series. Any imaginative child will be captivated by this book. The chapters are short, with simple language that children will identify with, and is printed in easy-to-read 14-point type. Read aloud to pre-readers, or read by children themselves, this book will surely be a family favorite in no time.
Children's literature is a passion. The illustrations and stories, especially classic stories make me so happy. I even studied as an elective in university and enjoyed all the assigned reading. For over 16 years now there is rarely a day or night with my boys when I don't have special time reading to at least one of them. Road trips were the perfect time to introduce special stories and often books on tape. Little Beatrix Potter books are still tucked into the glove box
I have oodles of titles I preach about excitedly to other parents and have shared favourites on Snicks often over the years. Summer and blankets under the tree and precious stories go hand in hand. What better way to escape life and give your imagination a treat. See some of the books I have loved or want to read on my Reading Love Pinterest board.
I hope you enjoy them too and be sure to share your treasures with me.
There are so many books I have loved but Art Objects by Jeanette Winterson was really special. I happened upon this quote by her this evening and it was exactly what I needed to hear.
It has been years since I read Art Objects and now I feel a strong need to dive in to it once more and remember I am on path and to trust where I am headed. I need to allow my art flow to come back to me however that looks. I am excited to feel the power in her narratives once again. Summer is here and books and summer go hand in hand in my little world. Shady places with a blanket and book are all that are required to escape.
Just after art school I read Art Objects. It is a collection of essays and a really engaging read so don't be turned off by the "essays" label. And you just need to be a student of life, like we all should be, to be captivated by her thoughts...no schmancy enrolments required. The Jeanette Winterson page sums it up best in this Q&A:
As a student, would these essays be useful to me?
Yes. Better than that, they would be interesting. Dry as Dust I don’t do.
What’s the purpose behind them?
I was answering questions for myself, but more, I wanted to communicate the passionate excitement I have for art of all kinds. I really believe in the redemptive, persuasive, healing power of art. We all need it. Most of us don’t get close to it – either because we think art’s not for us, or because the media circus is off-putting. I wanted to cut though the doubts and the objections.
Isn’t it a bit arrogant to tell us what art is?
This book is about personal convictions – nothing arrogant about that, and it’s a tool kit. It offers a way of thinking about books, pictures, music, both of the past and of the present. Anyway, words like arrogant and elitist are used too often alongside art, and they are used to keep you away from what matters. What matters is a direct connection.
This book helps you log on Art Objects – not a load of antiques then?
No, it’s a verb not a noun. Art objects to the lie against life that it is pointless and mean. The message coloured through time is not lack but abundance, Not silence but many voices. Art, all art is the communication cord that cannot be snapped by indifference or disaster. Against the daily death it does not die.
At home, I have been purging my books and having an especially hard time parting with some. I am going to make an effort to add the titles I have been most moved by to my Reading Love Pinterest board so I can have them close without the clutter. As always I would also be thrilled to hear your most beloved authors and books.
Who doesn't LOVE lingerie? It's complicated business though.
The Try Guys are kinda my fave thing on a gloomy morning to make me smile. They are so silly and willing to laugh at themselves. Let's be honest, you boys need help with these things. Just like I need help buying hockey gear for my guys. There is no shame or need to be shy.
This latest Try Guys gem inspired me to put some tips out there for you fellas who are likely a bit panicked about getting something for their Valentine. Watch and learn what not to do...
Never buy lingerie in those horrible plastic hang cases you get tech gear in at gas stations...not a good start. Sex shops in general are not the best place to shop for clothing, it's like cheap Halloween costumes...nothing ever looks like it does on the model in the display photo!
Fifty Shades of Grey comes out tomorrow, I admit I am excited to see it even though I bailed on book three because the writing was painfully annoying. There are a bazillion ways on Urban Dictionary to talk about your hoo hoo but Anastasia referred to it as 'my sex' relentlessly and I couldn't get past it. I will share links to past reviews below but the first book is a fast fun read for girls and boys. With Shades of Grey being so mainstream I think it's going to give lingerie sales a nice little boost.
So even if you miss Valentine's Day there is always Mother's Day or Easter or just because to use as an excuse to buy pretty stuff for the lady of your life.
Today I thought I would offer my thoughts to men buying for women as a gift to all my female friends because everyone knows a girl's bestie is the perfect person for a stumped man to ask for advice on the ideal present. I will narrow it down to three tips with explanations to keep things efficient.
So boys if you are willing to enlightened grab a beer and read on...
Lingerie 101 for Boys
1. Know your girl.
Listen to her about what she likes, watch when she shops and see what she is drawn to.
Every couple needs to do the Five Love Languages quiz. Gary Chapman has nailed it with discovering your partners 'love language'. Ask her to do the quick quiz, do it together and you will be thankful for years to come. I will never forget some of the things done for me from a place of love that didn't cost a cent but were so thoughtful they still make me weepy because they showed he knew me and the language of my heart.
Social media and technology has made getting to know your girl way easier than it used to be. Creep her Instagram and Pinterest and on line shopping bookmarks. If she doesn't have Pinterest it's easy and encourage her to open an account to help you, she can start a private board that only you two see...that is sexy. It's like a fast visual scrapbook. As a photographer I have a Glam Love board where I collect images of under things that I think are divine. There is no red vinyl or cheesy police woman outfits so you can bettya bottom dollar I would not be so happy to receive a gift like that from a beau.
Buy her something that will make her feel sexy...not just what you like. There is always a happy medium. Know her size and taste. Nothing is sweeter as a girl than slipping on a gift that fits like a glove and makes you feel sexy. Know what makes her self conscious and what parts of her body she likes. If she hates her butt she will not be likely to strut around in any g-string you buy her even if it's the most beautiful silk and her favourite colour of pink.
Trust me, you will get the evil eye and a strained: "thank you I love it" through clenched teeth when inside she is screaming: "ARE YOU FRIGGING KIDDING ME?"
2. Find the right shop.
Most towns will have a smaller store you can support and they will be helpful and customer service can be a lifesaver for endeavours such as this. Or hit the mall and find a mature female salesperson to help you with sizing...don't guess!
If you have more money than brains order from Agent Provocateur as they have the most beautiful things and are all over Pinterest in images from high end boudoir shoots. BUT even better, be a generous genius and get ideas and inspirations then hit Victorias Secret or La Senza and find the same thing for 80% less or more. If she is lucky enough to have nice curves find a place that offers plus sizes and don't hit the teeny-bopper shop or she will likely not be impressed. I have amazing luck finding high end, really nicely made pieces at Winners so if you have one locally and a good dose of patience it's worth a quick scan. More than once I have found a bra for around $20 and at the other end of the mall the same item is $60 at The Bay. The savings is enough to sponsor my World Vision child for a month!
If you find something for a great deal at a clearance store buy some lovely reusable tissue and bag and make it look special easily. Buy an essential oil mist and lightly spray the gift then tuck the spray in as part of the gift. Sage Tantra Mist is magical.
Donate the rest of the moula you would have wasted at a luxury shop to a good cause because anyone who pays almost $4000 for a Lulie Playsuit like below is a waste of oxygen when we have kiddos who have no food and water on this earth.
3. Be nice. VERY nice.
Even the most perfectly picked, special piece of lingerie will not be well received if you let her down before giving it. No gift will make up for asshole behaviour that will make her feel unloved.
Start early, leave her a sweet note or send a thoughtful text so she feels you care. Find a special song and send her the link to listen to it. I have an 8 tracks link on the left sidebar and you can find romantic playlists created by all types of music lovers. There are even 50 Shades of Grey soundtracks and it's actually pretty good. Type the genre or other keywords in the search area.
Find a poem or quote on Pinterest if you aren't inclined wit words that way. There are heaps of stuff that will make her swoon to choose from. I have a board called Swoon-Worthy with words from T. Knott Gregson and other poets that will touch any heart. Search around till you find something that suits what you share with her or makes you think of her....it won't take long.
MAKE time and put her first that day, DON'T let anything else interfere or trust me she will feel it. Be honest and upfront if there is complications and she will be compassionate. Just don't leave her in the dark trying to handle it alone thinking that is better. She will think you are neglecting her and don't care. Let your issues go and POUR into her only a small while and she will be there for you tenfold to tackle your worries after.
If someone or something makes her feel insecure DON'T go there...you know better. You might think it's innocent enough but her spidey senses will feel it and she will be affected and deeply hurt.
SHOW UP 100%...be present and put away the phone.
Even if she has been driving you bat-shit crazy with her nattering from your perspective (f.y.i. she probably has a valid basis for her inappropriate behaviour that you missed along the way and hasn't been communicated well). Think back to what first made you attracted to her and find it again. See it, focus on that and it so it shines brighter than any bitchiness we can deal out.
BE ON TIME! She deserves that respect. If something comes up call right away and let her know and she will understand.
Make her feel beautiful. Help her relax. Lavish her with love before you give her lingerie. Her heart will be full and that safe place of feeling adored will help any partner quiet their mind and really enjoy wearing the lingerie you picked for them.
Yes it takes effort and planning and a whole lot of thoughtfulness...isn't she worth it?
Don't you want the same kind of feeling to rest in you?
"They say love is the best investment; the more you give,
the more you get in return."
--Audrey Hepburn
Good Luck to you all and to get you inspired I will leave you with this amusing trailer from
Fifty Shades of Grey...
Seems I never actually did a book review just mentioned it in this post...
Last week I posted about my new favourite personalized children's book and the best gift for any kiddo in your life...the Lost My Name story.
You have been ever so patiently waiting for a special discount code and I have been working on it with the book team in the UK...and finally we are all set. Just type "snickerdoodles" in the redeem code box at checkout and PRESTO! Lostmy.name
I would never forget a promise friends...life just seems to throw me for a loop and is out of my hands sometimes. Think of all the wonderful children in your life and upcoming occasions and honor them with one of the most magical gifts you can give that they will treasure forever.
The world of children's literature and illustration is a never ending source of fascination and pleasure for me.
Cuddling with a child who is silent and still with wonder enjoying a book is a moment beyond words. Little hands resting on you, soft breath on your skin and wispy hair against your cheek. My boys all have shared my love of books and the library and reading. Nothing makes me happier than finding a magical new read to enjoy together. Recently I stumbled upon a brilliant concept with mesmerizing art. The best thing is personalized, the story is all about your own child and how they find their name.
As soon as I saw the facebook page for lostmy.name I was hooked by the concept and the images. Take a look and give them a like...this project is destined for greatness. The creators also have a nicely done blog and lovely lostmy.name web page where you can go to order books for all the special kiddos in your life.
I ordered three books my first round and each is unique and so special. This book will be my new gift of choice for babies, birthdays and any other excuse I can find to share it. The quality of every aspect of this project is beautiful. As you can see in this photograph Ryan was so thrilled...we have read it over and over since and it never fails to entertain him.
Read below about the marvelous man clan that brought this magical book to life...
The beauty of the book is that each child’s name creates its own special, personalised tale.
We are three dads (David, Pedro &Asi) and an uncle (Tal). One day, we decided to make the best personalised book ever, about a little boy or girl who lost (and then found) their name. How hard could it be?
Well… It turned out that there are 14,000 children’s names. Meaning that, to be able to make books about every child’s name, we had to write over 30 stories. Well over 150 illustrations. Then there was the technology and coding behind the scenes. Printing and shipping. How hard could it be? Quite hard.
But we got there. And getting there was fun. Everybody involved has been a friend, everything we’ve done, we’ve done because we loved doing it. And that, we think, is what makes the book so special. Almost as special, we hope, as the little boy or girl who receives it.
If you like the book, we’d really appreciate it if you’d share it with your family, friends, readers, followers. And of course, all feedback is more than welcome.
Please, enjoy.
The Lostmy.name team
Here is the pages for R, one of the letters Ryan discovers in his book. He meets a robot. Each letter is presented by a unique animal, thing or mythical being. He especially loved the Y page and meeting a Yeti!
Stay tuned friends for a Snickerdoodles discount code to order your own lostmy.name books.
Until then get busy liking their facebook page, suggesting it to others who would enjoy, visit the blog and webpage...you won't be disappointed.
If you let your anger get the best of you, it will reveal the worst of you.
-Chip Ingram & Becca Johnson
I have been doing some hard work this March...inspired by a book that challenged me to really examine my patterns and gut feelings and explore some of the relationships around me that leave me baffled and sad. When working on something like this I tend to read a book multiple times...soak up a chapter and let it settle in and see what comes...then read it again and again till I feel I have learned what I needed to from it.
This book is well written and not difficult to read but not easy to honestly apply to yourself.
Anger is an emotion that has little use in our society. It's toxic and ugly and keeps people stuck and destroys relationships. All anger looks different and presents itself differently. I realized I am sort of a stuffer...I don't like being angry. I am not good at it, I mostly cry and crumble...I hide from it and deny it. I am also what the book calls a Leaker. Not the most glamorous label but I will own it. Sometimes my stuffed anger seeps out in ways I am not proud. I might procrastinate or make excuses or engage in gossip that isn't productive at all.
I am grateful for this book and the tools and lessons it provided. The authors are Christians and some might not agree with the notions of God presented but whatever your spirituality the message makes sense and the theories are sound.
Here is a little clip as many of the lessons are available in his teachings as a Pastor, I have only watched bits so I am not 100% what it offers but what I saw made sense...
As a Mother being a good model to my boys comes above everything...I want to teach them to understand their anger and not fall into my patterns or even those the ugly things they see from others that destroy childrens spirits and innocence. Nothing makes me feel like a bigger failure as a parent is when I let my kids see anger get the better or me...when I snap at them because I am stress rolling another issue or am tired or ill. Seeing their eyes and pure spirits crushed breaks my heart. They rarely, almost never hear me yell...I am a horrible yeller but even a quiet harsh snappy tone can harm them forever. I don't want to leave those scars. I pray for patience and grace and the ability to see the big picture and laugh about stuff at times.
Anger has a place when it comes to saving the environment...get angry about the abuse of animals or global warming...that kind of anger can create change and awareness. Really that's the only place I think this raw ugly emotion has a place or excuse.
I look to many sources to learn and grow...Brene Brown, Martha Beck, Elephant Journal and so much more. These authors were new to me but I am glad I happened upon their book at the library. Returning it this week if you want to give it a go.
I would love to hear your thoughts and if you have read or watched anything that changed your ways.
So this month as I presented a lot of holiday fluff I was full on challenging myself via this book. Sorry to hit you with something so heavy out of the blue after spring break but I felt moved to share while this was fresh on my mind.
Going on another day of feeling under the weather and unable to sleep. Lucky for me I had grade six basketball practice and a game today to get me moving. Taking advantage of Advil and some candy bribery so I don't have to yell to the boys and so far it's doing the trick. They are ready for the game tonight and their new play I invented called Lightening Bolt is finely tuned and rather ridiculous but I think it's going to serve it's purpose.
I have several posts in the works but they aren't ready for your beautiful eyes yet so today I am sharing a bit of poetry from a faraway friend, a kindred spirit, that really spoke to me.
I think we all feel a little this way sometimes and can relate...especially in these dark, bitter cold days of February.
Thank-you Bonnah for bringing them to my attention. It's silly but I am really so grateful for Facebook for keeping me in touch with so many people I feel a connection with, our relationships are surreal but I do cherish them.
Pure, raw, honesty is the most romantic thing ever.
We all need a little escape, a little hope, a little fantasy. I hammered through the first two 50 Shades of Grey books despite the horrific writing; I was curious but also bored to death by the end of the second book. There are a few people whose words never fail to make me weak in the knees, like the poet Tyler Knott Gregson for one...
Another fellas writing I adore is Waylon Lewis. He is the man behind Elephant Journal, my resource of choice for lots of things lately...find it on facebook here - Waylon Lewis from Elephant Journal.
Want to read the most romantic poem ever?
How about a piece called: Things I would like to do with you in my bed?
Make a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine and treat yourself to a little weekend daydreaming...read on dear friends
Still loving my book but I am getting nervous that the happy, hopeful, pure love that started it might be getting complicated...why does it always have to get complicated?
oxo
night friends, off to bed with my book that I wrote about last night The Light Between Oceans
