Working Girl

 I'm now an official contributor to Vancouver Mom! I've been writing pieces for them on and off for a couple years and I'm finally in a place where I have the time and energy (granted caffeine consumption has increased exponentially) to be part of the work force. Most importantly I'm doing what I love at a very small scale, that still allows me to be a present and engaged wife and mother. I'll be posting links to my writing for Vancouver Mom on Elasticpantcity if you want to check me out there as well!

I recently wrote an article for Vancouver Mom about Rogue Dance Studio where Levi takes a Creative Dance Class. The studio is passionate about helping kids embrace the arts and get moving! Find the article here.

Photo Source : Vancouver Mom ; Child: Mine

A Day At a Time

jethro is walking. / side table is our latest street find. / pumpkin cheesecake from our neighbour. / leaves on the inside, leaves on the outside. / playing with mama's bracelet. / working on a picture wall. / cutie. / building blocks. / peaceful place. / going for a walk. / beautiful fall day. / checking out a new spot to review for vancouver mom.

Mommy Musings | Cracked Up

Millions of women have done it before me: raised children, taken care of their husbands, worked the field, and kept a tidy home. The other day I was in the drug store with Jethro and Levi looking for lipstick. For some reason they don't find this activity fun? The boys were fussing and crying and in the midst of the noise I finally said, "Okay everyone, just calm down." I managed to keep a level tone of voice but I was busted. When I went to pay for the lipstick the lady at the cashier said to me, "Don't worry you'll survive. Millions of women have done it before." She then dug through her samples and handed me a face mask with these parting words, "I hope you get fifteen minutes today to lock yourself in the bathroom and try on this mask. It will relax you."

 Sometimes it helps me to know that I'm not alone in the momentous task of raising children. Other times I want to scream, "I know other women have survived, but friggin' fell how!" I feel on the verge of insanity more often then I want to admit. Ben came home yesterday and I disappeared into our room in a flood of tears, because the whole day the kids had been crying, and not it was MY turn. Today Ben gathered them up and brought them to their grandparents to give me a break. I planted our winter garden and turned up the dirt like I was searching for sanity under the surface. I think I found some.

Tomorrow's another day. I'm thankful for my husband who rescued me, my kids who love me and have no idea I'm crazy, and a God who is patient with me as I stumble along in my role as a mother. It's hard to admit that I'm cracked up inside. The other day I told Ben I wanted to pack a suitcase and run away to the end of the block. I remember doing this when I was little and it was the release I needed for the frustration I felt towards life. Since I'm a grown up (or so they tell me), I'm going to pack my metaphorical suitcase of anxieties, fears and failures and leave them at the feet of Jesus.

"Come to me, all of you (that's me) who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." 

-Matt 11:28

Schooled in Art

In the fog on Grouse Mountain (looking a little creepy). 

Showing my support for wild life.

Have you ever seen a photo and then stepped up close and realized it's the work of a master painter?  The attention to the colour, detail, and lighting of the subject play a trick on the mind. Ben and I attended the wine and cheese night at The Artist for Conservation Festival on Grouse Mountain where we were fortunate to mingle with some of the artists, several of which were very young, and some who had only been painting for a few years (wild talent). One of the artists, Robin Murray, started painting when he was Levi's age. Born in 1986, Robin comes from a family of nine children and was homeschooled by his mother. He said that between the end of the school day and dinner, in order that the kids didn't run wild, his parents made them choose a hobby for entertainment. Robin chose painting and although he never attended art school, his years of practice paid off (Homeschooling, one point)!

The Artist for Conservation Foundation is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to the "celebration and preservation of the natural world." The paintings on exhibit at the festival focus on nature and wildlife. All the paintings are for sale with a certain percentage of the proceeds going to the artists' conservation organization of choice. The Festival runs from October 13-21 and includes youth and adult workshops.

My Space Plus Giveaway

I've always dreamed of having my own work space and now that I'm taking on paid free lance work it's  important to have a quiet corner of the house to concentrate. We found the one remaining crevice of our house to place a little fold-out desk and chair. I decorated my special space with some plant life and crystal containers filled with jewelry. 

I'm so thankful to have six square feet to call my own. I have many projects I'm looking forward to, one of which is a round table discussion I'll be participating in with The Premier and several other Vancouver moms. I'm honoured to be included in this conversation and can't wait to write about my experience on Elasticpantcity.

Another upcoming event I'll be covering is The Artists for Conservation Festival on Grouse Mountain. This event features a conservation-themed exhibit of original nature and wildlife art, art workshops for adults and youth, live music and cultural performances. The event runs from October 13th-21st and I'm giving away one pair of adult passes to any workshop you wish to attend. Check out the list of workshops here and enter this giveaway by leaving a comment below telling me which workshop you're interested in. The pass includes the gondola ride up the mountain (Date night, anyone?). I'll be announcing the winner by 5 PM on Friday so now is the time to enter!

sic, cultural performances & special oing weekend events

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you stuffed with turkey and pumpkin pie yet? I don't eat turkey but I wore a roomy dress to my parent's for Thanksgiving dinner because of my weakness for savoury salads, yams and pumpkin pie. I love that we have a long weekend to express how thankful we are to God for family, friends and life in general. I believe even when we're facing hardships, it's a time to be thankful because it strengthens are character and compels us to talk to God about what's going on. 

A pleated dress is the best way to hide a fully tummy. Vintage Tahari jean jacket,  dress and Alberto Fermani sandals ('cause it's been warm in the PNW!)

Getting to Know You!

I was recently nominated for a Liebster Blog Award by Marie Janelle. These girls started their blog this year and it is a style and DIY treasure. As part of the award, I'm supposed to tell you 11 things about myself, answer 11 questions from Marie-Janelle, and then nominate 11 other blogs for the award. As you'll see from the video, I've taken my own spin on the Liebster so that I can get to know my lovely readers better. I have not included 11 things about myself because I can't think of any thing interesting other than maybe it's weird that I always wear socks to bed, even in summer. Always.

Here are the questions for you! If you want to answer them, make sure to post a link to your blog in the comments section!

Why did you start your blog?

If you could have one person leave a comment on your blog who would it be?

What's the first object that comes to your mind when you hear the word "trend?"

If you could get published in one magazine which would it be?

If you were to have a second blog what would it be about?

What's the newest piece in your wardrobe?

What's your favourite texture?

City or suburb?

Are you still in contact with your childhood best friend?

What are you reading?

What was your last Halloween costume?

Have fun!