Thursday, January 10, 2008
Friday, December 21, 2007
Xmas Skating
Today was the traditional skating activity, right before Xmas holidays at Miranda's school, where I taught for 8 years. Parents are invited to help with the skates and some join on the rink. Not my case this year, I took a few pictures and chatted with some of my former colleagues, t'was really cool...
The only minor problem, my niece fell and hurt her chin. Her dad who's a dentist took care of everything. It was too cute to see her twin brother worried by the incident, he felt so bad for her...
So my little one skated for the last time with her primary school. Next year will be a very different thing. I am not too nostalgic, I know that when a fantastic moment is over, it makes room for other great moments...
The only minor problem, my niece fell and hurt her chin. Her dad who's a dentist took care of everything. It was too cute to see her twin brother worried by the incident, he felt so bad for her...
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
13 Things that Make our Xmas Tree
1. a little tree
2. tiny blue lights
3. fuchsia snowflakes
4. beaded garland
5. a crown on top of the tree (looks amazing!)
6. flashy green ornaments
7. sequins on metal wires
8. sparkly turquoise bows
9. a blue pashmina to cover the foot of the tree
10. a gift under the tree
11. baby Jesus on a golden bed (we still don't know who brought it home, it just «appeared»!)
12. a pine cone I received from Angela
13. lots of love (hey, it's tough to find 13!)
2. tiny blue lights
3. fuchsia snowflakes
4. beaded garland
5. a crown on top of the tree (looks amazing!)
6. flashy green ornaments
7. sequins on metal wires
8. sparkly turquoise bows
9. a blue pashmina to cover the foot of the tree
10. a gift under the tree
11. baby Jesus on a golden bed (we still don't know who brought it home, it just «appeared»!)
12. a pine cone I received from Angela
13. lots of love (hey, it's tough to find 13!)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Homemade Food
Today, Claude and Miranda prepared great homemade food, most of them being traditions such as meat pies, donuts (Noëlla's recipe), potato pie (a childhood memory), egg rolls, Parmesan fondues and stuffed rolls. We'll eat meat pies at my in-laws' party. We started eating the donuts (an excellent desert, especially with a touch of Nutella!). The potato pie is already gone and we'll taste the other food soon...
Friday, December 7, 2007
13 Holidays Traditions
We still call it «Christmas», but since there's no religion involved for us,
we'll talk about holidays...
1. Decorate a Christmas tree (a couple of years ago, we started doing a mini instead of a big one).we'll talk about holidays...
2. Do a winter scene puzzle.
3. Eat homemade meat pie and donuts (by Claude and Miranda).
4. Watch «24» episode after episode.
5. Play boardgames (to please the girls).
6. Go to the «boxing day».
7. Watch, «Lord of the Rings» (trilogy), again.
8. Wear pajamas all day long, at least once or twice.
9. Go to Claude's family party in Drummondville.
10. Read, do arts and crafts.
11. Sleep, lots and lots of sleep...
12. Eat differently (everyone decides what they'll eat and when they'll eat, usually leftovers).
13. Go to the movies (this year: National Treasure 2, L'Âge des ténèbres, Breakfast with Scott...)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Hours of Pleasure
This weekend, I need to focus on my godchildren's presents, I don't know what it will be yet, probably aprons made of funky fabrics. Oh, and Miranda asked me for a tote bag as well.
I love doing projects I can complete in a day. It' so different from the quilts that take forever. And, as always, no pattern, I just look at different models and there I go. Too cool!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Moving Forward
Friday, November 30, 2007
13 Reasons I'm on Facebook
Yes, I'm on Facebook. Started a couple weeks ago.
Didn't like the concept at first, but I'm enjoying it more and more now.
Didn't like the concept at first, but I'm enjoying it more and more now.
1. I don't have too many friends yet so I don't feel overwhelmed.
2. Someone I worked with a long time ago and who lives in London contacted me and we're sharing about our everyday life.
3. There are silly things: some make me laugh, some make me smile.
4. I love the visual bookshelf application (books, CDs, DVDs on display).
5. I enjoy updating my profile (recently discovered I can post about my favorite singers, groups).
6. You can write a short sentence about how you feel at the moment, what you're doing (status).
7. You have a word to say about the people who want to be your friends (you can deny them your friendship. That's funny, don't you think? I feel I'm back in high school, well, no, elementary school :-).
8. It's a collection of networks. I don't see how big it can be yet, but it is.
9. When someone contacts you, it sends a message to your email (so you don't have to check there for messages too).
10. You can even have a Christmas tree on your profile!
11. There are so many gadgets, it's a world of discoveries...
12. It's new, everybody's talking about it and I wanted to understand the «thing»
13. I think there's something there...
Photo Swap Surprises!
Friday, November 23, 2007
13 Discussion Topics
In the car with my daughters, we discuss lots of things...
1. places we want/ will travel2. credit cards (a concept to understand for the younger one, a new step for the older one)
3. future career
4. school stuff
5. music we listen to (High School Musical for Miranda)
6. a video of my daughters when they were much younger (very funny)
7. weekend projects
8. stuff we need to buy (clothing at the moment)
9. films seen, to see
10. next year (high school for the younger one, cegep for the older one)
11. friends
12. cars (Miranda is learning the brands, Alizée is learning to drive)
13. and oh, we say silly things too. Sometimes, lots of silly things :-)
Snow
Friday, November 16, 2007
13 Songs that Make me Dance
Some recent, others, well... Still, they make me dance (sometimes even sitting on my computer chair!).
1. I Will Follow / U2
2. Breaking the Habit / Linkin Park
3. Numb / Linkin Park
4. Pictures of You / The Last Goodnight
5. How Far We've Come / Matchbox 20
6. World Hold On / Bob Sinclare
7. Into the Ocean / Blue October
8. In Between Days / The Cure
9. Vogue / Madonna
10. I Miss You / Blink 182
11. 1 2 3 4 / Feist
12. Move Along / All American Rejects
13. That Girl is Poison / Bell Biv Devoe ( Because of Scrubs)
1. I Will Follow / U2
2. Breaking the Habit / Linkin Park
3. Numb / Linkin Park
4. Pictures of You / The Last Goodnight
5. How Far We've Come / Matchbox 20
6. World Hold On / Bob Sinclare
7. Into the Ocean / Blue October
8. In Between Days / The Cure
9. Vogue / Madonna
10. I Miss You / Blink 182
11. 1 2 3 4 / Feist
12. Move Along / All American Rejects
13. That Girl is Poison / Bell Biv Devoe ( Because of Scrubs)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Portfolio
Because of this project, I've re-discovered my old collages and painting exercises, my little arts 'n crafts pleasures. I have many portfolios to keep my stuff, and once in a while, I like looking at them. When I do that I realize I like what I've done, that they're more beautiful, more to my taste then when I created them. Right after collaging (is this a word?) and painting, I have the tendency to see all the little details that don't make my creation as perfect as I wanted to.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
5 Things to Do to Be Happier
Last week, Stuart Knight suggested us 5 things to do to be happier, more motivated.
Here's the list:
1. Let go of fear. (Do it!)
2. Decide to have better conversations. (Easy! I'm not really good with small talk, anyway...)
3. Take responsibility. Stop making excuses.
4. Let go of what I can't control. (Getting better at this...)
5. Be the absolute best you can be (no more, no less).
Here's the list:
1. Let go of fear. (Do it!)
2. Decide to have better conversations. (Easy! I'm not really good with small talk, anyway...)
3. Take responsibility. Stop making excuses.
4. Let go of what I can't control. (Getting better at this...)
5. Be the absolute best you can be (no more, no less).
Monday, November 12, 2007
SPEAQ 2007
Usually I don't talk about work. Today is an exception. Last week, I was at SPEAQ and I had such a great time. I saw fantastic people (some I knew, some I got to know) with whom I had great conversations.
I've attended quality presentations and I learned lots of stuff, especially about technologies. As a good learner, I've already reinvested to make sure I remember about them: I've created a del.icio.us account (adore), a Facebook account (don't really like it yet, but we'll see) and as soon as I can, I'll try the wikis...
I've also listened to great conferences, very lively and motivating. Fresh air is always welcomed when comes a season like fall: Thursday evening, an energizing hyperactive, Friday morning a moving "preacher", Saturday morning a colleague who makes great links between technologies and learning and a man who inspires anyone who meets him...
I've attended quality presentations and I learned lots of stuff, especially about technologies. As a good learner, I've already reinvested to make sure I remember about them: I've created a del.icio.us account (adore), a Facebook account (don't really like it yet, but we'll see) and as soon as I can, I'll try the wikis...
I've also listened to great conferences, very lively and motivating. Fresh air is always welcomed when comes a season like fall: Thursday evening, an energizing hyperactive, Friday morning a moving "preacher", Saturday morning a colleague who makes great links between technologies and learning and a man who inspires anyone who meets him...
Monday, November 5, 2007
Miniatures
Françoise had many miniatures on an old armoire and I was fascinated. I wasn't 20 and she was a great friend. Françoise was a little older than me and I learned a lot from her (Brel, food, how to have lots of fun). When I left, she offered me one of her miniatures. I still have it. It belongs to a collection of useless knick knacks decorating my kitchen.
In my collection (I've always collected stuff from as far I can remember, I guess it's part of who I am), are ducks from Martine, a flower from my love, a handmade bird made by Alizée, a fishing thing (don't know what it is, really) found in Bar Harbor, a jug brought back from Greece by my sister Valérie, a few pebbles (Washington, Percé, Forte dei Marmi), teeny-weeny shells, a «#1 teacher» frog (gift from a student), Claude's pocket knife, a toy green monster found in San Diego and some more...
I don't buy miniatures, they simply come to me. And these little treasures remind me nice things, great moments, important people of my life. That's precious!
Friday, November 2, 2007
13 Signs We're Close to Winter
1. I now wear socks everyday
2. Gotta wear a coat even when it's sunny
3. Winter tires are being installed
4. Trees don't have leaves anymore
5. My car sleeps in the garage
6. Gotta heat the house once in a while
7. There are good TV shows to watch
8. Winter clothes have replaced summer clothes in my wardrobe
9. I'm giving training sessions again
10. We're thinking about going South (West?) to run away from cold for a vacation
11. Hockey and football seasons (and I'm definitely not a fan)
12. We don't drive with the windows rolled down anymore
13. We change time this weekend...
2. Gotta wear a coat even when it's sunny
3. Winter tires are being installed
4. Trees don't have leaves anymore
5. My car sleeps in the garage
6. Gotta heat the house once in a while
7. There are good TV shows to watch
8. Winter clothes have replaced summer clothes in my wardrobe
9. I'm giving training sessions again
10. We're thinking about going South (West?) to run away from cold for a vacation
11. Hockey and football seasons (and I'm definitely not a fan)
12. We don't drive with the windows rolled down anymore
13. We change time this weekend...
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Regina Spektor

Driving with the CD playing is one of my little pleasures these days...
Friday, October 26, 2007
13 Items I'd Bring Along in Case of an Evacuation
The California situation makes me really sad. I was in San Diego at the beginning of the year and felt so good there (and the people were so nice), I feel for them. It made me think about how I'd react. Best of luck to all of you. I send you positive energy...
1. My laptop (I have so many photos in there, plus many years of work...)
2. My photo albums (from the pre-digital era, along with the newest ones)
3. A few of my jewels (sentimental value)
4. My daughters drawings boxes (it'd take much of the trunk space...)
5. My souvenirs box (okay, now we're squeezed in the car)
6. My digital camera and my batteries (that are always charged, ready to be used)
7. A few books (beautiful ones, some who make me feel good and 2-3 I haven't read yet)
8. A drawing, crafting, painting, collage-making kit (that would be my therapy in such a crisis) and my portfolio
9. A notebook (I have many waiting for a purpose) and a few pens to tell (exorcise?) what's happening to me
10. A few DVDs (those I like to watch again and again, that make me feel good)
11. My quilts (useful and full of great moments, I love sewing)
12. My recipes (some are very precious...)
13. My transverse flute (my first big purchase, at the age of 14)
(As you can see, nothing «essential» on my list. It would be easier to find, to buy them compared to my souvenirs...)
1. My laptop (I have so many photos in there, plus many years of work...)
2. My photo albums (from the pre-digital era, along with the newest ones)
3. A few of my jewels (sentimental value)
4. My daughters drawings boxes (it'd take much of the trunk space...)
5. My souvenirs box (okay, now we're squeezed in the car)
6. My digital camera and my batteries (that are always charged, ready to be used)
7. A few books (beautiful ones, some who make me feel good and 2-3 I haven't read yet)
8. A drawing, crafting, painting, collage-making kit (that would be my therapy in such a crisis) and my portfolio
9. A notebook (I have many waiting for a purpose) and a few pens to tell (exorcise?) what's happening to me
10. A few DVDs (those I like to watch again and again, that make me feel good)
11. My quilts (useful and full of great moments, I love sewing)
12. My recipes (some are very precious...)
13. My transverse flute (my first big purchase, at the age of 14)
(As you can see, nothing «essential» on my list. It would be easier to find, to buy them compared to my souvenirs...)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Halloween
What I really like is giving candies to children. I'm done wandering through my neighborhood with the girls, to look for gold (candy?) mines. Now, I'm one of the sugar shacks! I like to talk to the kids, fool around with them. Some people are discouraged to see teens (well, almost adults in some cases!) still going trick or treat. I'm not, they make me laugh and I find them pretty courageous, knowing that one house out of two doesn't open their doors to them.
Every year, I wear an accessory though, to keep me in the spirit I guess. I don't know what it'll be this year but I'm so happy that I'm not away for work (like last year...), yay!
I don't live in a "kiddy" street so I have less visitors than if I'd lived a few streets west. That's why when monsters, princesses and vampires come to my door, they get the jackpot!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Update on "Messages for You"
I continued to distribute some today:
• One in the newspaper we read in the restaurant where we had breakfast.
• Another in the movie slot of a sex-shop (ma daughter was so ashamed).
• Finally, in a department store, in the pockets of over-sized pants.
Tomorrow, another region is targeted...
:-)
• One in the newspaper we read in the restaurant where we had breakfast.
• Another in the movie slot of a sex-shop (ma daughter was so ashamed).
• Finally, in a department store, in the pockets of over-sized pants.
Tomorrow, another region is targeted...
:-)
New Angle
Yesterday Elliot came for a new type of visit a photo «lesson», one of my new godmother - godchildren activity (Friday evening, it was Anaïs' turn). At a point, he was looking at the drawings he offered me a while ago that are posted on my armoire. He looked a little puzzled in front of this one:
I told him I liked his truck, that it probably lost its three wheels, that's why they were on the side of the street. He came closer, turned the drawing upside down (still taped on the armoire) and said: "Now, that's better!
Friday, October 19, 2007
13 Things I Like Doing For/With My Daughters
1. Do their hair (dry or flatten)
2. Watch a movie, TV series
3. Clear the table (much faster as a "group" and we take advantage of that time to chit-chat)
4. Drive them here and there. (My man likes it too)
5. Being able to give them an allowance (they learned a lot about money and saving because of that)
6. Listen to them
7. Talk to them
8. Share passions
9. Cuddle up
10. Go shopping (not for the buying part but for the time spent together)
11. Eat at the restaurant (we take a longer time to eat then)
12. Go on vacation (close or far away)
13. Take care of them when something is not going on too well (whatever it is)
Have I ever mentioned how much I adore them? :-)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Message For You
Finally, it's Andrea (aka Hula) who gave me a little boost to give the mini messages project priority number one.
The idea is simple: leave small strips of paper on which a simple message, a lovely note is written. It's an anonymous gift to strangers: to inspire them, to make them smile, even to have them think. An example? Well something like:
• Life is great, isn't it?
• You're an extraordinary person.
• Use recycling bags when you run errands. It's good for me. Thanks, Your Planet xx
• Be nice to people you love.
• Happiness is contagious
Etc...

I still have a basket full of messages to distribute, but I'm not rushing it. I've decided not to go on an expedition like Andrea; I'll have some with me and will leave them whenever I'm inspired. Tomorrow, I have to go to Montreal for work (meeting + filming) so watch out big city, I'm coming!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Miranda's Bed
Hippopotamuses are synonyms of a lot of souvenirs, the most important being the nickname Miranda gave them when she was very young. Even if she started talking at a very young age, she sometimes had to modify the most difficult words. (and hippopotamus, between the age of 2, well, that's something...). She called them "petits potames» (meaning little tamuses, in French). Too cute, hey? We kept the name... I offered a «petit potame» to Eliane last year. A new tradition is born!
Imagini
Found this on a blog (can't remember which one) and remembered by another blog. I've finally decided to put this visual portrait representing me on my blog.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Photo Swap +1
You like photography?
You like receiving interesting out-of-the-ordinary stuff in the "snail" mail?
Feel like trying something new (or not that new)?
Well, come here... Ani gives the details of a photo swap +1 (+1 being an element to include in the package; a leaf, a postcard, a recipe, etc...)
I looooooove swaps!
You like receiving interesting out-of-the-ordinary stuff in the "snail" mail?
Feel like trying something new (or not that new)?
Well, come here... Ani gives the details of a photo swap +1 (+1 being an element to include in the package; a leaf, a postcard, a recipe, etc...)
I looooooove swaps!
13 Things I've Seen on the Road This Morning
1. Road work
2. People in a hurry
3. People not in a hurry
4. Traffic jam
5. A bridge
6. An overpass that is being rebuilt
7. Huge trucks
8. Impolite drivers
9. Car rears
10. Corn fields
11. Stores, restaurants, gas stations
12. Policemen (very little, in fact)
13. Fog, rain, drizzle (and my wipers going left, right, left, right...)
2. People in a hurry
3. People not in a hurry
4. Traffic jam
5. A bridge
6. An overpass that is being rebuilt
7. Huge trucks
8. Impolite drivers
9. Car rears
10. Corn fields
11. Stores, restaurants, gas stations
12. Policemen (very little, in fact)
13. Fog, rain, drizzle (and my wipers going left, right, left, right...)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fooling Around
Spending time with children, it's the gift of fooling around. Nice, sweet fooling around, nothing wild or dangerous. With my godchildren (who are twins), I'm rediscovering simple pleasures, my daughters being teenagers, I no longer fool around much (well, sometimes we still do...). So, last Friday, I picked them up at school and we did crafts, took a snack (not a healthy one, I'm the godmother, remember!) and we played outside (basketball and jump rope).
They blew in their straw to make their juice pop, picked ice cubes from their Christmas glass (much more fun in October than in December!) with their fingers, put them in their mouth, let them melt a little (of course they had water on their chin and the table was a mess...) just for the fun of it. They would never be allowed to do that at the restaurant, during family meals, but with their godmother, come on, let's get crazy!
Me? Well, I watch them, I laugh a little, I take loads of pictures (85 in 90 minutes!) and I remember the good times, when my daughters were younger, when I was a child. So, fantastic quality time with great kids... They do know how to behave too!
Thanks Anaïs, thanks Elliot.
Your godmother xx
They blew in their straw to make their juice pop, picked ice cubes from their Christmas glass (much more fun in October than in December!) with their fingers, put them in their mouth, let them melt a little (of course they had water on their chin and the table was a mess...) just for the fun of it. They would never be allowed to do that at the restaurant, during family meals, but with their godmother, come on, let's get crazy!
Me? Well, I watch them, I laugh a little, I take loads of pictures (85 in 90 minutes!) and I remember the good times, when my daughters were younger, when I was a child. So, fantastic quality time with great kids... They do know how to behave too!
Thanks Anaïs, thanks Elliot.
Your godmother xx
Friday, October 5, 2007
New Label
When I bought the house, it belonged to a man who worked with wood. He left his worktable behind. After painting it, sanding the countertop and oiling it, well, the result was quite satisfying. Since we don't have a lot of work space in the kitchen, this solves our problem temporarily. Practical, simple and country-style, love it!
13 Things I Find Disgusting
1. Slimy, crawly, flying, stinky creatures
2. The smell of sewers in a big city
3. Children who don't blow their nose when it's obvious they really need to
4. Adults who do the same
5. Water on counters in public restrooms (and toilet paper on the floor)
6. The smell of perspiration
7. The texture of raisins (too swooshy)
8. A fish plate with the head still there (fish in general, I must admit)
9. The smell of children's hair after a warm day, especially if they played in a sandbox
10. Dirty nails
11. People eating with their mouth open (except if it's for a joke, then I find it quite funny)
12. People who spit on the ground (come on... grow up!)
13. Children who scratch their boo-boos
2. The smell of sewers in a big city
3. Children who don't blow their nose when it's obvious they really need to
4. Adults who do the same
5. Water on counters in public restrooms (and toilet paper on the floor)
6. The smell of perspiration
7. The texture of raisins (too swooshy)
8. A fish plate with the head still there (fish in general, I must admit)
9. The smell of children's hair after a warm day, especially if they played in a sandbox
10. Dirty nails
11. People eating with their mouth open (except if it's for a joke, then I find it quite funny)
12. People who spit on the ground (come on... grow up!)
13. Children who scratch their boo-boos
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Mother and Daughter(s)
Being a mother, is big. Being the mother of a daughter is bigger.
I mean... From the moment a little heart beats in our womb, we suffer from fatigue, nausea, etc. And this is the body only! Because emotion switches are present and our brain puts itself in warp speed: will I be a good mother, am I ready for this, is this the right time, and so on.
Changes, questions, emotions all over the place and that's what they call the happiness of expecting! Well, it's true... It's just that it comes with all those "difficulties» mentionned above. 9 months is a long time and that time is spent figuring out answers to those questions, it gives us the time to get used to the idea of thinking about someone else before us, it allows us to be in the "mommy" mode.
I had a first daughter in conditions that were not ideal. Well, no, they were ideal, but no father in the portrait: my family was present and supportive, my friends understood and were supportive, I was healthy (I gave a concert 2 days before delivering and I was still going dancing the last few days) and I was in a very good mood.
When the nurse gave me my baby after many hours of labor (but a rapid delivery), I couldn't see if the baby was a boy or a girl, even if it was obvious. I was in a weird state of mind, my brain couldn't process the information. That's when I became a mother, that I had a daughter.
Having a daughter is not a burden, it's not complicated, it's not a lot of problems (which is not the case in India where -I heard this on the radio this morning- some people get rid of female foetuses to avoid bankruptcy, because there you still have to pay a lot of money for your daughter to marry). Having a daughter, when you're a woman it's having the possibility to have a close relationship with someone who is going to go through the same steps, phases, stuff you've gone through in a different world, with different influences, with a little bit of you.
Ok, let me explain. When I was a child, I went through girls' stuff, phases in an "x" world. Because I lived with my daughter, I guided her, influenced her and she's going throught the same stuff, phases in a "y" world. She's using what I've given her in her life. And I chose to give her the best of what I myself received from my mother. I guess we're hoping to improve the education we give our daughters. Promote the best and avoid the worst.
However, girls go through the worst anyway. It might even be necessary: difficulties probably make use stronger, more equipped. We can still guide them, talk to them, prepare them for the "worst".
Without promoting anything here, there's a company that sells beauty (the message is interesting, but we're talking money, right?) in a healthier, more appropriate way...
I mean... From the moment a little heart beats in our womb, we suffer from fatigue, nausea, etc. And this is the body only! Because emotion switches are present and our brain puts itself in warp speed: will I be a good mother, am I ready for this, is this the right time, and so on.
Changes, questions, emotions all over the place and that's what they call the happiness of expecting! Well, it's true... It's just that it comes with all those "difficulties» mentionned above. 9 months is a long time and that time is spent figuring out answers to those questions, it gives us the time to get used to the idea of thinking about someone else before us, it allows us to be in the "mommy" mode.
I had a first daughter in conditions that were not ideal. Well, no, they were ideal, but no father in the portrait: my family was present and supportive, my friends understood and were supportive, I was healthy (I gave a concert 2 days before delivering and I was still going dancing the last few days) and I was in a very good mood.

Having a daughter is not a burden, it's not complicated, it's not a lot of problems (which is not the case in India where -I heard this on the radio this morning- some people get rid of female foetuses to avoid bankruptcy, because there you still have to pay a lot of money for your daughter to marry). Having a daughter, when you're a woman it's having the possibility to have a close relationship with someone who is going to go through the same steps, phases, stuff you've gone through in a different world, with different influences, with a little bit of you.
Ok, let me explain. When I was a child, I went through girls' stuff, phases in an "x" world. Because I lived with my daughter, I guided her, influenced her and she's going throught the same stuff, phases in a "y" world. She's using what I've given her in her life. And I chose to give her the best of what I myself received from my mother. I guess we're hoping to improve the education we give our daughters. Promote the best and avoid the worst.
However, girls go through the worst anyway. It might even be necessary: difficulties probably make use stronger, more equipped. We can still guide them, talk to them, prepare them for the "worst".
Without promoting anything here, there's a company that sells beauty (the message is interesting, but we're talking money, right?) in a healthier, more appropriate way...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Lonely
We're trying to act like big girls, Ali and I. I work more (evenings as well), I cook meals (gotta eat), I watch TV without looking on my left (where Claude usually sits) and I sleep with a pillow in my arms (no comments...). And, uh tomorrow my friend Tanja is coming so we can continue working on our great project.
Good night my love, sweet dreams!
Friday, September 28, 2007
13 Projects For My Weekend
1. Cook something sweet for Creacamp
2. Gather my stuff for Creacamp
3. Go to Creacamp (Can't wait!)
4. Continue the quilt I started last weekend
5. Go to the grocery
6. Read a little (this, this or this)
7. Surf on the Internet
8. Do my Gratitude Journal
9. Start a new sewing project or cut pictures from my magazines
10. Vacuum cleaning and ironing (yukky...)
11. Spend loving moments with my lover
12. Spend time with my daughters
13. Watch a few Smallville 6 episodes with Alizée
2. Gather my stuff for Creacamp
3. Go to Creacamp (Can't wait!)
4. Continue the quilt I started last weekend
5. Go to the grocery
6. Read a little (this, this or this)
7. Surf on the Internet
8. Do my Gratitude Journal
9. Start a new sewing project or cut pictures from my magazines
10. Vacuum cleaning and ironing (yukky...)
11. Spend loving moments with my lover
12. Spend time with my daughters
13. Watch a few Smallville 6 episodes with Alizée
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Clean «Green»
We never know when we will make an interesting discovery.
Last Friday, as I was with my daughter filming for work, we made a short stop at a store. Sophie had already mentioned how great she felt by cleaning «green», but honestly, I thought it might be easy in a big city like Montreal to find those products, not here. Well, I was wrong. There's a store at 570 Mondor (close to a place I lived a looooong time ago), in Saint-Hyacinthe, where they sell all the necessary cleaning stuff for your body, clothes, windows and floors.
As soon as I finish my naughty-so-bad cleaning products, I switch to «green» stuff. On top of everything, the gentlemen there are really nice. At my daughter's school, they've gradually replaced soaps and cleaning products for ecological products. And you, when do you switch to «green»?
Last Friday, as I was with my daughter filming for work, we made a short stop at a store. Sophie had already mentioned how great she felt by cleaning «green», but honestly, I thought it might be easy in a big city like Montreal to find those products, not here. Well, I was wrong. There's a store at 570 Mondor (close to a place I lived a looooong time ago), in Saint-Hyacinthe, where they sell all the necessary cleaning stuff for your body, clothes, windows and floors.
As soon as I finish my naughty-so-bad cleaning products, I switch to «green» stuff. On top of everything, the gentlemen there are really nice. At my daughter's school, they've gradually replaced soaps and cleaning products for ecological products. And you, when do you switch to «green»?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
There You Go!
I told you I wanted to hang my poster in a different way. 6 clothespins, a little hot glue and there you go!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Masks From Bonaventure (Gaspésie)

These masks, painted by Miranda remind me wonderful souvenirs from Bonaventure, a nice village close to la Baie des Chaleurs. I found this place on the Internet where my daughters and I have spent half a day painting masks. Since then, I crave to go on vacation and stop by different similar places. Haven't found what I'm looking for, yet...
Friday, September 21, 2007
13 Positives Aspects of Filming in My Hometown
For my work, I have to produce a short film and it's been great...
1. The inspiring theme (peace...)
2. Having Alizée as a camera woman
3. Finding a nice store where they sell biodegradable cleaning products (I'll talk about it later)
4. Talk to nice people
5. Talk to people I haven't seen in a long time
6. Being at ease to talk to strangers
7. The positive reactions of everyone I met
8. Find great ideas, an interesting concept
9. It was a wonderful day (a very warm day too!)
10. The great sense of humor of many people
11. The people's generosity
12. Having some difficulty to find a filthy place or one filled with junk, in my hometown
13. Realizing that we made many people happy by filming them
1. The inspiring theme (peace...)
2. Having Alizée as a camera woman
3. Finding a nice store where they sell biodegradable cleaning products (I'll talk about it later)
4. Talk to nice people
5. Talk to people I haven't seen in a long time
6. Being at ease to talk to strangers
7. The positive reactions of everyone I met
8. Find great ideas, an interesting concept
9. It was a wonderful day (a very warm day too!)
10. The great sense of humor of many people
11. The people's generosity
12. Having some difficulty to find a filthy place or one filled with junk, in my hometown
13. Realizing that we made many people happy by filming them
Thursday, September 20, 2007
How to Be An Artist

Again, happy birthday, T!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I'm a Happy Person
Yesterday I received my moo minicards and I had the same feeling: excited to have something fun in my mailbox. Today, excitement reaches climax: I received my moo stickerbook AND a gift for me and my partner in crime that I ordered a month ago (can't tell you what it is, 'cause she might be reading, right now, and her birthday is only tomorrow, so shhhhhh!).
I know it's a little childish to get excited for such a small thing, but when you work from home, alone all day, you get excitement where you can!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Finally Here!
Friday, September 14, 2007
13 Books I've Enjoyed Reading
1. Mister Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran (Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt)
2. Someone I Loved ((Anna Gavalda)
3. Hunting and Gathering (Anna Gavalda)
4. I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere (Anna Gavalda)
5. Salt on Our Skin (Benoite Groult)
6. In the Fast lane (Alexandre Jardin)
7. Silk (Alessandro Baricco)
8. Stargirl (Jerry Spinelli)
9. The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Mitch Albom)
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (J.K. Rowling) (The Whole Serie, in fact...)
11. The Red Notebook (Paul Auster)
12. The Shadow of the Wind (Carlos Ruiz Zafon)
13. We Need to Talk About Kevin (Lionel Shriver)
2. Someone I Loved ((Anna Gavalda)
3. Hunting and Gathering (Anna Gavalda)
4. I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere (Anna Gavalda)
5. Salt on Our Skin (Benoite Groult)
6. In the Fast lane (Alexandre Jardin)
7. Silk (Alessandro Baricco)
8. Stargirl (Jerry Spinelli)
9. The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Mitch Albom)
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (J.K. Rowling) (The Whole Serie, in fact...)
11. The Red Notebook (Paul Auster)
12. The Shadow of the Wind (Carlos Ruiz Zafon)
13. We Need to Talk About Kevin (Lionel Shriver)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Postsecrets
I bought a very special book a few weeks ago at Urban Outfitters. I should have bought books # 2 and # 3 (not there anymore...). I'll eventually order them on the Internet. And I just discovered that there is a # 4! Postsecrets is a very interesting idea that originated from a blog. Here's a short video that says it all and the music by Sia (Breathe Me) is fantastic.
I love that type of stuff...
I love that type of stuff...
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Nurturing Creativity
To be creative or not to be creative. I always tell people that everyone is creative. And if we lose some aspects of it as we get older, we must nurture creativity, it's vital. Well, others think the same.
Working in education and having that train of thought, if only you knew how good I feel when I hear that...
The clips are approximately 20 minutes long, but they are sooooooo worth it! Enjoy...
Working in education and having that train of thought, if only you knew how good I feel when I hear that...
The clips are approximately 20 minutes long, but they are sooooooo worth it! Enjoy...
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Friday, September 7, 2007
13 Signs That Fall Is Coming
1. Our garden is history
2. The lawn is filled with apples that fell from our trees
3. Nights are colder (okay, not tonight)
4. In the morning, we need to put on a little sweater or something
5. It's getting darker earlier in the evening
6. The girls are back to school
7. I'm doing my postcards for the fall swap
8. I'm preparing training sessions that I'll be giving soon
9. I don't go swimming anymore (my man still does)
10. Maple and apple leaves are changing colors and falling on the ground
11. There are lots of wasps (because of the apples!)
12. Going to Montreal in the morning is not easy
13. At Marché Jean-Talon, there are looooots of fresh vegetables (great colors and flavors...)
2. The lawn is filled with apples that fell from our trees
3. Nights are colder (okay, not tonight)
4. In the morning, we need to put on a little sweater or something
5. It's getting darker earlier in the evening
6. The girls are back to school
7. I'm doing my postcards for the fall swap
8. I'm preparing training sessions that I'll be giving soon
9. I don't go swimming anymore (my man still does)
10. Maple and apple leaves are changing colors and falling on the ground
11. There are lots of wasps (because of the apples!)
12. Going to Montreal in the morning is not easy
13. At Marché Jean-Talon, there are looooots of fresh vegetables (great colors and flavors...)
A Little Late!
So here I am. I've received a beautiful postcard for the Fall Postcard Swap and it inspired me so I started mine. They're not entirely finished, but they're on their way.
I find this idea of making and sending postcard so interesting. And we send them to perfect strangers sometimes living far away from home. And it's a pleasure to send them as much as to receive them. And it's a great opportunity to create, to find a concept, to get ready for it, to start it, to see our ideas become reality. I really like postcard swaps. Do you?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Blog Things
I've discovered this site with little "things" to add to your blog.
I've decided to include this one, for fun. I felt like a teenager again...
I've decided to include this one, for fun. I felt like a teenager again...
You Are a Purple Crayon |
![]() Your world is colored in dreamy, divine, and classy colors. You hold yourself to a sky high standard, and you are always graceful. People envy, idolize, and copy you without realizing it. You are an icon for those who know you. And while it is hard to be a perfectionist, rest assured it's paying off! Your color wheel opposite is yellow. While yellow people may be wise, they lack the manners and class needed to impress you. |
A funny thing, I did the quiz where it's supposed to tell me, after some totally unrelated questions, which 2nd language I should learn. Well, a revelation: I should learn French! Seriously!
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