Yarn & Parsley.

It is wonderful to have time.
Time that isn't already spoken for.
Time that can flex as we go.

Yesterday, we did yoga for an hour and a half, and it didn't make us late for anything.

We watched 2 periods of a hockey game, and then left the cafe... (but really, how much did that have to do with having time, or was it sparing ourselves?)

I crocheted almost half of a blanket that I've been working on for... sheesh, I don't know. I bought the wool when I lived in Regina, so what does that tell you?


On a different note, I also spent some time while we were watching the hockey game looking up healthy recipes - which brings me to my next train of thoughts:

I really enjoy looking at healthy recipes. I sometimes even like shopping to make those recipes. And even less frequently, but still occasionally, I like making the recipes.
Really, though, just by browsing through them, I feel like a healthier person. I mean, I could be looking at the "how-to-make-a-cake-that-will-leave-your-dinner-guests-longing-for-more" page. But I'm not. I'm looking at oatmeal and dressing-less salad, and quinoa.

The problem I find is this:

I also really like some food that is not good for me.
I don't think what we eat is by any means all bad. In fact, I think I'm a pretty balanced eater/cook. But I definitely resort to comfort foods and cravings more frequently than I care to admit.

And sometimes that makes me feel guilty.

So, the only reasonable solution I can think of, really, is to stop looking at those healthy recipe pages.
All they make me do is wish that I had a garden combined with a green thumb.
And a kitchen full of herbs combined with a food processor.
And an organized grocery list combined with a lot of time.

Instead, I am choosing to be thankful. Thankful for tasty treats, for 4 food groups, and for the very occasional salad.

Ferries & Toothpaste.

I used to live in paradise.

You know - a place where every day you wake up, and are amazed at the flowers, the sunshine, the beaches, the fact that you can't remember the last time it rained, and where the sky for some unexplainable reason seems closer.

Today, this week... I am in paradise again. Just a different one.

Ry and I arrived last night at a place where the moment we drove off the little ferry... we were "here." Here as in the place where we will certainly find rest. Certainly find relaxation. Certainly find the little things that we need to jump start us into the following season (volleyball camps).

We embrace these little things.

Things like the "Island Library" that is the only place to get internet... and is open 3 times per week.

Things like the fact that our bedroom has a king-size bed. And carpet. And windows on 3 sides.

Things like two sinks in the bathroom. I love love big bathrooms. If our when-we-buy-a-house-some-day bathroom is bigger than our w-w-b-a-h-s-d bedroom... I will be okay with that. Don't you think it's such a luxury to have space while you're... you know... brushing your teeth?

Things like a hottub that faces the ocean.

Things like a table where I can do a puzzle, and watch Road to Avonlea on my computer all at the same time.

Things like a basket full of slippers that belong to the owners. And things like that their whole family is very tall and must have big feet and therefore Ry and I can fit those slippers.

Things like beach decorations. We drove around the whole island last night, and most houses have that paradise-style decor: fishing nets, big glass balls, shells, starfish, sand, stones... gardens.


I am running off to something wonderfully unimportant... like crocheting a blanket, reading a novel, or eating yogurt.

Have a wonderful day.

Lists & Libraries.

Oh my. 3 months.

Well, no excuses. And I'm here to write about the combination of little things that have made for a wonderful Saturday.

I attribute most of them to one little thing in particular:
A list.

I am a list person. Are you?
I could do the same thing twice: Once after writing it on a list; Once without.
I think it's fairly obvious which one leads to greater happiness.

Here's a few quirky facts about the list I made:
- I broke "dishes" up into "Dishes Round 1" and "Dishes Round 2." I'm very particular. Very specific.
- I did in fact add 2 things after I did them.
- I tried to not write them in chronological order... but then I just had to. I'm anal.

Lists are a great conversation killer, apparently. Over supper, Ryan casually asked, "So, what did you get up to today?"
How easy is that?
"Here. You can read about it."
Besides a chuckle, conversation over.

While I did really enjoy my list today, I determined this morning that I would go a bit deeper.
The first item on today's list was "Devos". Which means a delightful time with my coffee, my Bible, a cherished notebook, and also a cherished 25 cent pen.

(At the risk of showing favoritism, my particular coffee mug and particular Bible can also be cherished).

Anyways, I'm going to search here for the balance between not over-spiritualized but not cheapened either:

It came across to me quite strongly that it's difficult to read about God's creative, intentional, rich-in-love purposes through Jesus without feeling convicted to encompass my one-page list with a deeper purpose.
So, today had one bigger purpose:
To notice God.
To hear Him, to see Him, to acknowledge Him.

It would feel irreverent to "cross it off" at the end of today - But I will say that that mindset did change the shape of my day. Not in the big ways, as we all know by now... but in the little interpretations of the day.

I can't even put my finger on everything that I noticed today. But I think it's in things like how I reflected, and like noticing that my thoughts could actually find some resolution instead of circling around my bumpy head. Renewed perspective, renewed gratitude. Peace ("You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind..." Isaiah).

And, I noticed that I got within like 2 feet of a bunny rabbit on my walk.
("walk to the library" was on the list; "find a rabbit" was not).

Anyways.

I want my life list to be meaningful.
And I will feel no hesitation about adding meaningful events after they happen.

Lattes & Magazines.

People are funny.

I've been both observing and participating in the human quirks that exhibit themselves in so many settings. Here's what I'm saying:

The other day, I had to go into three different coffee shops before I found one with a place to sit. I had a homework agenda, so you know, I was on a mission. As the minutes were ticking away, I was progressively ticking as well. As in getting ticked at how many people had the same idea at the very same time as me. In the very same city.

Anyways. Have you ever noticed how people act in those situations? Here's a few observations:

- The hopeful eye-sweep of the place... then the glare and mild shake of the head on the way out the door. Followed by Timmy's drive-thru.

- The hopeful eye-sweep of the place... then the puppy dog head-droop, stooped shuffle to the counter, followed by placing an order with a melancholy tone. Followed by one last eye-sweep while waiting for your latte. Followed by listening to CBC radio in the car in the parking lot. While sipping the latte.

- The confident stride-in... the confident order placed... followed by a stare-down of every table in the place. Followed by a casual lean on the drink counter while waiting for your americano. Lean continues until a chair is vacated.

Just some observations.

Also, in grocery stores people are funny again. It's all about when you're in line.

In line, there's a way to "be." You have a serious face on. You're looking at the cashier to affirm yourself or criticize yourself on your choice (see first blog for reference).

Sometimes you look at magazine covers. For each one you think, "That's so stupid. How ridiculous." But you keep grazing. It kind of makes you feel better about yourself. Like morally superior.

Maybe you think about buying a chocolate bar. Then you think about your last workout like a week ago and you're like... no, better not. Morally superior. Good job.

Meanwhile, what you're really avoiding is that moment of awkwardness where the person ahead of you gets the last of their stuff on the conveyor belt. Then they realize "the stick" - you know the one I mean - is missing from this particular till. To show you they know they're 'supposed' to place it behind their stuff for you, they gently tap their last one or two items, like they would a baby's bottom. You get the message.

So you begin to place your stuff on the belt, leaving exactly 7 inches between your stuff and your neighbour's. It's only right.

And you repeat the socially appropriate steps with the person behind you.

Here's the second part about that scenario that I find funny:

In line, there's this feeling like everyone's a little shy, a little stressed, a little annoyed with anyone ahead of them.

The minute they get to the till, though... it's all smiles. "Hi there. Yeah, I'm great, thanks for asking!"
Let me translate that for you:

"For the last 9 minutes, I've been a critical, judgmental person. Now I have what I want so I'm a really great person. Thanks for asking."


Remember, I fully admitted at the beginning: Observer and Participant.

Buttons & Black Clouds.

I had a thought this morning.

I was thinking through different situations I am aware of with friends/colleagues/etc where there's just that one person who pushes their buttons in the wrong way.

We all have those people.

And if we don't right now, we have at some point, and we will again.

Anyways, in the context I'm thinking of, I've been considering what kind of advice I would give. These aren't like actually "harmful" annoyances, by the way. Bothersome, yes. Frustrating, yes. Unfair? Perhaps. Keep that description in mind so that the proposed idea is applied appropriately.

My idea is this. What if instead of the hours and hours we (particularly members of a particular gender) spend going over and over the things that drive us crazy about another person... We came up with a new phrase:

"Oh man, so quirky right now."

Got it? Quirky.
Not "what a terrible person."
Not "he/she is an idiot."
Not "they're purposely trying to hurt me."

They're quirky. Period.

I dunno, I kinda like it. When I think of someone as quirky, the annoyance becomes more of a trait than an all-encompassing black cloud surrounding my view of that person.

And let's be honest. We are all potentially that person for somebody else, or will be at some point. Do you want to be the black cloud?

Nah. Let's get quirky.

Gerbers & All-Stars.

You know what, it's been a great week or so.
Yeah, it has.
And, as always... you know where I'm giving the credit. The little... yeah. Those things that change you and inspire you without knocking your socks off in the most obvious of ways.

Here's a few.

I no longer have 3 night classes a week. Great, right?! Yeah, it's great. So, for the first time in a long time I can be in a girls' Bible study! I felt really content getting to sit around a table with 9 other wonderful women (suggesting I'm also wonderful with how I phrased that), talking about the Word, and writing in one of my collection of most favored notebooks. Also, eating chocolate almonds. Mmm.

Then, the next day, I woke up. Yep, the little things...
Okay, actually I woke up to check my email... and discovered a snow day! 3 classes became Zero. I read a novel at 8 in the morning. We went for brunch with great friends. And then I beat them all in Settlers. Lovely.

Then, the next day, best ever.
Not because I got braces, which I did.
But because my husband dropped me off at the orthodontist... which was nice, but not the nicest part...
He dropped me off, then he bought me flowers!
He said he thought I should have flowers since I was having braces :). I adore these flowers. And all of you little-things-appreciators know why without me having to explain.

Then, the next day I took my Grade 8 basketball team to a 2-day tournament in Duncan. I better just list the little things that made the trip such a quality time...


- These girls know how to ask questions - they show genuine interest without even realizing that's what they're doing!

- Watching the most consecutive offensive rebounds in a row... without a single basket being scored :)... and nearly having a heart attack every time.

- My team cheers for each other so loud without me ever having told them to do it. Any other coaches out there know how unusual this is.

- Putting in one of my players and having her eyes light up as she says, "really, you want me?!" I'm sure we could all take a lesson from that.

- Awesome parent chaperones who kept me caffeined, laughing, and encouraged. And who, as a group of 3, cheered louder than any bus load of other parents in the gym. 

- Having one of our players who has never really played before suddenly get it and start hitting shots and making great plays and stealing the ball and hitting the floor and... This precious girl sometimes isolates herself from her peers, but it was something else to watch her blossom in this and to see the team just draw her in in their own way and love on her... and then to see her beam when she got an all-star award (which she didn't take off for the rest of the day) :). To be honest, what I loved almost more was how the 11 other girls exploded in cheers, without hesitation, when she got her award. To me, this makes my team beautiful.


May your week be full of conversations around a table;
Moments of unexpected rest;
Thoughtful surprises received or given;
And precious people in whatever form they come.

Treats & Doll-Houses.

My parents live the little things better than anyone I know. 

Today they celebrate 30 years of marriage. I would like to honor them by mentioning some of those little things that have inspired me for 29 of their 30 years. I wasn’t here for the first one. I’m sure it was great. 

Mum and Dad dangled “treats” in front of us. It was sweet. What I mean is, they made lots of little things have special meaning because they were treats. For example, treat cereal. If you grew up on brand name Mini Wheats and Fruit Loops, I’m sorry. You just won’t appreciate this. My parents saved those things for special days like our birthdays. Or holidays. OR the rare occasion for no reason. Treats. Love ‘em to this day. In any form.

My parents made holidays fun for us by putting little things in place. Things like 4 different colored fluorescent hats, one for each of us. Just kidding. Those were corny. But they did do cool stuff like take us camping and encourage a different board game each summer. (Those who know me know that stuck). And they played with us. They also made craft kits for each of us for long road trips in the backward-facing puke-inducing red paneled station wagon. Who needs Fisher Price when you have Ruth and Marty. 

My parents preserve traditions around the little things. For example. For the last few years, Ry and I have not been able to be home for actual Christmas. But Dad gets this glint in his eye at 11 o’clock at night at least once during every visit: “You guys wanna do a sparkle tour?” The tradition is, we get hot drinks and drive around the city in the back of Dad’s big empty van listening to Christmas carols and looking at lights. There were no lights in August really. But it doesn’t matter. Great little tradition. (And we can’t really see from the floor of the van anyways). 

Mum and Dad raised us on home-made stuff. Love it. I saw a plastic canvas Christmas ornament today and was so delighted. Even if none of the rest of you know what plastic canvas is, my mum and sisters do. For sure. And I am so thankful for that. We learned how to make home-made cards… and rug-hook… and knit… and blow up pictures on an overhead projector… and paint nativity scene characters… because my parents took the time to invest the little things in us. No matter how busy I get, I still crave craft days. 

Mum and Dad still employ their home-made-making skills in their gift-giving. Last year, when Ry and I were in BC for Christmas, a very large package arrived at our door. I couldn’t believe it when I opened a doll house: hand-made; hand-painted; hand-wallpapered; hand-cardboard-furniture-built; hand pictures-hung-on-the-wall. Amazing. You see, when I was a kid, Dad had built us a big Barbie house, the sweetest thing ever. We haven’t been able to track it down recently, but they knew how much it meant to me. So, they took the time to build me one when I was 28 years old. 

I could go on and on… so here’s a final list to wrap things up, a “montage” of little things, if you will:
Stuffing every care package with fruit-to-go’s…
Sending home-made cards…
Constantly serving us when we come home…
Numerous boat trips at the lake…
Card games and board games…
“Slipping in” plane tickets and calling them  birthday gifts… and then also giving birthday gifts…
Painting a sign that says “Hoopy 16^th Birthday Deborah”…
Cheering at every high school basketball game… and even some college games…
Hosting Ry’s TWU team…
Smitty’s breakfasts…
Paper Umbrella cards and notebooks…
Encouraging Road to Avonlea in Sunday night CBC Family Hour…

For these and many more… thank you for mastering and modeling the art of the little things.

Happy Anniversary!