Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2013 ~ Happy New Year!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
Mom, as this year comes to an end, I've got another post or two to write to you, to wrap up the gift that I thought I was giving to you...but really...it was you giving it to me.
Thank you. Thank God for you. You truly are the wind beneath my wings.
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.
So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.
Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.
I love you, Mom.
Crystal
PS: Mom, I think it's time to start a new adventure. At 75, in just a few days for you, and just turning 40 for me, I think we should begin the best year of our lives..."The Best Year Ever"!
(More on this when you get back from your trip.)
Thank you. Thank God for you. You truly are the wind beneath my wings.
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.
So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.
Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.
I love you, Mom.
Crystal
PS: Mom, I think it's time to start a new adventure. At 75, in just a few days for you, and just turning 40 for me, I think we should begin the best year of our lives..."The Best Year Ever"!
(More on this when you get back from your trip.)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What a difference a year makes...
It's been said that we "over-estimate what we can accomplish in a day, and severely under-estimate what we can achieve or accomplish in one year"!
I think it's true.
What I know for sure, as the past year has come to an end, and another begins, is that 'living intentionally' is the answer, for me, to a more fulfilling and joyous life. And living more intentionally, through your wit and wisdom, Mom, has been life-changing in so many ways.
I am grateful. So very grateful...that you are my mom. That I'm one of your 10 kids, and for all the gifts you've given me this past year.
This blog was to be your birthday present, as you turn 75 in one week. I hope you've enjoyed tuning in 5 days/week or more, over the past year. It's been a true gift to me, to write to you, Mom. I can hardly believe that a year has passed. This was one of the first photos that I posted on your blog, one year ago, when we were home for our birthday's.
So much has happened since then.
So much has changed...
And so much has (thankfully) stayed the same.
Our family remains healthy. Happy. Close and connected. How blessed we all are!
This year, as we celebrated Christmas and your birthday, and Pearl surprised us with a cake for our birthday, with almost all of our family together, there is so much to be thankful for.
Blowing out our candles this year, I could wish for nothing more.
This past year has been an amazing year of being guided or led by intention. Sometimes not even my intention, but God's or the Universe's.
I finally feel 'at home' in my new home. I've never felt truly 'at home' in any of the 8 homes I've lived in, since moving to Kelowna. Sure, many of the houses were lovely. Gorgeous, in fact. And others, well, they were 'fixer-upper's', to say the least, and I'm grateful for every experience of packing and unpacking and packing again to move on to a new adventure. All the renovating, fixing and work on the houses were a metaphor for working on myself. Sort of a never-ending project called 'life'.
If we're still alive, the project isn't complete.
But this house, Mom, I said a few years ago, without even thinking about it, "Anne, when you're ready to sell your home, let me know. I'd love to buy it." When Gwen called to say that it was for sale, I didn't remember that I had said that I'd buy it, at first. But it was meant to be. And every time I look outside and see Gwen living across the street or drive up into the drive way, I feel, "I'm home!"
The extra space for visitors (hint-hint), fruit trees and sunrise every day are miracles that never cease! I still can't believe I get to wake up every day to the bright sunrise and view! I dreamed of this 16 years ago when I moved to Kelowna! In fact, I remember driving around Caseloma when we first moved here and I thought, wouldn't it be incredible to live over here!
And the new house is just one thing that's changed this year!
Simplifying and focusing on what I truly want in my life has been a work in progress. I have made huge strides...and still have a long way to go. The way you live your life, with simplicity and focus on your own true calling of your faith and family, have been a huge influence on me, Mom.
This past year has also provided a tremendous gift of intentionally 'slowing down'. Slowing down in every way from my driving to how I live my life. I could still slow down a little more, but it's been wonderful to not try to keep up to anyone and just go at my own pace. To not worry about the rat race and actually take myself out of that race and enter a different race called 'enjoying the present moment'.
Slowing down enough to start enjoying the present moment has been the greatest gift this year. Being open to possibility and not attached to the outcome in so many moments of the past year has filled me with joy.
I guess that's what joy is.
Living in the present moment + being open to possibility + no attachment to the outcome = JOY!
This is you, Mom. It's how you have parented all of us and how you love your grand-kids too. You're always fully present with us, you're open to whatever happens nad you don't seem to worry or get attached to the future and any outcome. You never cared about what we did for our careers, you just cared if we were happy and that we grew up to be kind and good.
And who knew that when you slow down long enough, you not only find yourself, you find love too?
Yes. Who knew?
Perhaps the past several years (all the things that went right and all the things that went wrong) have been a test.... A test...To discover what I'm made of. To find my faith. To teach me so many life-lessons that are actually life-blessings. To raise the bar on my own life so that I attract what's best for my heart and spirit and not just what my ego thinks it wants.
As this year comes to an end, I am so grateful, Mom.
So grateful for you and our family. So grateful for al that is and isn't.
So grateful to have had this little connection with you that has meant so much to me.
I love you Mom.
See you tomorrow.
I just can't quite sign off yet.
love Crystal
I think it's true.
What I know for sure, as the past year has come to an end, and another begins, is that 'living intentionally' is the answer, for me, to a more fulfilling and joyous life. And living more intentionally, through your wit and wisdom, Mom, has been life-changing in so many ways.
I am grateful. So very grateful...that you are my mom. That I'm one of your 10 kids, and for all the gifts you've given me this past year.
This blog was to be your birthday present, as you turn 75 in one week. I hope you've enjoyed tuning in 5 days/week or more, over the past year. It's been a true gift to me, to write to you, Mom. I can hardly believe that a year has passed. This was one of the first photos that I posted on your blog, one year ago, when we were home for our birthday's.
So much has happened since then.
So much has changed...
And so much has (thankfully) stayed the same.
Our family remains healthy. Happy. Close and connected. How blessed we all are!
This year, as we celebrated Christmas and your birthday, and Pearl surprised us with a cake for our birthday, with almost all of our family together, there is so much to be thankful for.
Blowing out our candles this year, I could wish for nothing more.
This past year has been an amazing year of being guided or led by intention. Sometimes not even my intention, but God's or the Universe's.
I finally feel 'at home' in my new home. I've never felt truly 'at home' in any of the 8 homes I've lived in, since moving to Kelowna. Sure, many of the houses were lovely. Gorgeous, in fact. And others, well, they were 'fixer-upper's', to say the least, and I'm grateful for every experience of packing and unpacking and packing again to move on to a new adventure. All the renovating, fixing and work on the houses were a metaphor for working on myself. Sort of a never-ending project called 'life'.
If we're still alive, the project isn't complete.
But this house, Mom, I said a few years ago, without even thinking about it, "Anne, when you're ready to sell your home, let me know. I'd love to buy it." When Gwen called to say that it was for sale, I didn't remember that I had said that I'd buy it, at first. But it was meant to be. And every time I look outside and see Gwen living across the street or drive up into the drive way, I feel, "I'm home!"
The extra space for visitors (hint-hint), fruit trees and sunrise every day are miracles that never cease! I still can't believe I get to wake up every day to the bright sunrise and view! I dreamed of this 16 years ago when I moved to Kelowna! In fact, I remember driving around Caseloma when we first moved here and I thought, wouldn't it be incredible to live over here!
And the new house is just one thing that's changed this year!
Simplifying and focusing on what I truly want in my life has been a work in progress. I have made huge strides...and still have a long way to go. The way you live your life, with simplicity and focus on your own true calling of your faith and family, have been a huge influence on me, Mom.
This past year has also provided a tremendous gift of intentionally 'slowing down'. Slowing down in every way from my driving to how I live my life. I could still slow down a little more, but it's been wonderful to not try to keep up to anyone and just go at my own pace. To not worry about the rat race and actually take myself out of that race and enter a different race called 'enjoying the present moment'.
Slowing down enough to start enjoying the present moment has been the greatest gift this year. Being open to possibility and not attached to the outcome in so many moments of the past year has filled me with joy.
I guess that's what joy is.
Living in the present moment + being open to possibility + no attachment to the outcome = JOY!
This is you, Mom. It's how you have parented all of us and how you love your grand-kids too. You're always fully present with us, you're open to whatever happens nad you don't seem to worry or get attached to the future and any outcome. You never cared about what we did for our careers, you just cared if we were happy and that we grew up to be kind and good.
And who knew that when you slow down long enough, you not only find yourself, you find love too?
Yes. Who knew?
Perhaps the past several years (all the things that went right and all the things that went wrong) have been a test.... A test...To discover what I'm made of. To find my faith. To teach me so many life-lessons that are actually life-blessings. To raise the bar on my own life so that I attract what's best for my heart and spirit and not just what my ego thinks it wants.
As this year comes to an end, I am so grateful, Mom.
So grateful for you and our family. So grateful for al that is and isn't.
So grateful to have had this little connection with you that has meant so much to me.
I love you Mom.
See you tomorrow.
I just can't quite sign off yet.
love Crystal
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cleaning cupboards
You know when you finally get down and pull out all the stuff from the kitchen cupboards, everything, and then reorganize it, putting back only the things that are supposed to be there, discarding the containers with no lids and other lids that have no containers and then all the right stuff goes in the right place and for some reason, it just feels so much better.
It's that way with everything. Not just the kitchen cupboards, but the office, laundry room, clothes closet and junk drawer.
And with projects, work, various jobs and all of those 'cupboards' that could be reorganized, pulled apart and put back together again more effficiently and organized.
That's what I'm doing today with a few projects; finishing year-end! It's just like matching lids and containers - receipts and visa statements....and the feeling when I'm done will be the same!
Lighter! Less stressed! More at ease and rejuvinated.
And besides, it's still snowing...so it's a good day to stay inside!
love you, Mom.
Crystal
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
What would my mom do?
On days like today...when over a foot of snow has fallen lastnight and another foot is expected today...I think the best thing to do is 'stay inside'!
Only go out if you have to.
And with a snowfall weather warning in effect for Kelowna today, I think that's just what I will do! Stay inside!
Turn on the fireplace. Work from home today. Bake something.
And maybe go make a few snow angels on Gwen's yard later.
Love you Mom,
Crystal
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy Birthday Video
Hi Mom,
I've been trying for 2 days to upload your Birthday video to your blog, but it isn't working.
So, I'm going to send the 2 videos to you on a memory stick and you can just put it into your computer.
It's incredible that 10 days have passed into the new year! Having the flu since Dec. 31st was not really how expected to kick off the new year. But it probably was the very best thing for me.
I slept for 3 days straight and then when, I taught last week, I came home almost every night and put my flannel PJ's on as soon as I got home.
This past weekend, I am feeling pretty good.
What I learned from you, in getting the flu, Mom, is to 'embrace' and accept it; make the best of it; do what I can to make the situation better; don't complain; and allow time to take it's course.
That's a good plan, for when we're sick...and every day.
- embrace and accept the situation
- make the best of it
- do what we can to make it better
- don't complain
- allow time to take it's course
Here are some photos I found online that I never used this past year, in writing your blog.
It's amazing how fast the year has gone.
It's amazing how much I have cherished writing you and thinking about all that you've taught me.
...Maybe we could have just a few more days.
Love Crystal
I've been trying for 2 days to upload your Birthday video to your blog, but it isn't working.
So, I'm going to send the 2 videos to you on a memory stick and you can just put it into your computer.
It's incredible that 10 days have passed into the new year! Having the flu since Dec. 31st was not really how expected to kick off the new year. But it probably was the very best thing for me.
I slept for 3 days straight and then when, I taught last week, I came home almost every night and put my flannel PJ's on as soon as I got home.
This past weekend, I am feeling pretty good.
What I learned from you, in getting the flu, Mom, is to 'embrace' and accept it; make the best of it; do what I can to make the situation better; don't complain; and allow time to take it's course.
That's a good plan, for when we're sick...and every day.
- embrace and accept the situation
- make the best of it
- do what we can to make it better
- don't complain
- allow time to take it's course
Here are some photos I found online that I never used this past year, in writing your blog.
It's amazing how fast the year has gone.
It's amazing how much I have cherished writing you and thinking about all that you've taught me.
...Maybe we could have just a few more days.
Love Crystal
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Don't wait too long...
Lastnight, Linda, Steph and I got together for a glass of wine and visit...and celebration of our birthdays! They're both born on Dec 27th!
It's been too long since we got together last. We've been friends for almost a decade and it's so wonderful to just be able to pick up where we left off.
Whether it's a run together, where we pack in as much conversation in an hour and then hug and say good bye until the next time...or conversation over wine...I realize, sitting with two of the best friends anyone could have, that I should not wait too long for the next time.
It's funny. If one of us called and said, "I need your help.", we would all be there in an instant. Even faster than that. We'd do most anything for one another. But, when it's just 'life', and nothing urgent is really going on, and life just gets busy, it's easy for too much time to pass between those runs or visits.
I wrote an email to Linda and Steph this morning and wanted to write a little note to send with the photo we took lastnight and my fingertips just seemed to write this by themselves.
Happy birthday to US!
May this next year be our best ever!!
May we always have good friends to drink wine and visit with.
May we always have great health, fit bodies and lots of energy.
May we spend our lives honouring our calling and following our hearts.
May we go confidently into the world sharing our gifts and passion.
May we be rewarded with satisfaction and funds for our time and talents.
May we always shine brightly, live in possibility and believe that all of our dreams will come true!
I think I was thinking about the birthday card that Linda gave me. It was amazing.
It said, "Do you remember the way it felt to make a wish and never - not even for a second - doubt that it might come true?"
I do remember.
Maybe it's time for that again...to live in that place of dreaming - and believing - in those wishes and that they will come true.
I just listened to the radio this morning and Michael Buble was being interviewed. They asked him, "Could you ever have imagined the success you are currently experiencing; selling 25 million records, playing in front of thousands in stadiums?" And Michael Buble's response was incredible. He said, "You know, I think I was the only one who believed I could sell that many records or play to sold-out crowds in stadiums." He went on to say that he "...started out, singing Christmas carols in shopping malls, with his grandfather waiting and watching for hours..." but he always believed in his dreams of singing in front of thousands.
Mom, thank you for always believing in me...and for never waiting too long to tell me how much you love me.
I love you,
Crystal
"Keep dreaming, wishing and planning. There is immeasureable power in it."
Friday, December 17, 2010
...one of my very best friends
...who's been there and done that with me for the past 12 years!
I just love this little bear!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
50 Year Friends...
Wouldn't it be nice to have a friend for 50 years?
I think so.
A "50 Year Friend" would have 'been there and done that' with you for all of life's major (and minor) events. How lucky we would all be if we could get to that place of having a 50 year friend...or group of friends.
This is part of my tribe here in Kelowna. We had lunch yesterday. It was wonderful.
And the 2 ladies with matching hairdoo's sitting behind us were a great reminder to me of how much it means to have those life-long friendships.
Tomorrow night, I'm getting together with another group of amazing friends. How lucky we are to be able to connect, get busy with life, and then reconnect again and pick up where we left off, as if it were yesterday.
And before we know it, we'll all be home with you Mom, and while there, having lunch with our group of 7, who have now, for some us, been friends since we were 8 years old. That's a 31 year friendship so far. And I feel so grateful that it's OK to just connect and reconnect and get busy with life and then reconnect when time permits or the opportunity arises...and we just pick up where we left off.
Mom, I can't wait to see you!! Just a few more days!!!
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me.
love you,
PS Your hair looks way cooler than these ladies! :)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Now THAT is amusing!
Life's much better when I look at things in a funny way.
There's amusing things everywhere!
Things to laugh AT...and laugh ABOUT.
Things to smile about and relish in....everywhere I look.
Even loading all the leaves from the hostel and the rental is completely amusing...when I look at it that way. Amusing...and dirty! (Did I mention that I had to dump out the bags of leaves?)
Yesterday, I was on a mission! I loaded up all the leaves and took them to the landfill. Then I loaded up all the cardboard recycling from the move to the new house (that had been sitting in my garage...and then moved to the side of the house) and took that to the recycling place, too.
And everywhere I turned, I encountered something amusing...or something to smile about.
The past few days, with a bit of a 'kick in the butt' from watching that movie, Morning Glory, I've been thinking about the coming year and really dreaming and planning what I want the next year to look like.
It's amazingly simple....look at everything with amusement in my eyes...and then put good stuff in...and VOILA!!...good stuff comes out!
Whether it's a good movie, some good music, a good book or a great conversation with a friend....
When I put good stuff into my brain, body and life...great stuff comes out!
Yes...it's obvious and simple...but quite extraordinary when actually lived and experienced.
Love you, Mom. Thanks for always keeping things simple. Never complicating life. Always leading life with amusement and the simple equation of 'put good stuff in...and good stuff will come out'!
See you soon!
love Crystal
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