Surfing 101

What surfing IS and ISN'T!
- Surfing is clearly not as easy as it looks.
- Take the larger board when they offer it. That extra foot might be appreciated...and needed.
- Being a good paddle-boarder does not make one a good surfer.
- Every wave can be a good wave...don't let it go by...just paddle and TRY.
- Waiting for the 'perfect wave' won't make me a better surfer
- Focus!
- When you lose track of time...and hours go by...you know you're having a fabulous time...even if you've barely gotten up on the board!
- You're never too old to learn to surf. I might think I'm old compared to the 10 year old kids out there on the water...but when the white haired guy that has 20 years on me is sitting on the board next to me...you know that surfing has no age limit.
- Looking 'cool' isn't likely to happen when you're learning to surf.

- Part of the fun of surfing is sitting on your board, watching other people catch a wave and have a great ride!
- Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things.
- That little dread-lock dude that makes it look so easy was born on that surf board!

- Clearly...none of these photos are of me! I could barely stand up on the board yesterday!
- Today is going to be a fabulous surfing day...and if I can tighten up the string on my bathing suit shorts, that would be a good thing too!

Hope the snow is subsiding mom and the temperature warming up!
love you,
Crystal
PS Surfing is like how my momma bakes...follow the recipe and it'll turn out perfectly. Deviate from the plan or forget to measure...and it's a face-plant in the ocean!

Sunshine and healthy drinks!

Surfing and Sunshine!

Day 2...

SURFING and SUNSHINE is the intention of the day!

More photos to come and I promise I will take time today to write a bit.
Yesterday was spent checking out surf shops and schools, getting groceries, figuring out the internet connection, dodging the rain, going for a run on the beach and watching the sunset and a little girl learn to surf! (Check out the sunset photo...a bit cloudy...but you'll see a little girl standing on a surf board...it was so cute!)


Love you, Mom.
Thanks for being there when I called on Skype.
Talk to you soon and tune in later for photos of surfing!!
love Crystal

Safe and sound...

Hi Mom,
Safe and sound and Oh My GOD...only steps from the ocean!
More to come.
Love you,
Crystal

Intentions that last for generations?

Hi Mom,

While I was driving and working today, I was listening to an audio program that I haven't listened to in a while, by this scientist named Lynn Mctaggart. She wrote a book called, "The Intention Experiment". I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but if I haven't....It's about how our intentions or prayers have an impact in our lives and the world around us.

When I was listening to this one part today, it came to me that YOU do exactly what they were talking about in the program. Basically, the science experiment studied fruit flies that had been hatched in 2 different containers. One container was prayed over (Some people sent the container "good intentions" basically. I know it sounds hokey...but wait!) The other dish - well, nobody did anything with it. Then...the 2 dishes were sent to a different lab where the new lab people didn't know what had happened with the 2 containers. They, then, hatched fruit flies in the 2 separate containers...and what they found was very interesting! The fruit flies that were hatched in the container that had been prayed over actually were larger, healthier and lived longer! So did their offspring....compared to the other container. The findings were too significant to be ignored. The end result was that, in some way, the prayers or intentions of the people had an impact on the fruit flies for generations.

I think it's the same way in our family! It's because of YOUR intention for all of us; your kids and grandkids, that we somehow seem so blessed; so lucky in so many ways. And the impact of your prayers and intentions, Mom, if it's the same as the science experiment, lasts for generations to come. In the experiment, it said that it was as if the DNA of the fruit flies was encoded to be healthier and live longer.

I thought it was fascinating.

So...today I sent out positive thoughts to everyone I encountered. (Just in my head, of course.) And while I am not sure anyone else noticed (consciously or subconsciously), it certainly made my day a good one.

I was in a great mood! (Gotta make up for my grouchy mood a couple weeks ago...I'm still in the hole - got a ways to go.) Lots of great stuff happened, too. Wonderful little coincidences...that probably weren't really coincidences at all.
- Woke up just in a great mood, feeling grateful for lots of things and so excited to go on a holiday!
- also excited to see all the snow! It's a winter wonderland out there!
- Chatted on the phone with a girlfriend that I haven't spoken with in a while and can't wait to see some of my girlfriends at this event tomorrow night for the Junior Chamber (Jaycees).
- Ran into another girlfriend at Superstore and had an awesome conversation for 20 minutes in the middle of the aisle.
- Got so many things on my list completed and crossed off...and had such a good time for no real reason.
- Went to see Gwen at the mall and check out their kiosk. It's awesome!!

Really, there was nothing super-amazing about the day...but sending out little intentions for people to experience increased joy, happiness, abundance, love, etc. was a lot of fun. It just felt good.

I did want to send you something too, Mom.
It's the first snowfall here in Kelowna and whenever it snows, I think of you. So...
These are for you.



I went to Eric's parents house and made snow angels (anonymously) in their yard. I thought it was funny. But for all I know, the joke's on me b/c they were probably watching from the windows.


Either way, Mom, I'm sending snow angels to your back yard and hope you know how much all of us appreciate your prayers and positive intentions that you send us every day. The impact you have is incredible.

Love Crystal

Perhaps...

"Perhaps the real heart within us is not just a pump. Perhaps the real heart within us is about love and faith. Perhaps the physical body is not who we really are. Perhaps we are these invisible souls walking around, and the body is just an instrument or metaphor for something we are trying to learn."

Yesterday I watched part of the Oprah show. It was about faith and healing. And it was fascinating to say the least.

There was no debate or argument about science versus religion or anything like that. The show was just about this faith healer in Brazil and people on the show recounted their experiences there.

One person was the editor for O Magazine. Another was a medical doctor. And another was a lady with cancer. They all had their own stories to share and all came away with a profound healing experience of one sort or another.

The rest of the day, as i was working, I couldn't help but think about the show and the capacity for humans to create their own world with the power of belief and the strength of their faith.

What if....the guy is a hoax, which most science believers think.
What if....he's actually got a gift from God, which most believers think.

Whatever the truth is...people are walking away healed - and whether it's actually their own faith and belief (that they will experience a miracle) that plays a part in what goes on...or whether they're just present and receive a miracle...it doesn't really matter...because something is working.

Dr. Rediger, one of the people on the show (the skeptic doctor) had this to say after going to see the healer:

"Perhaps the real heart within us is not just a pump, he says. "Perhaps the real heart within us is about love and faith. Perhaps the physical body is not who we really are. Perhaps we are these invisible souls walking around, and the body is just an instrument or metaphor for something we are trying to learn."

Mom, thank you for teaching us to live in a belief of "Perhaps".

Perhaps things aren't always what they seem. Perhaps things are not always black and white. Perhaps there's more to the story than what we know. Perhaps we must believe it and then we'll see it. And perhaps faith and love might be more real than science ever could prove.

Love you,
Crystal

PS And perhaps it's time to dust off that shovel and get out the car scraper! Winter has arrived in Kelowna!! You know what that means....Christmas is coming!!

Use what God has given you!

Mom,

Using what God has given me, I realize that we are capable of so much.

This is our promotional video that I made for the next DIVA Retreat...I had to put it into two parts b/c it was too big to upload in one file.
Let me know what you think.

I love you, Mom.
Crystal

Be the Asker Of The Questions

To be on a quest is nothing more or less
than to be an asker of questions.

Today, I was on a quest.

I was on a quest to get to the bottom of a very strange phone message that I received on my home phone.

The phone message was from a collections agency. The person on the phone was clearly suffering from one or all of the following:
- he did not like his job and was absolutely obnoxious as a result
- he thought that leaving a rude, disrespectful and almost threatening message would somehow get him what he wanted
- he was power-tripping because he was treated unfairly as a child and was acting out his frustration now, decades later.

I have no idea!

I had no idea why they were calling me. And I am not outstanding on any bills that I know of. But I was still a bit uneasy, wondering, "Why on earth is someone calling me and being such an idiot." The other thought that came to my mind was, "Oh My God! Did I forget to pay a bill?!"

I called the guy back and he didn't have any record of me.

Very odd! Very odd indeed, because he left a message using my name and he had my home phone number!

I rarely use that number so I was even surprised by this call for that reason alone, not to mention the threatening tone and/or financial issue inferred!

Upon further research, the guy had absolutely no record of me, my name, anything! Except my phone number.

He hung up and called me back about 15 minutes later...asking, "What is your last name?"

I told him and he was then confused. He still had no idea who I was! I told him that I could replay his message and he would hear that he mentioned my name and some personal details - a CIBC credit, etc.

Well, at the end of the 20 minute discussion, we figured it out! A girl who used to have my phone number was also named Crystal, except with a different last name.

So...the phone message appeared to be for me...after all, it is my phone number and my name is Crystal...but it wasn't really for me.

It was just a coincidence.

We finally figured it out...but it took 20 minutes. It could have taken much less time if I had been 'the asker of the questions', if I had been a little more intentional. They guy on the phone thought he had the right person so he was not asking any more questions...he just wanted money. I should have asked clearer questions in the beginning and that would have solved things in 1 minute.

Mom, you ask great questions. You really are on a quest...for each of us; your kids and grandkids...and you are an amazing 'asker of the questions' to help us become what we could be! Thank you.

I love you, Mom.
Thank you for the quest you're on...and for your sharp wit, sarcasm and just the right amount of humour that I borrowed today when I was talking to this guy today!

love Crystal

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and my Mom

What do the Saskatchewan Roughriders and my Mom have in common?


1. They both know how to move forward without letting things snag them, hold them up or hold them back from where they want to go.

2. They both know how to work with their team (Mom: family, loved ones, friends) (Rider's: their team-mates and fans) to get things done.

3. They both look obstacles right in the face and face things head-on with courage, grace and inner conviction.

4. They both know how to take hold of an opportunity and seize it when it's there, infront of them.

5. They are both creative in their efforts...sometimes you go around, sometimes you go through and sometimes you go over whatever is in your way.

6. They both know that sometimes life can get messy and you just have to get down and dirty and fight for what you want.

7. And above all else...they both know that in good times and in bad, when it's easy and when it's difficult...you just have to pray!

What a game!!
I love you, Mom!
Crystal

PS: The Rider's and my Mom also know that there's value in everything...and what someone else (or another team) discard something (or someone)...it should not be overlooked!

Celebrating 6 Years...

Happy Anniversary Mom!
I hope you and Don had a wonderful weekend...celebrating 6 years! Time flies by! Congratulations!!!

Here are a few photos of your wedding.









You teach many things to all of us by how you live your life, Mom.
And celebrating 6 years of marriage doesn't come without effort, I'm sure...and a whole lot of other things:
Effort.
Patience.
Understanding.
Listening.
Talking.
Forgiving.
Faith.
Laughter.
A sense of humour.
Thoughfulness.
Asking.
Giving.
Flexibility.
And love.
Thank you for being an example of all these things and more...

Love you, Mom.
See you in just over a month!!
Crystal

"You've got two choices."

Tonight, after an exhausting week that ended on a great note with a quick flight and a wonderful visit with Gwen on the plane, I arrived home, greeted by Scotia, who seemed to have had a very relaxing week....

I was also greeted with a leak in the basement that I noticed last Sunday night before I left. Rob took a look at it this week and pulled apart a few things!

And this is what he found! A big fat crack in the foundation!




















I am so NOT impressed!!!
REALLY NOT IMPRESSED....just when the suite was practically perfectly ready to rent out on Vacation Rental By Owner.

I sat on the bed assessing the damage and wondering what to do now with the crack in the wall. And then Scotia wandered into the room, purring like a diesel engine. And I thought of the line I've heard you say several times in the past;

"Well, I guess you've got two choices."

And I guess I do.
Get upset. Let this crack (and the stress) bother me...or...appreciate some of the good things in my life...like Scotia, who seriously purrs so loud that it just makes me feel soooo good and then go take a shower, put on some warm clothes and get to bed.

This week, I could have made the better of 2 choices. I chose to be frustrated instead of being patient in a few situations that I wish I could 'do over'.

One thing I learned though, is to honour what I need and take care of myself instead of putting aside my needs. The only need I had was for quiet and space a bit of time alone. I didn't get what I needed b/c I simply didn't take it. It's my fault for not doing what I needed to to, in order to be my best. It's simple. If you're hungry - you eat. If you are thirsty - you get a drink of water. And if I needed some time alone b/c it was busy 24-7 all week, the time was there to take. I just didn't take it.


Tomorrow is a new day and I hope there's lots of great choices to make...
I'm so glad to be home, even if my house has a crack in it. It's not perfect. Nothing and no one is 'perfect'. This week was just another test in life; not about what happens to us, but rather, about how we respond. And while I might have passed a few tests, I failed in others this week and could have lived much more intentionally instead of just reacting.

I'll take this week as a good learning opportunity and do exactly that - learn from it.

Mom, I love you and I can hardly wait to see you at Christmas. 43 days and counting until Christmas Eve!
love Crystal

Life is SHORT!

Life is SHORT! Very, very short!

Life is too short to let a day go by without finding something to be grateful for.
Life is too short not to tell those around you that we love them.
Life is too short to let circumstances or problems that arise to ruin our day.
Life is too short to blow things out of proportion and let drama reign.
Life is too short to let a moment go by without finding something to be happy about.
Life is too short to hide our gifts and talents from the world.
Life is too short to forget that we can really do anything we imagine!
And mom...life is way too short to say no to that adventure (or motorcycle ride)!

(FYI: Your grandkids were very proud of their motorcycle grandma!)

Life is too short not to hug our nephews at least 3 times when we saw them today!




















And life is much too short not to do a lot of these things mentioned here!

Mom, thank you again for the wonderful weekend! I'm so grateful! And thanks for the directions tonight. Life is too short to spend so much time getting lost! Thanks for being there! We made it back! I'm exhausted! Sweet dreams! Talk to you tomorrow!

Love Crystal

Being Understood

48 Hours - more than a hundred tiny moments of feeling grateful that so many of us were together and only 42 days until we're home for Christmas!

Good morning Mom,
Thank you so much for coming to visit on the weekend! I think we all appreciated it more than you could ever know!

How do you make each of us feel so loved, so important and so 'understood'? Even just a few minutes spent with you is enough to feel this validation from you.

Isn't that all we really need in life?

To feel understood.

To feel loved.

To feel important.

And to be validated.

You just sit back, take it all in, never judging or saying anything that would ever be 'taken the wrong way'. You just smile to yourself. You never try to change anyone. You just love all of us - exactly as we are.

That was amazing to see this weekend, Mom.

I can't even articulate the impact or magnitude of the 'presence' you have and the unconditional love, complete acceptance and patience you share and give to all of us. But I do know that it's rare. Even my closest friends have said, "I wish I had a mom like yours." or "You're very lucky to have a mom like you do."

It would be a big stretch to become more like you in this area Mom. I wouldn't even know where to start.

It's Tuesday morning at 5:30am and Day 1 in Edmonton went really well! Day 2 is going to be great!

We'll call you tonight.
Love Crystal

A picture is worth a thousand words...