NaBloPoMo Day 5

Today's question: What makes you notice someone?

It depends on the person. The first thing I usually notice, would be the eyes followed by the smile. And then, I take them all in- the physical and the personality. What makes someone stand out to me, is the way they carry themselves. I notice if they laugh a lot, or smile a lot. I notice if they seem to be carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. And some people just radiate an energy that causes me to look deeper and talk to them. 


Want to join in?  NaBloPoMo.

NaBloPoMo Day 4

Today's question: Would you rather be wealthy and ugly, wise and sickly, or beautiful and stupid?

 When I first read this, I though it was asking two things:

Would you rather be wealthy and ugly, wise and sickly

or

Beautiful and stupid.

But then I realized it was three things. As I don't like to be sick, that nicks out the "wise and sickly" part. Plus, I don't consider myself to be wise, and I'm not so sure I'd want to be anyway. And, I'd nick out the beautiful and stupid, because of the stupid part. I'm not sure that being beautiful is all it is cracked up to be either.

Which leaves me with "wealthy and ugly", so I suppose that is what I'd choose. Because at least I could use my wealth to help others - and travel. Because I love to travel. Besides, when it all comes down to it, beauty and ugliness are really in the eye of the beholder. What is beautiful to one culture, is not to another.

Either way, I think these are all dangerous combinations to choose from. If I could mix and match them, I'd like to be wise and wealthy. Then, perhaps I could increase my wealth and possibly make a real difference to the world.

Since hubby's doing NanoWrimo...

Perhaps I'll try  NaBloPoMo.  Thanks to J and R  for this(I think). J was inspired by R, you see.


Anyway, I don't know if I'll do it every day. But some of the prompts have interested me. That being said, the prompt for November 1 was  "How would your life change if you didn't have rent or a mortgage to pay, i.e., if your housing was free?"  Unlike some of my friends who are doing this, I am a homeowner and still paying mortgage. Realistically, if I didn't have a mortgage, I'd have more income each month that I would put to savings and use toward travel, and house projects. 

Nov 2: "Tell us the story of a piece of jewelry you own. Where did it come from, and what does it mean to you?" My engagement ring has a cool story behind it. I did not want a traditional diamond. I wanted a ruby. My hubby (who was my fiance' at the time) and I were walking around, looking into the various shops. I came across a gorgeous ring, but it had an emerald in it. I made the comment to hubby, that I'd totally have that ring if it were a ruby. The shopkeeper heard me, and took me over to look at rubies that would fit. I found the perfect one that sparkled just right. 

 

Two weeks later we returned, and the shop owner reported that the emerald had been crushed when her removed it for the ruby. I'm not sure if that was true or not, but, I love my ring. Hubby then reproposed in the store - complete with the one knee bit. It's by far my favorite ring - a queen (the ruby) among kings (small diamonds the surround each side). 

 

Nov 3:  "Describe the plot of the next book you want to read, even if the book doesn't exist yet." I'm having a hard time with this. You see, I'd love to read a book that leaves me feeling really good at the end, that draws me in, and that I feel rather sad having finished. As for a plot... I really can't say, because so many have done this for me. Hmmm... 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ~ Amanda Soule

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ~ Amanda Soule

How I fell in love with the City

I have, since I can remember, always considered myself to be a country gal. I've been to a few cities in my lifetime, and none have impressed me. Although, the West side of New York, as least as presented in "You've Got Mail" was always tempting for me. But was that really what a city could be like? And I'm talking about the "feel" that was created - not just the look.

One of the local flower shops.

And then, we went to Toronto. My dear Canadians, I LOVE this city. Not only did I get to spend a week with friends, but I felt as though I was living in the movie "You've Got Mail". Seriously. The vendors are decked out for autumn with mums and pumpkins, and sometimes gorgeous floral arrangements IN pumpkins.

The street where we stayed has a Starbucks to the left and to the right. I was treated to a tall chai nonfat milk chai latte from each (Thank You!!!). And a Timothy's where I was treated to the most delicious pumpkin chai latte and had to buy a large before heading home... YUM! Which I was able to enjoy with some delicious pastries for breakfast, and still have some leftover to enjoy along with a good book The Thirteenth Tale. Bliss.

The old theater

And, speaking of books, there is a bookstore and library in walking distance. The bookstore, Chapters, was once an old movie theater. And they've kept the integrity of the old theater. From the stage, to an old projector, to the old seats that can be found tucked in amongst the shelves of book. This is a shot from the balcony of the store.

And the childrens' section was simply delightful, complete with its own stage and a nook to curl up in, as one couple was doing. (Any place else would've been fine... but the children's section? Come on folks... )

Shot of the children's mini stage

There is something so simple about being able to walk to get groceries, go to the library, or a community store. I liked not needing a car to get around. I loved being able to watch the people as they walked, to wonder what their stories might be.

Most of the people are stylishly decked out in fashionable attire. People care about how they look here, and each outfit makes a statement of some kind.

I loved the plethora of bakeries and coffee houses in the area. And, if I lived here, I'm sure that I'd put on about 20 pounds and develop a latte factor that would not be budget friendly. I have been seduced by the proximity, the architecture of the neighborhood, and the divine restaurants - and I'm not even down town!
 
Toronto's science center was really cool, as was the ROM museum. Riding the subway was fun, and I found myself wanting to be outside more and more. I loved driving through the cities, and wished I'd gotten a picture of the trees growing on a few of the roofs.

Autumn has always thrilled me. Autumn in the city has amazed me. I have fallen in love. I always thought I was a country girl at heart... but this week, I realized that I could actually live in and enjoy the city.

Autumn in Toronto

New Flooring

Saturday morning, after we emptied the room, I stepped in to remember. The emptiness reminded me of the flux that has been my life, with kids (and before kids), things are continually changing. And now, this room will change again.

 It has been privileged to live many life times, this room. First, it severed as hubby's bed room when we first bought the house and before we were married. Then, it became our guest room when people visited. When I became pregnant with Pook, it was turned into her room.

The walls were painted in colors with an animal trim. We tenderly put in her crib, peppered the room with baby toys, books, clothes, and other good things.

As eldest grew, the crib turned into a bed, and more toys entered the mix. When the second one was expected, we added in a crib and more baby stuff. It was getting pretty cluttered in there, but they loved it.

And now, it stood empty, warmed by the sun, waiting for it's next metamorphosis. I walked in and began to lift the carpeting. I pulled it up, pulled up the carpet strips and staples, until you could see the floor beneath.

And then it began. Thanks to a precious gift from friends, we began to install the new flooring. The new floor that would help our little one to deal with her dust mite allergies.

 Slowly, we watched the floor come into place. It was gorgeous. As we put the stuff back in, Pook had a simple request for space. She didn't want all the stuff back in. She wanted a simple corner, or two, where she could sit and be quiet. And, space in the floor of the closet where she could keep her big blocks to build her castle.

Complete with guards.

So now, this room has changed again. It's peaceful, colorful, and the least cluttered room of the house... It's given me food for thought about the rest of my house. (Especially since I need to reorganzie a few things and get rid of or find space for more of the toys... Hmmm....

Sometimes, we don't realize that we want space until we see it and are given it.