Sunday, February 28, 2010

Another awesome weekend simply stuffed with music (and a bit of hockey)

We are SO lucky to be living in this city.  This weekend was an extravaganza of music, once again.

Friday night, Michael and I met popped down to his high school to hear An Evening of Low Brass Music featuring Courtney Lambert (Michael's first tuba teacher) and bass-trombonist Barnaby Kerekes (our guy at Long & McQuade and friend of the school's music department).  An interesting evening featuring music by C.M. Weber, G.P. Telemann, Arthur Foote, Christopher Nickel, Elizabeth Raum (who was in attendance), and James Grant. Interestingly, both the Telemann and Foote pieces were originally written for flute.  Teleman's Fantasia #3 for Flute was played without accompaniment by Barnaby on the Bass Trombone, and Arthur Foote's Trois Pieces for Flute was played by Courtney on the tuba.  This was a double hit for Michael as he has been playing both tuba and bass trombone this year, and he got to say hello to Courtney who taught him for six months or so until the spring of 2009.

Saturday night, Z and I went down to hear the second New Creations concert of the TSO.  It featured three works.  The first was Suite from Ashoka's Dream by Peter Lieberson which, truthfully, left me a bit cold.  There didn't seem to be anything to focus on, no hook or thematic centre.  I don't know....I'm not a professional musician, but it kind of left me cold.  The second piece was commissioned by the TSO specifically for this series, the theme of which was "Music Inspired by Words".  Composer Andrew Paul MacDonald took Shelley's Ode to the West Wind and set the music around it.  Literally. Actor Colm Feore read the poem during the piece, the words having been set into the score.  Feore was "conducted", his voice another instrument in the orchestra. It was very effective... Feore was miked, and the music very definitely supported this lovely, well-known poem.  MacDonald spoke about this commission briefly before the performance which added to the audience's understanding of the process and way that he had represented various elements of the poem musically.

The final piece of the evening was probably one of the most stunning works I have heard this season.  Composer Osvaldo Golijov wrote a setting of the St. Mark's Passion in 1998 for orchestra, soloists and choir.  In 2008, one of his collaborators, percussionist Gonzalo Grau, was commissioned by the Labeque sisters (duo-pianists) to arrang thematic elements of the work, taking it down from 87 minutes and 30+ movements to about 30 mintues and 6 movements,  No singers. Just two pianos and orchestra.  

It was a masterwork!  Truly, it was like no other setting of the Passion than I have ever heard, and I am anxious to find a downloadable copy to listen to again.  Golijov is a wonder, and I'm hoping to be able to get to the final New Creations concert this Wednesday to hear another of his works.

As if that wasn't enough, this afternoon we attended the final performance of Otello at the Canadian Opera Company.  More of a psychological drama than action-oriented, it was intense and dark, with an awe-inspiring cast.  As we left the opera house and headed toward the parking garage down the street, we popped into Fionn MacCool's to catch the last few minutes of the Olympic Gold men's hockey game.  I took the Sunday dispensation for my Lenten TV sacrifice (which I normally would not) and we caught the last 5 minutes of regulation time and the sudden death period leading to Canada's victory, so that was a fun end to the afternoon!  It took the edge off the death of Desdemona and Otello, that's for sure!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The long and too short of dressing up for the devout

I've blogged about some of the freedoms inherent in modest dress in the past, but this very funny piece from today's Post illustrates it once again. Go there and read the whole thing.

http://www.nationalpost.com/m/story.html?id=2620509

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Beauty in Kensington Market

On Augusta St...

Photo

Glenn Gould - on Front Street

I love this sculpture...

Photo

A busy day in town.

Yesterday was full of good food, good conversation, and good art.

I headed down to Mercatto in the MaRS district for lunch with my brother and some others doing work in ethics in and around the University.  Very interesting conversation and excellent food made for a lovely meal.  Afterwards, John and I settled into a local Second Cup for some discussion of a conference he's planning for the fall and some next steps in setting up processes for the Centre he's heading up.  We parted ways and I wandered through Kensington Market, stopping in at the Blue Banana before heading to the AGO for an hour.

I checked out the exhibit of Rembrandt/Freud: Etchings from Life.  I"m a big fan of Lucien Freud's paintings, but had never seen his etchings.  The exhibit displayed Rembrandt and Freud etchings with similar themes side by side.  His nudes are particularly memorable.  The artists's words:  "I'm really interested in people as animals.  Part of liking to work from them naked is for that reason.  Because I can see more."

I met Z at Union Station and we walked down to the Harbour Sixty Steakhouse in the historic Harbour Commission building.  We were the guests of a colleagues of Z's and his wife, and had a lovely meal and interesting conversation.  (I'm actually still thinking about the filet mignon I had last night....one of the best ever!) They have teenagers as well, so there was comparison of notes and mutually held views on the joys and pains of parenting at this stage!  Before we knew it, it was past 10 pm and the room was emptying out. We headed back to Union Station, hopped on the subway and headed home.
The Harbour Commission Building.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

You can't have too much music....

What a (long) weekend musically speaking!  Starting with the TSO and Verdi's Requiem on Thursday night, it's been a very rich weekend.  

Friday night, I joined 10 women at a birthday party for an old friend at the Jerusalem Restaurant where, once we were almost finished our meal, we were treated to Arabic music and lots of belly dancing.  Not just the woman who works at the restaurant but a number of women who were at a table near us, who continued to party after the dancer had moved on to another area of the restaurant.  It was an interesting group of about 12...all middle-eastern or north African women, but a spectrum of very glamourous form-fitting outfits with makeup and jewellry to head-covered-no-makeup types.  Some of the former were most likely Christian as they were wearing crosses.  But the music was great and it was fun to watch the dancing and celebration.

Saturday, Michael participated in the second of two Kiwanis Music Festival band performances.  Friday, he played with the Junior Stage Band (bass trombone) and although they were the only entry in their class, they scored 89 and thus a gold medal.  On Saturday, the Junior Concert Band competed and they were second in the adjudicated class and scored a 90 as the only entrant in the Challenge (open reperatoire) class.

Sunday morning was choir and mass.  We sang the most beautiful Cantate Domino by Hans Leo Hassler during the offertory and Thou Knowest Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts (Henry Purcell) (Version from YouTube embedded below). This beautiful piece was written for the funeral of Queen Mary II in 1695.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf_84OQgZSg?wmode=transparent]

Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts;
shut not thy merciful ears unto our pray'rs;
but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty.

O holy and most merciful Saviour,
thou most worthy Judge eternal,
suffer us not, at our last hour,
for any pains of death, to fall from thee. Amen.

Right after lunch, we headed down to Mazzoleni Hall at the Royal Conservatory to hear a performance in the Glenn Gould Faculty Series featuring their percussion faculty John Rudolph and David Kent, with the Glenn Gould School Percussion Ensemble and special guests percussionist John Wong and flautist Kathleen Rudolph.  I know Kathleen from choir, and  the composer of one of the works is Michael's tuba teacher (Rob Teehan), so it was especially nice to be able to attend, and it was a terrific show.  I can't say that I've listened to that much percussion repertoire and I very much enjoyed the afternoon.

We're looking forward to next weekend when we'll enjoy the TSO again (La Pasion) and COC's Otello!  We're so lucky to live in this great city and be able to enjoy so much world-class music.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Wilson and his new friend at the dog park.

Alex is back from Queen's, and he came to the dog park with Wilson and
me today. It was very muddy, requiring a complete hose-down when we
got home. Wilson had a chance to meet a new friend, a Weimeraner, and
chase a ball for half an hour, so it was worth the bath, I'd say!

Img_1392Img_1412

Friday, February 19, 2010

Seven Quick Takes

--1--
Last night, Z and I attended a most spectacular concert.  Verdi's Requiem was performed by the TSO, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and four terrific soloists.  It was performed without intermission, and was the first time that I had heard this work in "real life".  A wonderful evening.

--2--
I've been taking Wilson to the dog park regularly and we've defintiely noticed a change in his behaviour around other dogs.  He's calmer, easier to correct when he starts to get anxious, and is in general less nervous.  He's been very good at the park, with only minor issues when another dog takes his ball.  But this is a huge relief for us as he is finally getting socialized.

--3--
We're on Day 3 of no TV for Lent and I'm loving it!  Although the radio is on more than I'd like.  But that's okay.  I see a lot of reading in the next 30 days.

--4--
Alex comes home for Reading Week tonight.  It'll be great to have him around, especially tomorrow as we have an extended family party to celebrate Michael's 15th birthday.

--5--
The stock market challenge is going well so far.  It's only been one full trading day, but I'm up a little, and have invested about $70,000 of my $100,000 in virtual cash (once the market opens this morning and my latest trades are executed.) Still looking for some hot tips!

--6--

Am doing some research and office support part-time for my brother for a few weeks. It'll be a great opportunity to meet some people and possibly get some similar work in the future. Thus is city full of researchers and I'm hoping to meet some who need my combination af analytical, written and organizational skills. 

--7--
I need to go to a federal government office today to tell them my mother's maiden name so I can get an online access code that requires it.  Seems bizarre and circular but, whatever! 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Because we all need a dude (or two) in our lives...

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyMSSe7cOvA?wmode=transparent]

H/T to Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary!

Because you've been waiting for the Vatican to recommend a few good albums...

Media_httpwwwchicagot_zwfji

That being said, some great and classic selections here! L'Osservatore Romano's list of the top 10 pop albums of all time. I couldn't find the original article at the Vatican site, but the WSJ has more coverage of the story.

Incredible space images...in fabric!

Media_httpwwwmrxstitc_aigmx

Gorgeous quilting work from Brooklyn artist Jimmy McBride. He creates images inspired by images from the Hubble telescope. I've linked Mr. X Stitch's site above as McBride's is more difficult to navigate. It you have any interest in needle arts OR space imagery, check these out!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Year-to-date Book List (2010)

While it seemed like I spent an inordinate amount of time on John Irving's latest, I've actually read quite a bit so far this year. With my Lenten vow of no TV, I should start to make a dent in my pile.   I'll update this list monthly or so,
The Sweet By and By (Sara Evans) (for review)
The Happiness Project (Gretchen Rubin)
Jesus Lives (Sarah Young) (for review)
NurtureShock: New Thinking about Children (Po Bronson and Ashley Merriman)

Up for the challenge?

Media_httpfpstockchal_cpjcf

I've signed up for the Financial Post Stock Market Challenge's Training Platform, to get ready for the next contest. I don't have a lot of experience in the market....my first foray into such things was in a game run by my Grade 7 teacher, Mr. Cook. I had a self-directed trading account for a few years as an adult and did reasonably well, but haven't done any trading recently.

So I'm giving it a go, virtually again, and we'll see how things play out!

A little logic humour

via xkcd.com on 2/16/10

Hey, why do YOU get to be the president of Tautology Clu-- wait, I can guess.

I'm reading Logicomix by Apostolos Doxiadis at the moment, so I've got Logic and Bertrand Russell et al on my mind.

During these 40 days....

....I will abstain from watching television or movies

....I will attend a weekday mass at least once per week

....I will follow the Lenten Daily Retreat at The Spiritual Exercises Blog hosted by a group of US Jesuits.

It's not that I think watching TV is bad or even particularly wasteful of my time. I don't watch that much, and it's only in the evenings with my family.  But I need some peace and quiet to enter fully into this season.  Some space to read and reflect.  It's also for this reason that I will get to an additional mass each week.   The daily Lenten retreat will give my mornings some focus and start my day in meditation and prayer.

Lenten Haiku

Sensational Haiku Wednesday

This week's theme is "Renovation" and I've taken a Lenten approach:

mark of ash recalls
we are dust, but nonetheless
we are truly loved

season of penance
time for work on heart and soul
turning towards God

More haiku over at Jenn's place!

Lenten Haiku

Sensational Haiku Wednesday

This week's theme is "Renovation" and I've taken a Lenten approach:

mark of ash recalls
we are dust, but nonetheless
we are truly loved

season of penance
time for work on heart and soul
turning towards God

More haiku over at Jenn's place!

Posted via email from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

My first experience reading a graphic novel

Just finished French Milk by Lucy Knisley, a graphic diary of a 22-year old American art student visiting France with her mother for 5 weeks.  I'd never read a graphic novel before, as I'm sure Archie comics don't count, and it was quite enthralling.  

Most of the novel is set as single page comics, drawn in black and white, with a few black and white photos included.  I was very much enjoyed her simple sketches of the food she ate, the places she visited, her comments on her emotional (and sometimes physical) life, and her love affair with the city.  She documents everything from her visit to Oscar Wilde's grave to the haircuts she and her mom got so that they could go home looking "Frenchy and coiffed".  Lots of drawing of food and cute French boys.

This lovely tome has definitely opened up a whole new genre of reading possibility!

Thanks to the Toronto Public Library for recommending this via Book Buzz (Jan 16, 2010)!

French_milk_1French_milk_2

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

 

Another busy week with a lot of things scheduled makes meal planning easy!

Monday: Dinner out with friends.

Tuesday: Shrove Tuesday - Pancakes, sausages, fruit salad

(Ash) Wednesday: Lentil soup and bread before 7:30 pm mass

Thursday: Shrimp stir-fry and rice before TSO (Verdi's Requiem) at 8 pm

Friday: Out for friends birthday party. Z and boys going to Armenian Kitchen.

Saturday: (By request for Michael's birthday party) Tourtiere, lentil pie, roasted vegetables, salad, birthday cake.

Visit orgjunkie.com for more meal plans!

Weekend journal

This weekend has been terrific! 

On Friday evening, we headed to Massey Hall to hear David Clayton-Thomas perform with his band and the TSO.  It was a great evening, with lots of his hits as well as some new music.  He's a modest guy with an interesting story.  At almost 70, his voice is still firm and rich, and he can still hit the notes.  The evening finished with an encore of God Bless the Child, a Billie Holliday tune that he recorded to great acclaim.

Saturday afternoon we headed to the 4:30 mass that was followed by a Catholic Women's League wine and cheese reception for married couples.  We had a great turnout, and a wonderful time meeting some new people and enjoying some salsa dancing lessons.  Immediately after mass, the parish priests blessed married couples and our pastor greeted each couple and blessed a book of meditations on the Theology of the Body and a holy card for each couple.  It was a lovely evening, enjoyed by all.  

Immediately after the reception, we took Michael out to our local sushi joint for his birthday dinner.  He's becoming a fine young man at 15.  We chatted about the math enrichment program he's attending on Saturday morning, and discussed trigonometric functions and their relationship to music and light, as well as some technologies like signal scrambling and sound dampening.  

This morning was choir and mass (take two for me).  We sang Homo Quidam (Jean Mouton) for the offertory, and O Taste and See (R. Vaughan Williams) during Communion.  This afternoon I finally finished Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving.  It was a great story, but long and not as engaging as I've found his previous books.  At least now I'm free to move on to my rather large stack that's been piling up over the past few weeks while I've been trying to get through this one.

This evening, Z and I went out to a local resto for a V-Day dinner.  It was an excellent meal, although overpriced I think.  A couple next to us got engaged, which was really sweet.  There was much applause from other diners, kisses, and excitement.  We had a lovely chat and a romantic walk there and back, so a successful outing on all fronts.

More tomorrow....it's the Family Day holiday, but Z has to work.  Michael will be doing homework, and I'm having a couple of girlfriends over for the day to visit.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Haven't got your valentine greeting(s) yet?

Media_httpwwwskiptomy_hziia

Fire up your printer!

Check out this fantastic collection of free printable valentines. There's a link to last year's collection as well!

Haven't got your valentine greeting(s) yet?

Fire up your printer!

Check out this fantastic collection of free printable valentines. There's a link to last year's collection as well!

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Friday, February 12, 2010

David Clayton-Thomas

Not sure about these seats...

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Seven Quick Takes Friday

--1--

I had our second meeting with a financial planner today to do the data dump.  I came armed with all our financial statements and info, wills, Powers of Attorney, and they got it all down.  I have a few action items to get back to her with, but it feels great just to get started.  We'll meet again in four weeks to see what we need to do to prepare for retirement.  Someday.

--2--

Yesterday was Michael's 15th birthday.  We'll have a family party next weekend, and a dinner for him with just Z and I tomorrow.  He wanted to go to karate last night as he hadn't been much this week, so we just gave him his gifts and a big hug, and we''ll go out for Dim Sum (his choice) tomorrow.  We gave him a clock radio that docks his ipod and a memory foam pillow...he was pretty happy about both things!

--3--

He has a girlfriend.  His first one.  I can't really say more, but it's just sweet.

--4--

Tonight, Z and I are going to see David Clayton-Thomas (of Blood, Sweat and Tears fame) with the TSO at Massey Hall.  Should be a great show! 

--5--

Tomorrow evening, after the 4:30 mass, our parish's Catholic Women's League is hosting a wine and cheese reception for married couples in the parish.  I suggested this idea, as our former parish in Atlanta did it every year, and we've had some great feedback from people in their RSVPs.  Right after mass, the priests will bless each couple individually, and then everyone who wants to can head downstairs to our parish hall for a chance to mingle.  I'm looking forward to meeting some new people!

--6--

Monday is Family Day here in Ontario and school kids, provincial employees, and some others have the day off.  Z still has to work since he works for a private company, but I'm having two friends from university days over for lunch and some catching up.  If Z is free for dinner, the four of us will go out somewhere, as he knows them as well.  Should be a nice afternoon for some girl talk!

--7--

I broke down and had Wilson's teeth cleaned by the vet yesterday.  I vow to give him one raw bone each weekend to try to keep his teeth clean for more than a year.  Even with the National Pet Dental Health Month, I don't really want to spend hundreds of dollars each year on his teeth.  If we can extend the cleaning by a year, that effectively cuts his dental bill in half, so I'm hoping this plan will work.

---

Seven Quick Takes Friday

--1--

I had our second meeting with a financial planner today to do the data dump.  I came armed with all our financial statements and info, wills, Powers of Attorney, and they got it all down.  I have a few action items to get back to her with, but it feels great just to get started.  We'll meet again in four weeks to see what we need to do to prepare for retirement.  Someday.

--2--

Yesterday was Michael's 15th birthday.  We'll have a family party next weekend, and a dinner for him with just Z and I tomorrow.  He wanted to go to karate last night as he hadn't been much this week, so we just gave him his gifts and a big hug, and we''ll go out for Dim Sum (his choice) tomorrow.  We gave him a clock radio that docks his ipod and a memory foam pillow...he was pretty happy about both things!

--3--

He has a girlfriend.  His first one.  I can't really say more, but it's just sweet.

--4--

Tonight, Z and I are going to see David Clayton-Thomas (of Blood, Sweat and Tears fame) with the TSO at Massey Hall.  Should be a great show! 

--5--

Tomorrow evening, after the 4:30 mass, our parish's Catholic Women's League is hosting a wine and cheese reception for married couples in the parish.  I suggested this idea, as our former parish in Atlanta did it every year, and we've had some great feedback from people in their RSVPs.  Right after mass, the priests will bless each couple individually, and then everyone who wants to can head downstairs to our parish hall for a chance to mingle.  I'm looking forward to meeting some new people!

--6--

Monday is Family Day here in Ontario and school kids, provincial employees, and some others have the day off.  Z still has to work since he works for a private company, but I'm having two friends from university days over for lunch and some catching up.  If Z is free for dinner, the four of us will go out somewhere, as he knows them as well.  Should be a nice afternoon for some girl talk!

--7--

I broke down and had Wilson's teeth cleaned by the vet yesterday.  I vow to give him one raw bone each weekend to try to keep his teeth clean for more than a year.  Even with the National Pet Dental Health Month, I don't really want to spend hundreds of dollars each year on his teeth.  If we can extend the cleaning by a year, that effectively cuts his dental bill in half, so I'm hoping this plan will work.

---

Posted via email from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Moved By Grace: A church (building) on the move!

Our former parish in Atlanta is very special to me, as it is there that I crossed the Tiber. When we moved back to Canada after five years, we left behind a lot of friends and a warm, caring community.

They are now undertaking a huge and newsmaking project: they're moving an absolutely gorgeous (and closed) Catholic church from Buffalo NY to their site in Norcross Georgia. They were in the throws of designing a church building, and searching for an altar, when the possibility of moving an entire church fell in their laps. If you check out the website, you will see what an incredible building they will be getting.

I wish them all the best in this endeavour, and will definitely plan to attend the opening mass if at all possible!

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Moved By Grace: A church (building) on the move!

Media_httpwwwmovedbyg_kixin

Our former parish in Atlanta is very special to me, as it is there that I crossed the Tiber. When we moved back to Canada after five years, we left behind a lot of friends and a warm, caring community.

They are now undertaking a huge and newsmaking project: they're moving an absolutely gorgeous (and closed) Catholic church from Buffalo NY to their site in Norcross Georgia. They were in the throws of designing a church building, and searching for an altar, when the possibility of moving an entire church fell in their laps. If you check out the website, you will see what an incredible building they will be getting.

I wish them all the best in this endeavour, and will definitely plan to attend the opening mass if at all possible!

Don't tell me - Madonna

This just came on over the sound system ... Opening riffs are great and it just gets better!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Hkb0ZmJ9k?wmode=transparent]

Thursday, February 11, 2010

This blog will be disappearing shortly!

I have moved all my archives over to my new place, Domestic Bliss:  Take Two.   I decided to move to a less cluttered platform, and one that is easier to post to.  Right now, I am blogging over there and this blog is being updated automatically with my posts.

But not for long!

You can subscribe to my new blog by bookmarking the new site, by putting me in your feed reader, by email (go to the blog and hit "subscribe"), or sign up for your own posterous and discover how easy it is to put up your own stuff!  (There is an internal subscription thingy for posterous users to subscribe to each other.)  You can also follow me on Twitter as I'm autoposting there.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at my new home soon!

Lifestyle changes are working!

Today, I have officially lost 10 pounds since I saw my doctor January 5, after my little blood pressure incident at Christmas.

My BMI has dropped from 28.7 to 27.1, so I'm still in the "overweight" zone, but my clothes are starting to feel loose and I'm feeling leaner!

Thirteen more pounds will get me to a BMI of 25, which would be dandy, and I'd be at my lowest weight since well before I had children.  My oldest is 18.  

I've been watching salt, reduced my wine intake, have been walking for 30 minutes every day with the dog, and am just eating less.  No big secret. But this is a significant milestone for me, and the blood pressure was perhaps just the wakeup call I needed.

What if you were invisible? « in over your head

What if you were invisible?

What if, no matter the effort, you were never appreciated– for anything.

Imagine you’d never get famous, never get known, for anything you’d ever do. What if no one saw your work– your friends, maybe, but no one else. You’d never get noticed, never achieve any acclaim, ever. Terrible, maybe? Expected, perhaps?

But what if you knew in advance?

If nothing you did would get you known, you wouldn’t chase fame or attention, because you’d know you’d never get it. The work itself would get a lot more important to you. You’d focus on the intrinsic value a lot more– whether you enjoyed it, whether it made your friends and family happy, and so on.

What else would happen?

Is it possible that the work itself would actually get better? Would the enjoyment you got from your work start giving you more incentive to work harder, longer hours, with more attention to what matters? Would your invisible work become incredible?

Or would you stop working altogether? What kind of person are you?

Try out this thought experiment. Write a post for me on your blog saying what would happen if you were invisible, if there were no media whatsoever, nor word of mouth, to get you any attention, forever.

Remember, no attention means no judgement, either.

via inoveryourhead.net

A little thought experiment here:

In some ways, I am already invisible. I work inside my home, as a caregiver personal assistant, chef, butler, cleaner, all unpaid. For the love of my family. I left a career after 17 years, with some transition time through school. While working outside the home (and at school), I received constant positive feedback, had a great group of colleagues wherever I landed, was in an exciting industry, and had the chance to meet interesting people.

It occurred to me a couple of years ago, after being at home for 4 or 5 years, that I had once dreamed of being able to NOT work outside the house, to having a lot of time to myself, to feed my introvert soul, and manage my own time. And that's where I have ended up. While I hesitate to push the introvert/extrovert paradigm too far, those of us on the former end of the spectrum don't crave attention. It tires us out. It's draining. Being invisible is actually a nice place to be. We're able to recharge, think, energize ourselves with silence and a lot of clean mental space.

My partner of 26 years loves me unconditionally. We enjoy each other's cooking, we like going out together, we enjoy many of the same books and movies. We share not only a bed but a brain, in some weird way. And I'm not looking for acknowledgement or notice or mention from anyone else. (Okay, maybe my teenagers.) I yam who I yam. There is nothing I'd do differently if I was assured of no notice. Other than maybe not vacuuming as frequently.

What if you were invisible? « in over your head

What if you were invisible?

What if, no matter the effort, you were never appreciated– for anything.

Imagine you’d never get famous, never get known, for anything you’d ever do. What if no one saw your work– your friends, maybe, but no one else. You’d never get noticed, never achieve any acclaim, ever. Terrible, maybe? Expected, perhaps?

But what if you knew in advance?

If nothing you did would get you known, you wouldn’t chase fame or attention, because you’d know you’d never get it. The work itself would get a lot more important to you. You’d focus on the intrinsic value a lot more– whether you enjoyed it, whether it made your friends and family happy, and so on.

What else would happen?

Is it possible that the work itself would actually get better? Would the enjoyment you got from your work start giving you more incentive to work harder, longer hours, with more attention to what matters? Would your invisible work become incredible?

Or would you stop working altogether? What kind of person are you?

Try out this thought experiment. Write a post for me on your blog saying what would happen if you were invisible, if there were no media whatsoever, nor word of mouth, to get you any attention, forever.

Remember, no attention means no judgement, either.

A little thought experiment here:

In some ways, I am already invisible. I work inside my home, as a caregiver personal assistant, chef, butler, cleaner, all unpaid. For the love of my family. I left a career after 17 years, with some transition time through school. While working outside the home (and at school), I received constant positive feedback, had a great group of colleagues wherever I landed, was in an exciting industry, and had the chance to meet interesting people.

It occurred to me a couple of years ago, after being at home for 4 or 5 years, that I had once dreamed of being able to NOT work outside the house, to having a lot of time to myself, to feed my introvert soul, and manage my own time. And that's where I have ended up. While I hesitate to push the introvert/extrovert paradigm too far, those of us on the former end of the spectrum don't crave attention. It tires us out. It's draining. Being invisible is actually a nice place to be. We're able to recharge, think, energize ourselves with silence and a lot of clean mental space.

My partner of 26 years loves me unconditionally. We enjoy each other's cooking, we like going out together, we enjoy many of the same books and movies. We share not only a bed but a brain, in some weird way. And I'm not looking for acknowledgement or notice or mention from anyone else. (Okay, maybe my teenagers.) I yam who I yam. There is nothing I'd do differently if I was assured of no notice. Other than maybe not vacuuming as frequently.

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

ikea hacker: The cherry blossom lantern

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Gorgeous! Take one Regolit lampshade, paint on the branches with watercolours or black ink, and (hot?) glue some faux cherry blossoms....what a lovely result.

ikea hacker: The cherry blossom lantern

Gorgeous! Take one Regolit lampshade, paint on the branches with watercolours or black ink, and (hot?) glue some faux cherry blossoms....what a lovely result.

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Great score at Value Village!

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While waiting while Michael had his tuba lesson last night, I found this great set of embroidery hoops for $2.99! I also got him a T-shirt which he pronounced acceptable. Double score!

Seth's Blog: When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it






Too many people, when asked for their opinion, dissemble. Instead of giving an opinion, they push back. They ask,

  • What do you think?
  • Did you do any research?
  • Can we do a focus group?
  • What did Will say?
  • There's a typo on page three
  • How long do we have to study this?
  • Can we form a committee?

This is the work of the resistance. This is your lizard brain, hiding. It feels safe. It's not.

You're an expert. If nothing else, you're an expert on life, on your opinion, on being a consumer. When I ask you for your opinion I'm not asking you for the right answer. I'm asking you for your opinion.









This is so apt for the workplace. The funny thing is, I'd like a little more dissembling at home. I get more opinions than I really want a lot of the time!

But maybe that's a good sign, a sign that all voices in the family are at least being heard. I'd just like to be able to agree on a restaurant without a big discussion for once ...

Seth's Blog: When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it

Too many people, when asked for their opinion, dissemble. Instead of giving an opinion, they push back. They ask,

  • What do you think?
  • Did you do any research?
  • Can we do a focus group?
  • What did Will say?
  • There's a typo on page three
  • How long do we have to study this?
  • Can we form a committee?

This is the work of the resistance. This is your lizard brain, hiding. It feels safe. It's not.

You're an expert. If nothing else, you're an expert on life, on your opinion, on being a consumer. When I ask you for your opinion I'm not asking you for the right answer. I'm asking you for your opinion.

This is so apt for the workplace. The funny thing is, I'd like a little more dissembling at home. I get more opinions than I really want a lot of the time!

But maybe that's a good sign, a sign that all voices in the family are at least being heard. I'd just like to be able to agree on a restaurant without a big discussion for once ...

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Yep, there's a reason these were scarce....

The Official Mitten of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics has been hard to find recently. Retailing for $10 a pair, these babies have been flying off the shelves at The Bay and Zellers. Michael really wanted a pair, and he had a guy at school ready to sell him some for $20. His father tried to talk him out of it (I stay out of these deals....he turns 15 tomorrow and can make decisions about his money himself, but that's another story.) It turned out that the mittens for sale were Youth sized, not suitable for the man-child that is Michael.

Yesterday when I was out doing a little shopping at a local mall, I saw a big display in Zellers with piles of mitts. I picked up a pair in Michael's size, slipped them on my hands and wowzie! They're felt lined, and REALLY nice! So I picked up a dainty pair for me as well, new tennis balls for Wilson (the original errand) and a KitKat bar (impulse purchase, at the cash) and called it a day.

I wore them this morning when I was out with Wilson and they're toasty and warm. And bright red, just in time for VeeDay!

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Yep, there's a reason these were scarce....

Media_httpstorehbccom_tvxen

The Official Mitten of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics has been hard to find recently. Retailing for $10 a pair, these babies have been flying off the shelves at The Bay and Zellers. Michael really wanted a pair, and he had a guy at school ready to sell him some for $20. His father tried to talk him out of it (I stay out of these deals....he turns 15 tomorrow and can make decisions about his money himself, but that's another story.) It turned out that the mittens for sale were Youth sized, not suitable for the man-child that is Michael.

Yesterday when I was out doing a little shopping at a local mall, I saw a big display in Zellers with piles of mitts. I picked up a pair in Michael's size, slipped them on my hands and wowzie! They're felt lined, and REALLY nice! So I picked up a dainty pair for me as well, new tennis balls for Wilson (the original errand) and a KitKat bar (impulse purchase, at the cash) and called it a day.

I wore them this morning when I was out with Wilson and they're toasty and warm. And bright red, just in time for VeeDay!

Sensational Haiku! - Comfort Zone

eiderdown of snow
pillows of white on the roof
time for a quick nap

Check out some other haiku on this topic over at Jenn's!

Posted via email from Domestic Bliss: Take Two

Sensational Haiku! - Comfort Zone

Media_httpyouknowthat_gzfbx

eiderdown of snow
pillows of white on the roof
time for a quick nap

Check out some other haiku on this topic over at Jenn's!

Okay, I've been caught policing our garbage bin for compost...

Okay, I've been caught policing our garbage bin for compost...

Live from the mom channel

Jonathan Goldstein...another reason to love the National Post (and the CBC!)

http://www.nationalpost.com/m/story.html?id=2543513&s=Today's%20Newspaper

Posted via email from Domestic Bliss

Live from the mom channel

Jonathan Goldstein...another reason to love the National Post (and the CBC!)

http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=2543513

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Interweave Knits back issues for sale.

Visit my eBay shop here: shop.ebay.ca

Interweave Knits back issues for sale.

Visit my eBay shop here: shop.ebay.ca

Posted via web from Domestic Bliss

Chocolate Martini

From Evernote:

Chocolate Martini

Clipped from: http://youknowthatblog.com/

First, the cocktail. I am very partial to the Chocolate Martini made with Godiva Chocolate liqueur, and it is made thusly:

1 1/2 shots Godiva® chocolate liqueur
1 1/2 shots creme de cacao
1/2 shot vodka
2 1/2 shots half-and-half

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.


Posted via email from Domestic Bliss

Chocolate Martini

A little something from the Evernote archives, as I get used to this new way of posting!

Clipped from: http://youknowthatblog.com/

First, the cocktail. I am very partial to the Chocolate Martini made with Godiva Chocolate liqueur, and it is made thusly:

1 1/2 shots Godiva® chocolate liqueur
1 1/2 shots creme de cacao
1/2 shot vodka
2 1/2 shots half-and-half

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.

Inbox Heaven - Simplifying Online Life

I don't know how I've not stumbled across Putting Things Off already, but the author Nick Cernis speaks to me, with his penchant for white space, simplifying, and Moleskines.  At this point, I can't remember how I got there this morning, but I've been playing with some of his ideas.

(1)  I like the idea of a simple way to blog.  A simple interface.  A simple look and feel.  He recommends a few tools, depending on what you want to do with your blog, in his essay titled Rise of the Tablog.  I've been all over the place with my blog, what with blogrolls, affiliate links, twitter feeds, blah blah blah and it's just a little bit much.  The essay reminds you to look at what you want to do with your blog, and focus on that.  Pick the best tool, and then focus.  So I'm trying out posterous, in fact, I'm composing this post as an email and will then simply send it to my blog (where you are right now!)
(2)  The second essay I read was called Inbox Heaven, on how to keep email easy on the eyeballs and the clock, and how to manage all those to-dos that are generated by email without clogging up your box.  It also recommends leaving your desktop mail app behind.  Now, I've been using Outlook for pretty much as long as it's been available, so I'm going to have to wean myself off of it.  But I'm willing to give it a try.  My only sticking point will be whether I can still coordinate calendars with Z.  But I'm all set up now, and will see how this goes!
There's a ton more stuff there that I want to check out.  I've already downloaded his Put Things Off to-do app for the iPhone to play with.  Head over there and see if any of his ideas can help simplify your eLife!
[edited to add:  Within a day or so of posting this, Cernis moved his blog to Modern Nerd.]

Canadians: Wanna try the National Post? For Free?

Get the National Post delivered to your door (and access to the online digital edition) free for 60 days when you do this quick survey. There's no obligation beyond the initial 60 days. Readers who have had home delivery in the past 45 days don't qualify. You will be asked to complete a survey:

http://joinnationalpost.com/free.htm

Indulge Me....

I'm trying out a new blogging platform in an effort to simplify things for me AND for you, my reader.

Check out Domestic Bliss: Take Two for my new, minimalist look, and tell me what you think.  Please consider subscribing at the same time as I may decide to simply move over there.  Or it may be a Lenten thing.  Or not.

Simple Mom has spawned! Plus big giveaway!

 

 

Wilson with his new friend Chloe at the dog park!

 

Photo

 

My First Blog Post

Ivorysoap

It may be time to go simple.  

Indulge Me....

I'm trying out a new blogging platform in an effort to simplify things for me AND for you, my reader.

Check out Domestic Bliss: Take Two for my new, minimalist look, and tell me what you think.  Please consider subscribing at the same time as I may decide to simply move over there.  Or it may be a Lenten thing.  Or not.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Menu Plan Monday



This is kind of a cheater week to get back to weekly menu planning, but it's a start!

Monday:  Mama's Potato and Mini Burger Bake (a layered casserole of onions, thinly sliced potatoes, spicy mini hamburgers, and canned tomatoes

Tuesday:  Lentil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Wednesday:  Cheesy tuna casserole.

Thursday: Out for Dim Sum to celebrate Michael's birthday.

Friday:  Out before David Clayton-Thomas concert.

Saturday: Spinach salad with sliced hard boiled eggs and bean sprouts.  (We will have just returned from a parish wine and cheese reception and won't want to eat much!)

Sunday: Out for Valentine's Day.

Visit Laura over at Org Junkie to get some ideas for your weekly plan!

Why you should always check for the framed diploma....


From one of my new favourite webcomics:  xkcd - A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language.

Simple Woman's Daybook - February 8, 2010




FOR TODAY
February 8, 2010...

Outside my window....it's sunny and cold!  Just the way I like it....
I am thinking... about dinner tonight.  I just called my mother-in-law in Sweden and had a somewhat fractured conversation in French about how to make one of her dishes (a casserole of layered onions, potatoes, and spiced ground beef patties with tomato sauce).
I am thankful for... the chance to see Carmen at the Canadian Opera Company yesterday.  Wonderful production, gorgeously sensual Carmen, and time with my sweetie.
I am learning... to be open to opportunities for hospitality, and to not stress about it!
From the kitchen... I've realised that it's been a while since we've had a family dinner, with Z being late at work all last week, then meals out, and meals in front of the TV.  We need to get back to the table this week!
I am wearing...mauve cotton v-neck sweater, black cords, black socks.
I am creating... a list of quick, sellable, things I can make for a craft sale at the end of the year.  Right now, I'm thinking of quilted coaters and cocktail napkin sets, embroidered tea towels, hand-knit mittens and wrist-warmers, tote-bags.
I am going... to interview a potential financial planner tomorrow night.
I am reading... Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving. Still.  I really have to get this done.  I'm also reading the February chapter in The Happiness Project, which is all about marriage/love!
I am hearing... the furnace kick on.
Around the house... I need to put away a few things that were displaced by the emptying out of the armoire in our living room.  And then I need to find a way to get it consigned.  I'll probably take some photographs and measurements over to our local furniture resale shop around the corner and see if they are interested in it.
One of my favorite things... is my city.  Toronto.  There is so much to do here, and now that I'm getting better about planning ahead, my calendar is full of options.  We meant to get down to the Art Gallery of Ontario on Saturday but the day slipped away.  Maybe next weekend....
A few plans for the rest of the week: Declutter chat tonight. Financial planner meeting tomorrow night.  It's Michael's 15th birthday on Thursday, so we will take him out for Dim Sum and are planning an extended family party in a couple of weeks.  On Friday, Z and I are going to see David Clayton-Thomas with the TSO at Massey Hall, on Saturday, the Catholic Women's League in our parish is hosting a wine and cheese reception for married couples after the 4:30 mass, and on Sunday Z is taking me out for dinner to a nearby restaurant that we haven't tried yet.
Here's a picture thought I'm sharing:  This is Rinat Shaham as Carmen and Bryan Hymel as Don Jose in the Canadian Opera Company's production that we saw yesterday.
Carmen
Photo Credit: © 2010 Michael Cooper

Head on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook to read other participants thoughts!

Menu Plan Monday

This is kind of a cheater week to get back to weekly menu planning, but it's a start!

Monday:  Mama's Potato and Mini Burger Bake (a layered casserole of onions, thinly sliced potatoes, spicy mini hamburgers, and canned tomatoes

Tuesday:  Lentil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Wednesday:  Cheesy tuna casserole.

Thursday: Out for Dim Sum to celebrate Michael's birthday.

Friday:  Out before David Clayton-Thomas concert.

Saturday: Spinach salad with sliced hard boiled eggs and bean sprouts.  (We will have just returned from a parish wine and cheese reception and won't want to eat much!)

Sunday: Out for Valentine's Day.

Visit Laura over at Org Junkie to get some ideas for your weekly plan!

Why you should always check for the framed diploma....

Media_httpimgsxkcdcom_coojs

From one of my new favourite webcomics:  xkcd - A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language.

Simple Woman's Daybook - February 8, 2010

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FOR TODAY
February 8, 2010...

Outside my window....it's sunny and cold!  Just the way I like it....
I am thinking... about dinner tonight.  I just called my mother-in-law in Sweden and had a somewhat fractured conversation in French about how to make one of her dishes (a casserole of layered onions, potatoes, and spiced ground beef patties with tomato sauce).
I am thankful for... the chance to see Carmen at the Canadian Opera Company yesterday.  Wonderful production, gorgeously sensual Carmen, and time with my sweetie.
I am learning... to be open to opportunities for hospitality, and to not stress about it!
From the kitchen... I've realised that it's been a while since we've had a family dinner, with Z being late at work all last week, then meals out, and meals in front of the TV.  We need to get back to the table this week!
I am wearing...mauve cotton v-neck sweater, black cords, black socks.
I am creating... a list of quick, sellable, things I can make for a craft sale at the end of the year.  Right now, I'm thinking of quilted coaters and cocktail napkin sets, embroidered tea towels, hand-knit mittens and wrist-warmers, tote-bags.
I am going... to interview a potential financial planner tomorrow night.
I am reading... Last Night in Twisted River
Media_httpwwwassocama_okytp
 by John Irving. Still.  I really have to get this done.  I'm also reading the February chapter in The Happiness Project
Media_httpwwwassocama_dtcec
, which is all about marriage/love!
I am hearing... the furnace kick on.
Around the house... I need to put away a few things that were displaced by the emptying out of the armoire in our living room.  And then I need to find a way to get it consigned.  I'll probably take some photographs and measurements over to our local furniture resale shop around the corner and see if they are interested in it.
One of my favorite things... is my city.  Toronto.  There is so much to do here, and now that I'm getting better about planning ahead, my calendar is full of options.  We meant to get down to the Art Gallery of Ontario on Saturday but the day slipped away.  Maybe next weekend....
A few plans for the rest of the week: Declutter chat tonight. Financial planner meeting tomorrow night.  It's Michael's 15th birthday on Thursday, so we will take him out for Dim Sum and are planning an extended family party in a couple of weeks.  On Friday, Z and I are going to see David Clayton-Thomas with the TSO at Massey Hall, on Saturday, the Catholic Women's League in our parish is hosting a wine and cheese reception for married couples after the 4:30 mass, and on Sunday Z is taking me out for dinner to a nearby restaurant that we haven't tried yet.
Here's a picture thought I'm sharing:  This is Rinat Shaham as Carmen and Bryan Hymel as Don Jose in the Canadian Opera Company's production that we saw yesterday.
Media_httpwwwcoccaecm_dfakq
Photo Credit: © 2010 Michael Cooper

Head on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook to read other participants thoughts!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Flip-book-style animation reel!

Very nice work from a graphic design student in Singapore.

parkour motion reel from saggyarmpit on Vimeo.

This is her first attempt at creating a moving image!

(H/T to Zen_Habits via Twitter!)

Flip-book-style animation reel!

Very nice work from a graphic design student in Singapore.
http://vimeo.com/8332956

parkour motion reel from saggyarmpit on Vimeo.

This is her first attempt at creating a moving image!

(H/T to Zen_Habits via Twitter!)

Friday, February 5, 2010

Testdrive a Passion (Journal)

You can download pages from Moleskine's new Passions journal here!

(My printer may be busy today....)

Seven Quick Takes Friday!



A special welcome to the Company Girls dropping by for (virtual) coffee!

I know you've all been waiting for a hair update, and it's a two-parter:  

--1--
Part 1:  My "no (sham)poo" experiment is working very well!  Other than a brief respite when I got my hair done last week, not a drop of shampoo has touched my head in the past three weeks.  I used the baking soda technique for the first week or so, every three days, and it was fine.  Then I read that it's kind of hard on (artificial) hair colour so I switched to shampooing with conditioner.  You heard it right....just use conditioner as you would normal shampoo.  You are supposed to use conditioner without any silicone in it (anything ending with "cone" in the ingredient list) and I don't have any at the moment, but it seems to be working fine.  I finished off with the dilute apple cider vinegar rinse and my hair is fine, fine, fine!

--2--
Hair update part 2:  I talked to my gal at the salon last week about growing out my grey, and she agreed with my plan.  She put in lowlights (a shade lower than my current (artificial) colour) and highlights (she basically lifted all the colour out of some strands), and then finished it all off with a toner to add a little colour back in.  It looked great, very subtle, and definitely reduced the demarcation line where my grey is growing in.  I think this plan is going to work!

--3--
Mildred's Temple Kitchen, a local hipster dining establishment announced that it is suggesting to diners over the Valentines' Day weekend that they can use their bathrooms for intimate encounters.  Now, the setup is a large unisex powder room with small bathrooms off the main area.  (You can see a completely tasteful photo at the link above.)  My thoughts are (1) eww; (2) doesn't that take some of the excitement away from the whole thing?  I mean, if you're going to have sex in a restaurant bathroom, isn't part of it the whole illicit aspect?; and (3) you couldn't pay me enough to work as the "French Maid" they are hiring to keep order and the rooms clean.

--4--


I listenend to a completely fascinating interview with the author of a new book called Operation Mincemeat: The True Spy Story that Changed the Course of World War II.  It was on the BBC podcast Start the Week of January 18th, and is a fascinating story of an ingenious plot to pass misinformation to the Nazis using a dead body and a back-story concocted by some writers.  I've added it to my amazon.ca wishlist, and it's NOT the type of story I'm usually interested in!

--5--
Four Seasons CentreYesterday, I went down to the Four Seasons Centre, the home of the National Ballet of Canada and Canadian Opera Company, to hear one of the free noon-hour concerts they hold in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre (left), a gorgeous space overlooking University Avenue.

The concert was part of their Jazz Series and featured the Humber Steely Dan Project.  They are a group of students from Humber College's renowned jazz program and it was a terrific show.  The ensemble included two saxophones, a trumpet/flugelhorn, two guitars, bass, two percussionists, keyboards, and three vocalists.  They played about a dozen covers, all Steely Dan, mostly more recent, to a packed house.  Apart from some pitchiness from one of the vocalists, it was a great show, and a wonderful tribute to one of my favourite groups!

--6--
I took Wilson to a dog park for the first time a couple of days ago.  He's an anxious guy around other dogs, but I've been slowly letting him meet dogs on the street and teaching him some manners.  So we hopped into the car on Wednesday and went over to the closest off-leash area to us.

It was kind of a pathetic space, but we were able to play fetch for about 20 minutes, his favourite game that he has missed since we left Atlanta, since we have no yard in which to play with him.  One other (tiny) dog joined us at one point, and he was fine with her, except when she went after his ball and there was a brief little growl that I immediately corrected.  We're going to head to another park today, a little earlier, to see if we can find a few more friends for him to meet.

--7--
My doctor called me a "success story" after seeing my blood pressure history (geekily, on my iPhone app) and noting my weight loss and lifestyle changes.  He also said that booze is okay, just watch the amount (i.e., not every day).  I can cut back on the monitoring to 3-4 times per week, and I'm to see him in 3 months!  Yay!

------

Visit Conversion Diary to see some more Quick Takes for today, or leave a link to yours!