STEAL OF A DEAL!

It was a gloriously sunny day today so Kevin and I decided to head for our favourite place on the planet - The Langford Flea Market. It was the first of the season and the following are some of my finds...

What the heck are those weird looking creatures? you're probably asking yourself. For one thing they are only the height of my thumb and are hand-carved marble. These three little monkeys come with an important message - See no evil - Speak no evil - Hear no evil. And I just love them! I got them for the price of a coffee and a cookie - $5. A steal of a deal you'll agree. The poor fellow who carved them years ago would be horrified! I'll bet they took days to complete... That's the thing about flea markets - you just never know what you'll find there. I just love their simplicity and the fact they take up such little room, yet deliver a powerful message.

This little crib scene caught my eye. It was hand made in West Vancouver. It is stained glass and beautifully made. There is room for a little candle in the back of it. I lit a candle and below is what it looks like lit up. It cost me just 1 dollar!!

I got it for the condo. Can you believe? Just one dollar. Christmas is all about the birth of Christ and this little crib which cost me just 1 dollar will have pride of place on the mantlepiece in the Vancouver condo at Christmas d.v. It goes to show you don't have to pay a fortune to find happiness!!

It was thanks to Kevin that I found the above Tommy Hillfiger bag. It caught his eye and he thought I would like it - how right he was!! Exactly what I was looking for to wear travelling. It is light as a feather, capacious, stylish, and best of all I can wear it cross body. What did I pay for it? A steal-of-a-deal at $24!

Kevin got loads of plants for the garden and was happy with that - the objects-d'art he leaves to me!!

So if you want to find happiness without spending a ton of money...head for your nearest Flea Market!!

Choo Choo and happy adventures!

Patricia xxx

EYE IN THE SKY

Some people like to escape to a little cottage by the lake or deep in a forest close to nature. Not me! My little escape paradise, which I call 'Shangri-la' sits high in the Vancouver sky overlooking sea, mountains and shops. It is bright, colourful, and wonderfully sunny. We moved our stuff in on Kevin's birthday last Friday and what fun!! Our urban cottage spoke to us and said 'NO CLUTTER PLEASE'. So we obeyed.

The walls, furniture, and window coverings are warm magnolia. Colour is permitted only through pictures, cushions and ornaments. Even though I love coloured walls, 'Shangri-La' is a bossy Aries and re-iterated 'No Colour on walls, only tomato red on one wall in the bedroom...phew! That will happen some time in the future...

My little cottage is a welcome escape from clutter, housework, and cooking We're surrounded by restaurants and take-outs, which sometimes work out cheaper than the cost of producing the meals (my excuse). As I sit on the sunny balcony looking down on creation, and watching all the little matchstick men and women walking up Robson Street, I marvel at the sheer delight in living life in a more simple fashion. Less stuff = less cleaning = more time to do creative work = True Happiness. O.K. I know "Wait 'til the novelty wears off". I promise you - It will never wear off!

Vancouver was hopping with action. Next time I'll bring a binoculars! There was the Pot Head Convention (only in B.C.!), a big hockey game and then the annual Sun Race which sadly made me think of the Boston Marathon. The sun was shining and everybody was Hap Hap Happy! A lone singer with guitar and speakers began singing the song ``Krazee...I think you`re crazy...` as the runners whizzed by. It made me think. 

I cooked up my first real Sunday brunch - sausages, rashers and fried eggs. The view from our dining table was spectacular as we watched the seagulls
soaring high above the garbage cans, a lady meditating on her windowsill with just a towel covering her, a couple dining al-fresco, not to mention the shopkeepers opening up for the sleepy Sunday strollers...so much to see.

Yes, high-rise living is the life for me!!

When I turned the key at home and the puppies came running to me with wagging tails, and the garden was glowing with colourful flowers...I could also see the benefits of a bigger home closer to the ground...Hmm there are arguments to be had for both ways of life.

Choo Choo for now!

Patricia xxx

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY CHI CHI!

 

HAPPY BIRHDAY CHI CHI!

 

When I look at the above picture, I can see a halo around her little head...

 

Chi Chi came into our life one rainy Sunday afternoon, nearly 9 years ago.
She arrived, cermoniously, like a Roman Gladiator, in the back of a dirty old pick up truck. We answered a newspaper ad and the owners arranged to meet us at a Sears car park in Calgary. Not very glamorous I`m afraid. That`s why I call her my `Sears Baby`. Sometimes when she is being rude, I think she may have tinker blood as she came without any pedigree papers, but a face so endearing it melted my heart! She growls if you come near when she is eating. Mind you, I do the same!

We were all so excited as we sat in our car waiting for her arrival. It was a dreary wet evening, made worse by our gloomy surroundings. Nothing worse than a large empty car park on a wet Sunday afternoon!! Finally, a dirty old pick up truck arrived. To an outsider, it probably looked like a sleazy drug deal. But no, it wasn`t a drug deal. It was a heart thugging deal.

Chi Chi looked adorable as the daughter of the owner held her in her arms.
I`m sure she was hoping we would say no so she could take her home again.
We were only supposed to look her over but it was love at first sight! We could not resist and did the deal. She was tiny and when we brought her home, she fit into my slipper - so darn cute.

Nine years on, she has grown to be a big girl...now that`s the problem! She is a true Taurus and loves her grub so now alas...she is on a diet and is not a happy camper! Know the feeling Chi Chi.

Tonight, because it`s her birthday...a slice of ham is going to be her treat!

Happiness is...a dog named Chi Chi!

Choo Choo from Chi Chi,

Patricia xxx

VIVA VANCOUVER!

We're just back after a whirlwind trip to our Vancouver condo 'Joyville'. It's an exciting contrast to our home in Victoria, in that it's on the 7th floor, with a large south facing balcony overlooking Robson Street - and all that Jazz!! - Starbucks on the ground level, so there will be no problem waking up and smelling the coffee - Amen! Coming from sleepy Victoria and all its rustic charm, Vancouver sure wakes you up!

Another thing that woke me up as I walked the golden mile on Robson was the number of Irish voices I heard everywhere, as well as Scots and English. The manager at J. Crew was Scottish. The doorman at 'Forever 21' was Irish. 'Is that an Oirish accent I detect?' I had to ask. His response was amusing "Yes, we're everywhere...just like cockroaches!" He sure didn't look like a cockroach to me - more like the incredible hulk I would say.

Sipping my delicious cappuccino on the ferry en-route to Vancouver, I got my google meisters (Victoria and Claudia) to google the star signs of the different cities in the world. It's a fascinating way to while away a journey. I never really warmed to London, or New York for that matter - even Casablanca didn't do it for me. Why? I believe the energy of a city either clicks with you, or it doesn't.

Paris ticks all the boxes for me. It is a Virgo city, and as a Pisces, I understand why I feel complete there. Jerusalem is a Pisces city and I love its mystery and spiritual depth. Vancouver is an Aries city - VROOM VROOM VROOM! What you see is what you get. Even the panhandlers can be very direct and the taxi drivers amusing and informative - like Douglas who drove us to the bus station. 'Yeah, it's fine for you girls you're all good looking. (He earned his tip!!) Good looking people have an easier time in life" and so began a BIG philosophical discussion about everything from on-line dating to tourists who either complain about the crowds in Vancouver (if they are from small town USA) to people from Bejing who ask him "where are all the people?"

Douglas informed us he was an atheist and that it was a little 99 year old client of his that would convince him otherwise. She was fit as a fiddle. When he cheekily asked one day for the magic formula, her response was 'I eat healthily, exercise, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ". He said she was convincing... We parted from Douglas on great terms (compliments had been flying in every direction!). I detected he was an 'eligible' bachelor who lived with a cat who loved him. As he skidaddled off to the next client, I wished him well.

Douglas personifies the vim, vigour and 'can do' positive attitude which Vancouver exudes - and they speak English and Oirish there! Sure, it has its seedy districts, which is normal for a city of its size. I found New York far too aggressive, San Francisco strange... London a little too austere and cold. But Vancouver is just right...maybe not quite as right as Victoria my beloved pisces city, which is why we instantly clicked. Yes, I can say after all that travelling, the gypsy is home to roost!

And remember, no matter where you go - there you are!!

Choo Choo and happy adventures wherever you are.

Patricia xxx

WOW!!!!!!!!

If yesterday was a great day for the supermarket - today was surely all about the hair!! Discovered - thanks to my friend Anita - the most amazing hairdresser on the planet. Her salon is called WOW for obvious reasons. Perhaps, it was no co-incidence then that there was a huge influx of planets in Aries today - not least the new moon in Aries. As you may or may not know - Aries is all about the HEAD!!

I was dismayed the other day to discover that the owners of my previous home had stripped every ounce of colour and charm from said property. My day was grey. Why are people so scared of colour I wondered?

That all changed...

Yeah! Walking into WOW today, and being greeted by its charming owner, Chantal, was like a breath of Hawaiian air...orange leather chairs, hot pink mixing bowls, lime green and yellow walls, orange framed mirrors - HEAVEN ON EARTH!! Literally like walking into paradise, complete with coconut trees - faux naturally! If I had the talent to be a hairdresser this would be my EXACT colour scheme and decor - cheery and uplifting.

Chantal, a native of South Africa is a wizard at hair colour and gave me the best colour I have ever had - O.K. I'm not a natural red head - now you know!! Lack of copper in my system had contributed to some grey ribs that had to be removed with a vengeance!! Chantal was the gal to do it and supremely good she was. Her prices are very reasonable. Her coffee is freshly brewed and served in delightful cheery white and lime green mugs - Perfection at its highest heavenly level.

Chantal Master Colourist and Makeover Specialist can be reached at www.wowhairdesign.ca or tel. 250-885-8520. Tell her that Patricia the red head Master Astrologer to the Stars sent you!!

I guarantee you'll have a warm heady feeling as you leave her Salon...

Choo Choo and take advice from a dog - if you don't like the s**t in your life - cover it with grass and walk away...Easy Peasy Simple Pimple -

YOUR LIFE NEEDS YOU TO SHOW UP AND SMILE!!

Patricia xxx

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

 Just think about it for a moment...hmm what makes me happy?

Think of 12 things that make you happy and jot them down.

I did...here goes without even really having to think about it.

GOD AND MY ANGEL HELPERS...
HUBBY DEAREST AND DAUGHTERS DARLING
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
LULU AND CHI CHI
MY HOME
FUNNY JOKES
T.V.
MUSIC
TRAVEL
FOOD
SUNNY DAYS
GARDENS
CLOTHES
BLING
DOING WORD SEARCHES
WRITING
DOING RELATIONSHIP CHARTS
FEELING USEFUL
COOKING
BEING CREATIVE
MAKE-UP
RESTAURANTS
CINEMA
PARIS

And the list goes on...Go on... Write your list.  WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

One for the fridge door to remind us of how much we have to be happy about...

Choo Choo!

Patricia xxx

WHY I LOVE SAFEWAY

O.K. Let's get one thing straight I don't work for Safeway. I'm just a valued customer and today they were showing me the love - big time baby. Why me? Maybe it's because every time I go to the checkout I get comments from other customers such as 'Jeez lady you must be feeding an army!' or 'You sure got a big family' or 'Are you having a party?' None of your beeswax I'd like to say but I'm too polite. To cut to the chase Safeway are like my extended family. Where else in this world can you go where people ask you nicely 'How's your day?' and when you try to answer that without the use of an expletive, they've moved on to the next question 'So did you find everything you were looking for today?' to which I always answer 'Yes, and lotz more as you can see'.

But I love them...and today they were especially kind - gave me $20 off coupons, an extra 100 air miles, and a fistfull of lucky dip cards. Yeah! today was indeed my lucky day. I won a tin of soup, a packet of crisps and some other random item nobody else wants - but it's the thought that counts - right?

If I feel like a chat, they're always more than willing to oblige. Sonya, a new employee from Africa was telling me about her friend getting married and how she was going to buy the wedding dress for her as a present. She didn't know whether she should send her the money or buy the dress in Canada for her. Then there is Mary who goes to Israel frequently and loves falafels and was just back from a recent trip. We both love to talk about Israel and our shared passion for falafels. And Tyler who for  many years would ask me 'How's your  dad?' When daddy was visiting some years ago Tyler and himself struck up a friendship. No doubt daddy would have put a $5 bill in his pocket as a thank you for helping carry out the groceries and Tyler would have refused it as employees of Safeway are not allowed accept tips. But I loved the way he genuinely loved daddy. Tyler lost a ton of weight some years ago and has kept it off. Every time I see him I think of daddy.

In Safeway I get some great recipes from the check out girls, like when I was having my St. Patrick's party recently, one girl suggested I get the philly smoked salmon flavoured cheese and spread it on brown bread and then cover it with smoked salmon, onion and capers. It sure worked! And another suggestion was to blend in some smoked salmon into the cheese, heat it and serve as a delicious dip, covered with nuts - a favourite of hers to bring to parties. The staff at Safeway have taught me how to cook a perfect turkey, the value of patience, courtesy, and the importance of treating everybody like they are human beings and not robots. I always leave there feeling better after a visit! Now they have a Tim Horton's Cafe installed with the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee...

Since happiness is our goal - right? Let's put Safeway on our to-do list - if you can!

Choo Choo and happy thoughts to you!

Patricia xxx

I'M STILL HOT...

It's just it comes in flashes now... That was the message of the day delivered from the muddy end of a bus. It caught my attention. It was an ad for 'Ageless Me'. I keep my eyes peeled on car bumpers these days. You never know what you can learn - right?  Another bumper had an intriguing message... 'Karma knocked my dogma over'. Dunno about you, but I prefer the 'still hot' message, especially since I fancy the idea of an 'Ageless Me'. Ageing gracefully is high on my agenda.

It all starts in the brain...our thoughts...our attitude...our sense of fun...our joie de vivre...As you age, colour becomes so important. A vibrant scarf can reflect lovely colour to your cheeks - goodbye rouge!! I read an interesting article written by a lady who took up modelling at the age of 60. She was gorgeous, and had such a positive and inspiring attitude. 'Wear bright lipstick' she advised. 'And colour... it really lightens up your face'. I can never understand why people are so fearful of colour - both in their homes, and clothing.

Ahem...our last home was featured in 'House Beautiful' in the 'Times Colonist' this past weekend. If you're curious, you can google it. Was I ever shocked to see it!! My fantasy pink Italian Villa home with its cheery mediterranean blue window trim is now BEIGE and WHITE and BLACK! To quote the new owners.. 'We loved the house but had to look past the interesting colours'. Hello? this is an Italian Villa after all... I had a terrific designer fly down from Calgary for the colour consult and she did an amazing job - even if I say so myself!! Now it's all gone sob sob sob!! I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt that I had caused this colour desecration to Lady Sonria...wonder what she thinks? I become emotionally attached to homes and this one was sort of special and now I feel guilty for selling it to people who prefer beige... Insane I know.

For those of you readers in Victoria the house is one of ten homes featured in the 'Home Design & Renovation Tour' the weekend of the 13/14 April. (1605, Sonria Place #8 on the list). Tickets are $25 each and the proceeds all go to charity. Check out younglife.ca/victoriahome tour. I really enjoy these home tours and get great ideas! You will too.

Bright colours deliver more bang for my happiness buck. When I need people to co-operate -  out comes the lime or the orange! They don't call me 'Orangina' for nothing! I know from watching Bollywood movies I belong in India. Some of the patients in our office have even asked me to keep wearing the bright colours as it lifts their spirits. Always happy to oblige - as long as they don't ask me to dance!!

Yesterday I found myself asking myself, and Kevin 'Is it me? or do you think people are becoming more miserable and unhappy?' We have so much in our world, yet I rarely hear or see people smiling or laughing any more (except on Bollywood movies!). Sure, today's newspaper delivered a series of horror stories - too horrible to mention here.  Reading them wasn't such a smart idea. One thing I know for sure, we control our minds - and only one person can make you happy - YOURSELF! So, if you find yourself feeling dippy down and depressed with all the kraaaaaap going on in the world - Snap yourself out of it by doing just three simple things: -

LAUNDRY

SHOWER YOURSELF - TO CLEAN OFF TOXIC ENERGY

GENTLY CARESS OR WALK A PET

If all else fails, go wrap yourself in a cozy colourful blankie, find a comfy chair and treat yourself to a Bollywood movie, e.g. 'The Guru' - better again with an Indian takeaway!! The combination of bright cheery colours, uplifting happy music, and smiling joyful people will do for you - what it did for me lastnight - MAKE YOU HAPPY!!

Have a great day and a fabulous weekend!!

TGIF!

Choo Choo for now,

Patricia xxx

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

WELCOME TO MY HOME ONE AND ALL!

CHI CHI PEEKING OUT FROM HER FAVOURITE SPOT ON THE PORCH

 LULU BASKING IN SUNSHINE HEAVEN!!

 CHI CHI AWAITING THE EASTER BUNNY

OUR MAGNOLIA TREE NOW IN FULL AND GLORIOUS BLOOM

 THE EASTER TABLE - MY FAVOURITE ONE OF ALL!

THIS BERNARD CALLEBAUT EGG WAS DEVOURED IN SECONDS!!

GARLANDS, EASTER EGGS AND BRIGHT CHEERY FLOWERS!

This past Easter has been picture-perfect in every sense of the word. The weather was absolutely glorious and remained so for the whole long weekend. The dogs were delighted to be able to laze in the sun to their heart's content. Kevin was happy to get his fingers dirty in the garden after a long winter's break. I was thrilled to be able to eat chocolate again after my 40 days fast ended on Easter Saturday! Unfortunately, I ate so much chocolate on Saturday and Sunday, I felt sick afterwards! Oink oink!

It was the first Easter Sunday in a long time that ladies could finally wear their Easter Bonnets with joy. The fashion around town was bright, cheery and very summery. The world was at peace as everybody enjoyed the sunshine - not too hot and not too cold! (+ 18 degrees). Cyclists were out on their bikes, power walkers were happily out strutting their stuff, and the beaches were packed with families enjoying the spring sunshine.

I went to the Easter Saturday Vigil at the Cathedral as I was volunteering with the little celebration afterwards. The chrism mass was very beautiful on the 26th. Later we ladies fed about 175 people. A great time was had by all and the food was simply delicious. Nobody went home hungry! The Vigil mass was very long - just under 3 hours and I found myself getting a bit tired as it started at 8.00 p.m. People did not start to eat until around 11.00 p.m. I didn't get home until nearly 1.00 a.m. and was up again next morning at 7.30 a.m.

Our next challenge is to get our Vancouver condo furnished as the tenant is leaving early April and we can move in then - yipee!! We hope to be in for Kevin's birthday on the 19th April. I'll carry him over the threshold lol!! It will be so nice to have a little getaway place in Vancouver. We spent some time over the weekend looking at furniture, etc. Found a great entertainment centre on 'Used Victoria'. It is a nice light country French colour.

My only regret this past weekend is that I really and truly pigged out too much on the chocolate and cakes!! In fairness I was surrounded by the good stuff at the church functions and I can resist anything but temptation!

I'll have to starve myself over the next few days as we have the BIG weigh-in at TOPS on Friday next!! Tops is all about Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. KOPS is about Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly (when you reach your goal weight). As we gorged on all the fine stuff at the church party on Saturday evening, my friend Colleen told me she was on POPS - Putting on Pounds Sensibly!! LOL Way to go Colleen!!

Keep the Joy in your hearts!

Choo Choo for now,

Patricia xxx