Gratitude is the greatest power on earth. It's the big buzz word at the moment. Everybody from Oprah to Eckhart Tolle are extolling the virtue of appreciation, and the importance of keeping a gratitude journal, and filling it out each day. I've been doing this 'religiously'.
Yes, I got myself a gorgeous glittery diary from Claire's last Christmas and only found it stashed away in a closet recently. So out I resurrected it. I even plastered the cover with happy faces, because it is a well known fact that the sight of happy faces raises our tolerance level, and even makes us happier. Who would have known? Well, actually that's an easy one to guess! Happy face - get it?
I made a commitment to NEVER discuss the crappy stuff in my gratitude journal. No, that's not permitted, and besides, it would take the good out of the experience of recalling only the days pleasures, of which there are always a few. Our happy task is to remember them, and not let the nasty ones take over! Focus on the positive - positively energizing!
At day's end as I'm winding down with my sleepytime tea, gazing at the picture of the cozy bear on the cover, sitting on his soft armchair in front of a big roaring fire, I recall the day just lived, and thank the good Lord for all the pleasant experiences - it might be as simple as a compliment from a stranger, or the smile of appreciation I got from a little girl the other day. I won a free bar of chocolate in the supermarket, so I gave her my ticket. That same day I won a free lotto ticket - what goes around comes around!!
So get that gratitude journal out and see what happens!
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
H.O.P.E.
One evening as I was wrestling with my remove control, I came across this fire and brimstone motivational speaker, whose name I did not get. She was emphazising the importance of H.O.P.E. in our lives and like a magnet I was drawn to her forceful message. The damn gal sucked me in, but at least I didn't have to pay the enormous fee to see her in person.
In a nutshell:-
H = High Fibre in our diet
O = Omega 3's
P = Probiotics
E = Enzymes
In a heart shell (this is my addition)
H = Hope that each of us takes time to pursue our own 'Happiness Project'
= Hope that Drake will 'put a ring on it' with Rihanna
= Hope that Fergie and Andy will re-unite
= Hope that each of us takes time to be kind to ourselves - and others
O = The circle of life - what goes around comes around
P = Peace in our minds, bodies, and homes
E = Energy to make a difference in our lives, and the lives of others
= Enthusiasm for same
So without further ado, go fill your hearts with HOPE for a bright happy TODAY (now is the time), and your bodies with H.O.P.E!
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
In a nutshell:-
H = High Fibre in our diet
O = Omega 3's
P = Probiotics
E = Enzymes
In a heart shell (this is my addition)
H = Hope that each of us takes time to pursue our own 'Happiness Project'
= Hope that Drake will 'put a ring on it' with Rihanna
= Hope that Fergie and Andy will re-unite
= Hope that each of us takes time to be kind to ourselves - and others
O = The circle of life - what goes around comes around
P = Peace in our minds, bodies, and homes
E = Energy to make a difference in our lives, and the lives of others
= Enthusiasm for same
So without further ado, go fill your hearts with HOPE for a bright happy TODAY (now is the time), and your bodies with H.O.P.E!
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
Sunday, August 25, 2013
IT'S ALL GOOD!
The radio was on when I awoke this morning, still half asleep my ears were once again assaulted - this time with all the horrific accounts from Syria, Egypt and Iraq. And then the sad story about the Irish girl Michaela and her Scottish friend who were caught smuggling drugs in Lima, Peru, and now are left to rot in a prison in Peru until they reach menopause...or longer - perish the thought! And they are only kids - aged 20! How one stupid mistake can destroy a life. These girls are only the same age as my kids. Sure, what they did was silly, stupid and wrong, but when you're young, you do get caught up in silly things, and life is an adventure, and your brain is ever-developing. They said they did it because they were put under pressure by people they owed money to - $4,000! If they had only phoned their parents...!!
That is why my brain decided to BLOCK OUT the sad news, and focus on the more entertaining stuff life Rory Mcllroy's response to reporters when asked if it was true that he and girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki had split "It's all good" was his response. Sure Rory - all good for you? or for Caroline? I fear Rory is going to be another serial heart breaker like George Clooney. By far the happiest news I heard today was the possibility that Fergie and Andy may be getting back together, for good this time. I really hope so; never understood why they broke up in the first place, as they have always been the best of buddies. O.K. now I remember... she was caught having her toes sucked by her publicist and then the Queen kicked her out, and Andy was called 'Randy'. I guess with good reason.
Some other bit of celebrity gossip... did you see what Cheryl Cole has done to her backside? It looks quite rosy and very sore. It took 14 hours to complete. She has covered all her posterior in a fairly aggressive looking tattoo. Check it out!
Next, I was serenaded by Robin Thicke singing 'I know you want it...I know you want it...you're a good girl...' Listening to it must have given Kevin a great idea, because the first words out of his mouth were..."Let's go to the Flea Market" Yeah!!!!! 'You know I want it Kevin...a trip to the flea market...you must be psychic!!'
Best day ever at the market...enjoyed chatting with different people. My favourite table today was the crystals and gemstones. I got chatting with another fellow pisces and we joked about our fascination with all things mystical and sparkly. I loved her outfit and noticed her earlier in the day. Kevin bought 20 cds for $5.00. I got a cute pink leash for Lulu. It was still in the packet. The vendor gave me a bagfull of treats for $15, which included Lulu's leash and two hand bag charms; one which said 'Be Happy...Think Happy thoughts' and another with the words 'Follow your Heart' my sentiments precisely! You just never know what you'll find at the flea market.
Later, we headed to Starbucks for our Sunday treat, followed by a trip to Walmart to see the garden stuff. It was SO sweet watching the children and parents going around with their huge school lists in hand. I remember this time of year so well and how lonely I used to be when the girls were going back to school...We found a great microwave for the Vancouver condo at London Drugs. They have a great sale going on there at the moment. And finally, to top off a lovely Sunday, we went to see a truly bizarre movie called 'The World's End'. It is a British science fiction comedy. Twenty years after attempting an epic pub crawl, 5 childhood friends reunite in the hopes of finally
completing it! I will not give any more away. Check it out. I'm speechless...dunno what to think about it other than the fact it was truly BEEZAAR and lots of blue blood... It was all about Dr.Ink!! get it??
Here's to a great week ahead for everybody, and to the speedy completion of our renos!! They have outstayed their welcome.
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
That is why my brain decided to BLOCK OUT the sad news, and focus on the more entertaining stuff life Rory Mcllroy's response to reporters when asked if it was true that he and girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki had split "It's all good" was his response. Sure Rory - all good for you? or for Caroline? I fear Rory is going to be another serial heart breaker like George Clooney. By far the happiest news I heard today was the possibility that Fergie and Andy may be getting back together, for good this time. I really hope so; never understood why they broke up in the first place, as they have always been the best of buddies. O.K. now I remember... she was caught having her toes sucked by her publicist and then the Queen kicked her out, and Andy was called 'Randy'. I guess with good reason.
Some other bit of celebrity gossip... did you see what Cheryl Cole has done to her backside? It looks quite rosy and very sore. It took 14 hours to complete. She has covered all her posterior in a fairly aggressive looking tattoo. Check it out!
Next, I was serenaded by Robin Thicke singing 'I know you want it...I know you want it...you're a good girl...' Listening to it must have given Kevin a great idea, because the first words out of his mouth were..."Let's go to the Flea Market" Yeah!!!!! 'You know I want it Kevin...a trip to the flea market...you must be psychic!!'
Best day ever at the market...enjoyed chatting with different people. My favourite table today was the crystals and gemstones. I got chatting with another fellow pisces and we joked about our fascination with all things mystical and sparkly. I loved her outfit and noticed her earlier in the day. Kevin bought 20 cds for $5.00. I got a cute pink leash for Lulu. It was still in the packet. The vendor gave me a bagfull of treats for $15, which included Lulu's leash and two hand bag charms; one which said 'Be Happy...Think Happy thoughts' and another with the words 'Follow your Heart' my sentiments precisely! You just never know what you'll find at the flea market.
Later, we headed to Starbucks for our Sunday treat, followed by a trip to Walmart to see the garden stuff. It was SO sweet watching the children and parents going around with their huge school lists in hand. I remember this time of year so well and how lonely I used to be when the girls were going back to school...We found a great microwave for the Vancouver condo at London Drugs. They have a great sale going on there at the moment. And finally, to top off a lovely Sunday, we went to see a truly bizarre movie called 'The World's End'. It is a British science fiction comedy. Twenty years after attempting an epic pub crawl, 5 childhood friends reunite in the hopes of finally
completing it! I will not give any more away. Check it out. I'm speechless...dunno what to think about it other than the fact it was truly BEEZAAR and lots of blue blood... It was all about Dr.Ink!! get it??
Here's to a great week ahead for everybody, and to the speedy completion of our renos!! They have outstayed their welcome.
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
Friday, August 23, 2013
KILLIN' ME WITH THE DRILLIN'
Ouch! I awoke this morning thinking I was at the Dentist...ZSSSSSSSSSshhhh!!!!!!! you know that awful blood curdling sound of drills going in for the kill to fill a tooth, or a tree surgeon sawing through a big tree trunk. It was an unexpected assault on my poor sleepy ears. There was no escaping from it as it was right above our heads. The stucco fellows had come early to begin the work on the chimneys.
The house was rocking but t.g. not rolling!! But for the grace of God, we could be living in a leaning tower now. Apparently the five big pillars supporting our home for nearly 100 years were rotten to the core...agh!! Picture the scene. The carpenters said it was a miracle our house had not sloped sooner and they had caught it in the nick of time...money money money!!!!!!! We only signed up for a simple paint and roof job!
And then the windows - who would have known? We had some 10 broken windows in the house. I'd noticed 2 or 3 but once the window fellow started, there was no going back...broken windows began putting their hands up and screaming 'Me too!' 'Me too'. The disintegrated chimneys joined the rebellion. Now the bloody electrical system is screaming for attention and the switches are trippin' with all this activity. Yes take a deep breath Patricia Breathe... deeply...and as I breathe deeper to stay cool, calm, and collected, my poor patient long-suffering husband has no choice but to dig deeper into his pockets...breathe deeply Kevin whoosh...!! whoosh...!! This too shall pass my darling.
Choo Choo while I make a cup of relaxing tea!
Love,
Patricia xxx
The house was rocking but t.g. not rolling!! But for the grace of God, we could be living in a leaning tower now. Apparently the five big pillars supporting our home for nearly 100 years were rotten to the core...agh!! Picture the scene. The carpenters said it was a miracle our house had not sloped sooner and they had caught it in the nick of time...money money money!!!!!!! We only signed up for a simple paint and roof job!
And then the windows - who would have known? We had some 10 broken windows in the house. I'd noticed 2 or 3 but once the window fellow started, there was no going back...broken windows began putting their hands up and screaming 'Me too!' 'Me too'. The disintegrated chimneys joined the rebellion. Now the bloody electrical system is screaming for attention and the switches are trippin' with all this activity. Yes take a deep breath Patricia Breathe... deeply...and as I breathe deeper to stay cool, calm, and collected, my poor patient long-suffering husband has no choice but to dig deeper into his pockets...breathe deeply Kevin whoosh...!! whoosh...!! This too shall pass my darling.
Choo Choo while I make a cup of relaxing tea!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
BLUE JASMINE
If you have not seen this movie yet, I'd suggest you drop what you're doing - dishes - laundry - whatever! and go check it out. Expect to be blown-away by Cate Blanchett's stellar performance. Critics describe her as "a scene- chewing velociraptor". If like me, you wondered what's a velociraptor?' - it's a dinosaur. If she doesn't gobble up a golden globe for this part, I shall do what Noddy does, and eat my helmet! To describe her performance in the movie as `Brilliant`would be an understatement.
The movie was written and directed by Woody Allen and people are saying it is one of his best movies - ever! Dunno about that as I have not seen all his movies, but I did certainly enjoy this one - very much!
Cate Blanchett plays the part of Jasmine, a newly divorced desperate housewife kind-of-gal from New York who goes to San Francisco to start a new life. She has nary a skill to survive and arrives at her sister`s shabby home (where she will be staying until she finds her feet) dressed in Chanel from head-to-toe, and carrying three massive Louis Vuitton suitcases...Her adopted sister Ginger is also brilliantly portreyed by actress Sally Hawkins.
Critics say Woody Allen dug deep into the well of the movie 'A street car named Desire' as the story line is very similar. The Marlon Brando in this movie was played by Andrew Dice-Clay who plays the part of Ginger`s loser boyfriend. Alec Baldwin played the part of Jasmine's cad husband...you could say he was playing himself!! He was brilliant in the part; I guess in real life he is familiar with this role. Ahem...!!
Woody Allen is renowned for his ability to destroy a woman, and make it entertaining. In this case it was poor Jasmine whose philandering husband leaves her for a woman she describes as "only a teenager!" Was Jasmine Mia Farrow? now that's the question everybody who has seen this movie is asking. The movie was a wonderful character study and you will have fun! So drop what you`re doing and by the way if you`re going to the Odeon in downtown Victoria, DO NOT EAT POPCORN - it is too noisy. This cinema is too intimate and cosy for popcorn. We were chewed out for making too much noise by an irate old guy sitting in front of us. How do you eat popcorn silently? especially when's it's so yummy and buttery? Now that`s another interesting question to add to the list you'll no doubt have when you watch this movie for yourself.
Enjoy!
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
The movie was written and directed by Woody Allen and people are saying it is one of his best movies - ever! Dunno about that as I have not seen all his movies, but I did certainly enjoy this one - very much!
Cate Blanchett plays the part of Jasmine, a newly divorced desperate housewife kind-of-gal from New York who goes to San Francisco to start a new life. She has nary a skill to survive and arrives at her sister`s shabby home (where she will be staying until she finds her feet) dressed in Chanel from head-to-toe, and carrying three massive Louis Vuitton suitcases...Her adopted sister Ginger is also brilliantly portreyed by actress Sally Hawkins.
Critics say Woody Allen dug deep into the well of the movie 'A street car named Desire' as the story line is very similar. The Marlon Brando in this movie was played by Andrew Dice-Clay who plays the part of Ginger`s loser boyfriend. Alec Baldwin played the part of Jasmine's cad husband...you could say he was playing himself!! He was brilliant in the part; I guess in real life he is familiar with this role. Ahem...!!
Woody Allen is renowned for his ability to destroy a woman, and make it entertaining. In this case it was poor Jasmine whose philandering husband leaves her for a woman she describes as "only a teenager!" Was Jasmine Mia Farrow? now that's the question everybody who has seen this movie is asking. The movie was a wonderful character study and you will have fun! So drop what you`re doing and by the way if you`re going to the Odeon in downtown Victoria, DO NOT EAT POPCORN - it is too noisy. This cinema is too intimate and cosy for popcorn. We were chewed out for making too much noise by an irate old guy sitting in front of us. How do you eat popcorn silently? especially when's it's so yummy and buttery? Now that`s another interesting question to add to the list you'll no doubt have when you watch this movie for yourself.
Enjoy!
Choo Choo for now,
Love,
Patricia xxx
Friday, August 16, 2013
HAPPINESS
The other day I was listening to a very interesting program on the radio about Happiness. "How can one be truly happy?" Mary Hynes from CBS's 'Tapestry' (brilliant program) asked an eminent philosopher, whose name I missed. His response to the question was that when we try to make others happy, we are taking the control from our own lives, which in turn will only serve to make us unhappy. Hmm... I began to ponder on the wisdom of that as I sat happily ironing in the kitchen, with Chi Chi snoring by my side.
I know when I am fully engaged in 'the now' with tasks such as gardening (correction! weeding), cooking, ironing, writing, etc. I am happy. Equally, I know that when my brain extends beyond my own happiness border, to areas beyond my control, I become unhappy. It can happen as quickly as a sun shower. So yes, the eminent philosopher made sense. This was the second time in a matter of days I tasted that same yummy wisdom. Last Sunday when I was at the Indian Festival in town with Kevin, I went to see an Indian palm reader - for the thrill of it! It was the best $10 I ever spent as he delivered great bang for my buck.
Essentially, the Indian Sage said the same thing. He told me I should spend five minutes meditating each day to quieten my "busy brain" (I took that as a compliment!!) "How do I do that?" I asked in response "Simple" he continued "You need no lessons to learn this valuable life skill" Really? I thought to myself. "Just think of something you like - anything" he said "And then focus on that for five minutes; by which time your brain will have calmed down. For example a swimmer when swimming is meditating" he said, with a wise old expression in his kindly brown eyes.
Everybody from Eckhart Tolle to the Indian Sage are singing the same song which, when translated, means our Happiness comes from living in the Now and NOT trying to live others' lives for them, or worry about other people, or best still - let others' unhappy vibes get to us.
The truth of the matter is, there are a lot of unhappy people floating around in misery, and no matter what you say or do to make them smile, the glass for them will always be half empty; there will be a problem for every solution. One example comes to mind; my poor obsessional neighbour. For a very long time he was nagging us to put a new roof on our house as our old roof was attracting the crows, and while we were at it to paint the house as the paint was coming off, and of course that garbage can of ours was pointed in the wrong direction...etc. etc.
So guess what? We now have a beautiful new roof...and Yes! the crows still love our roof and his as well...and we have a beautiful new colour that everybody but our OCD neighbour likes...so that clearly illustrates the point that no matter how you strive to make unhappy people happy - you're wasting your precious time! Some grapes are impossible to sweeten but I agree, it is the thought that counts!
In a nutshell my darlings - Happiness is YOUR responsibility and you must not let negative folk try to drag you down - Keep Thinking Happy Thoughts - you do have a choice you know.
Something to Choo Choo on as we begin to enjoy our weekend.
Have Fun!
Love,
Patricia xxx
I know when I am fully engaged in 'the now' with tasks such as gardening (correction! weeding), cooking, ironing, writing, etc. I am happy. Equally, I know that when my brain extends beyond my own happiness border, to areas beyond my control, I become unhappy. It can happen as quickly as a sun shower. So yes, the eminent philosopher made sense. This was the second time in a matter of days I tasted that same yummy wisdom. Last Sunday when I was at the Indian Festival in town with Kevin, I went to see an Indian palm reader - for the thrill of it! It was the best $10 I ever spent as he delivered great bang for my buck.
Essentially, the Indian Sage said the same thing. He told me I should spend five minutes meditating each day to quieten my "busy brain" (I took that as a compliment!!) "How do I do that?" I asked in response "Simple" he continued "You need no lessons to learn this valuable life skill" Really? I thought to myself. "Just think of something you like - anything" he said "And then focus on that for five minutes; by which time your brain will have calmed down. For example a swimmer when swimming is meditating" he said, with a wise old expression in his kindly brown eyes.
Everybody from Eckhart Tolle to the Indian Sage are singing the same song which, when translated, means our Happiness comes from living in the Now and NOT trying to live others' lives for them, or worry about other people, or best still - let others' unhappy vibes get to us.
The truth of the matter is, there are a lot of unhappy people floating around in misery, and no matter what you say or do to make them smile, the glass for them will always be half empty; there will be a problem for every solution. One example comes to mind; my poor obsessional neighbour. For a very long time he was nagging us to put a new roof on our house as our old roof was attracting the crows, and while we were at it to paint the house as the paint was coming off, and of course that garbage can of ours was pointed in the wrong direction...etc. etc.
So guess what? We now have a beautiful new roof...and Yes! the crows still love our roof and his as well...and we have a beautiful new colour that everybody but our OCD neighbour likes...so that clearly illustrates the point that no matter how you strive to make unhappy people happy - you're wasting your precious time! Some grapes are impossible to sweeten but I agree, it is the thought that counts!
In a nutshell my darlings - Happiness is YOUR responsibility and you must not let negative folk try to drag you down - Keep Thinking Happy Thoughts - you do have a choice you know.
Something to Choo Choo on as we begin to enjoy our weekend.
Have Fun!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
PHOTOS FROM SIN CITY
Hey guys,
If you want to see some photos from the Vancouver Pride weekend, just scroll back to my previous blog 'Sin City'. The first photo was taken from our condo balcony as I was waiting for the parade to begin. People started lining up at 6.00 a.m. even though it did not start until 12.00 noon!
The fabulous two ladies with exotic hats are in fact men. You should have seen the figures and the heels! Just a sample of the glamour and glitz of the day. I was too busy watching to catch any more photos. How did they get their boobs so perfect? I couldn't take my eyes off them so they kindly permitted us to take a photo!
As you can see from the few sample photos - it's about finding your treasure at the end of a rainbow!
Enjoy!
Love,
Patricia xxx
If you want to see some photos from the Vancouver Pride weekend, just scroll back to my previous blog 'Sin City'. The first photo was taken from our condo balcony as I was waiting for the parade to begin. People started lining up at 6.00 a.m. even though it did not start until 12.00 noon!
The fabulous two ladies with exotic hats are in fact men. You should have seen the figures and the heels! Just a sample of the glamour and glitz of the day. I was too busy watching to catch any more photos. How did they get their boobs so perfect? I couldn't take my eyes off them so they kindly permitted us to take a photo!
As you can see from the few sample photos - it's about finding your treasure at the end of a rainbow!
Enjoy!
Love,
Patricia xxx
Monday, August 5, 2013
SIN CITY
This past weekend, Vancouver was a throbbing feast of colour, fireworks, feathers, and all things wild, whacky and outrageously playful. I had forgotten that it was Gay Pride weekend but as soon as I hit Robson street, there were reminders all around. Shop windows were adorned with colourful displays, from jars of neon candies, to balloons, bunting, feathers, leather and naughty stuff that would make a nun turn the other way. The sun was shining and Vancouver was ready to parteeeeee - all weekend long! Dogs were wearing hawaiian leis around their necks and dicky bows on their tails. On Davie Street, crosswalks are now permanently painted in the colours of the rainbow, which symbolise gay pride and freedom to be...
By direct contrast, Victoria was hosting the annual ultra-conservative, 'Symphony Splash' in the inner harbour - a celebration of elegance and refinement. It was all very Downton Abbey-ish, with folks packing their picnics in wicker baskets, and enjoying the Victoria Symphony from the grounds of the Empress Hotel; donning bonnets and dapper boater hats. All very genteel and reminiscent of a bygone era. The thought struck me what if they had the Gay Pride Parade in front of the Empress Hotel, instead of the Victoria Symphony and didn't tell them?...there would have been consternation!! If they saw what I saw on Robson for two and a half hours yesterday...actually it was so steamy, the auld fellows with their handlebar moustaches would probably have enjoyed it better! Ladies prancing around in bikinis and frilly short skirts, and some wearing nothing more than a smile..."By Golly!" and "Good grief! Get the Police!"
Vive la difference!
The fireworks on Saturday night were spectacular and we had a great view from our balcony. For about half an hour the sky was a thundering riot of colour - crimson, cobalt blue, golden, green and purple. It held 400,000 or so spectators spellbound. After they finished people began streaming past our condo carrying rainbow flags. It took at least an hour for the crowds to clear. Excitement and laughter filled the balmy summer air.
It was a good warm up for the parade on Sunday. We were at the starting point when it began at 12.00 noon precisely. They were led by the 'Dykes on Bikes' and for a full two and a half hours hundreds of gayly dressed boys and girls, and men and women on stilts, and seniors, and dogs and children, and bicycles and floats covered with flowers, and 'strange' musical groups, led a mind boggling procession like I have never seen before - Ever! Unlike the Dublin parade, there were no men with microphones defiantly displaying a giant picture of Jesus and praying the rosary. The only mention of God was a man wearing a t-shirt with the words "Reality is better than Jesus" written all over the front.
We girls wanted to go shopping on South Granville, so we missed what Kevin described as the 'Best performance' which was the 'Spice Girls' a group of about ten girls of dubious gender, singing all the Spice Girls hits. They thrilled the screaming, clapping onlookers.
I think the heat and the colour and the glitz got to me. I felt dizzy from it all so took shelter in a nice Starbucks on South Granville where we went to look at sofa beds for the condo.
Now the weekend is all over, and tomorrow God willing, we will wake up to the sound of roofers and painters and carpenters, etc. Business as usual!
Choo Choo for now!
Love,
Patricia xxx
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