MAGIC MOMENTS...

Every day has its magic moments. It is only since I started this blog, I am beginning to notice them even more. Thought I'd share some with you!

         MY BED FIRST THING IN THE MORNING! - Lulu, newspapers, computer.

Each day I bring the dogs for their walk to Government House. It is only 3 mins. walk from our house. I love it and NEVER tire of its beautiful gardens. I took this photo yesterday. I have been admiring this flower for the past few weeks. I think it is a thistle? Isn't it amazing?

ECCENTRIC FLOWER POTS!

On our walk to Government House, I pass this eccentric flower pot arrangement in a neighbour's garden. They are real flowers, but I cannot fathom how they stay put...can you?

DUCK POND GOVERNMENT HOUSE

This is the duck pond in Gov. House.  The ducks are hiding because they hear Chichi coming, and don't like the way she chases them...!!

DIVINE TIMING!!

Around the time I started my blog and was inviting people to join it, this is what my horoscope said. I got a good laugh from it!! Divine timing?? ha ha

                                          GIFT BASKET I WON RECENTLY

This is the wonderful gift basket I won recently at the Bay department store. I haven't opened it yet! I may donate it to charity.The thrill was in the winning!

EXOTIC PLANTS - GOVERNMENT HOUSE, VICTORIA

I took this photo yesterday because looking at this beautiful plant made me feel like I was in Hawaii! 

                              VIEW FROM MY FRONT DOOR
I just love the sight of Craigdarroch Castle, especially at night when it is all lit up, and looks so enchanting. It makes me feel like I live in Disneyland!! Despite looking at it several times a day, It never fails to thrill me!

                        MORE BEAUTIFUL FOLIAGE FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE
     Victoria is famous for its many beautiful flower baskets. This is actually a flower basket!

Beauty is all around us...

On that happy note, I'll say choo choo! for another day!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

MITT AND ANN ROMNEY

I've just finished watching Ann Romney address the Nation on t.v. and boy! I sure was impressed. I know as much about politics as I do about computers - which translates to 'nothing'. With the U.S. Presidential elections just around the corner, we are seeing an awful lot of Mitt and Ann Romney. As a couple I really admire them. So much so, I did the astrological thing on them, as I do with all fascinating people. I was chuffed to discover Mitt and I share the same birthday (he is older of course!!) and his wife Ann has a birthday 3 days before Kevin, so we are the same astrological combo. That naturally endeared me to them!

Ann spoke so lovingly about their first lean years together, and how their first table was an iron board! And how lonely she felt as a young mother away from family, and friends, and not knowing what lay ahead. It made me remember our first lean years together as a couple, and not having a car for the first 3 years, and then how lonely and isolated I felt stranded in Fort McMurray in Northern Alberta, 300 miles from anywhere and brutal weather conditions. The things we do for love, eh! I believed every word from her mouth, simply because I think she is an honest woman (most Ariens are!).

As a couple, they remind me very much of Joel and Victoria Osteen. Joel Osteen is an author and televangelist. His ministry reaches over 7 million viewers weekly in over 100 nations around the world. I saw the Osteens being interviewed by Oprah, and became intrigued, so yes! I did the astrology thing on them too, to discover that Hey! Joel was Mitt Romney's sign and mine, and his wife Victoria was Ann Romney's and Kevin's sign. Google them and you have to admit that in personality and appearance they bear an incredible similarity to the Romneys!

What is interesting about the Romneys, the Osteens, and Kevin and I, is that we all met when we were very young. It was an 'instant' attraction. I met Kevin when I was 12, told my grandmother when I was 14 that I had met the man I wanted to marry - no kidding! She told me I was far too young to be talking like that! I had to wait a long time for our first date at age 25. God willing we will be 30 years married in July. Apart from meeting when we were very young, we all share a strong faith in God, which as a couple binds Kevin and I even closer. So yes, if you are wondering who to vote for in the U.S. I say with my hand on my heart - Choose Mitt Romney. I believe his heart is in the right place!

I think Obama will get in again, unfortunately. I would have far preferred Hillary Clinton. I think, astrologically speaking, she would have been FANTASTIC for the U.S.A. She is a water sign like Mitt Romney, and the USA is a water sign (4th July Cancer). Did you know that countries all have astrological signs? Ireland is a Taurus country (earth sign). Practically all our politicians have been earth signs! The current leader Enda Kelly is a Taurus, his 2 predecessors were also earth signs! Gettting back to the U.S.A. I think if people could overlook their religious views, Mitt Romney could do an awful lot for the country!

However, Astrologers believe Barack Obama will get in again...we'll know in November!! fingers and toes crossed...it is going to be an exciting election, even if I know nothin' about politics!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG...at any age!!

Since I began de-cluttering my basement a few weeks ago, I've  been unearthing all kinds of treasures. I found this charming little ditty in a box of old papers - 'How to stay young...at any age!
I thought you would enjoy it.


1.  Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

2.  Keep learning and exercising your brain.

3.  Enjoy the simple things - like boys, dogs, etc. (ha ha Joke!!)

4.  Laugh often, long, and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

5.  The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. LIVE while you are alive.

6.  Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, hobbies, music, whatever.

7.  Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.

8.  Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the beach, or a foreign country, but NOT to Guiltsville!

9.  Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity.

10. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance.

11. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

12. Try everything twice.


Choo Choo 'til tomorrow...

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx
  
Image from http://www.redhatsociety.com/events/conventions/LasVegas2012/photos.html

Star Style: Taurus

Hello, all you Taureans out there! Today we'll be focusing on your Star Style :-) As was mentioned last week with the Aries post, it's important that you check out your full astrological chart to really see what you've got going on...you may have some planets in other signs which could make you seem less of a typical Taurus. Type in your date of birth at http://ephemeris.com/ephemeris.php and see what your full chart is like. Often people find they may relate to the signs that come before or after their own one (which is Aries and Gemini in your case). However, if you feel like you're a typical Taurus, read on and enjoy our style picks for you!


TAURUS (21st April - 20th May) 
Symbol: The Bull
Element: Earth
Colour: Soft shades of pink and blue
Gem: Emerald
Flower: Rose, daisy, tulip
Traits: Loyal, patient, persistent, reliable and practical, but can be stubborn, materialistic and possessive.
Your Style: You love expensive, good quality clothes and go for soft colours and beautiful textures.


A Note From Polly: It is easy to recognize Taurus ladies. They are earthy, sensual and exude wealth. Even if they don't have money, they always manage to look as if they do! They love their creature comforts, nice perfume, soft fabrics and furnishings. Their home is their castle, and if I was to describe them in two words it would be - 'Cupcakes and Cashmere' which is a popular blog written by a Taurus lady!

Pollyanna's favourite Taurus quotes:-

"Develop an inner candle flame that won't flicker,
 even when the worst goes before you".

        Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

"A girl can wait for the right man to come along, but in the meantime, 
 that still doesn't mean she can't have a wonderful time with all
 the wrong ones".

          Cher

FAMOUS TAUREANS

            {Adele}                         {Jessica Alba}              {Penelope Cruz}

         {Kirsten Dunst}                   {Cate Blanchett}            {Megan Fox}

        {Christina Hendricks}           {Renee Zellweger}               {Tina Fey}

               {Lily Allen}                    {Kelly Clarkson}     {Audrina Patridge}

TOP 10 STYLE PICKS FOR TAURUS

1. Pink Dress: Taurus rules the neck, and the pretty scalloped neckline of this dress (which is in one of your lucky colours) draws attention to that zone. 
Scalloped Etiquette Dress - ricketyrack.com

2. Collared Jumper: Look for items with an interesting collar, like the chic embellished one on this powder blue jumper.

Miu Miu embellished top - net-a-porter.com

3. Chloe Perfume: A feminine perfume with notes of rose, pink peony and honey.

Chloé fragrance - lordandtaylor.com

4. Pretty Apron: If you're a true Taurean you love to cook and bake, so you might as well look cute in the kitchen in a sweet retro apron.
Retro Cherries Apron - shopruche.com

5. Structured Handbag: Your ideal bag is sturdy yet chic, and in a soft neutral with a touch of metal hardware to toughen it up.

Loeffler Randall cross body shoulder bag - tenover6.com

6. Blush: Get that fresh-faced, outdoorsy glow with some beautifully packaged rosy blush.

Paul Joe blush - asos.com

7. Emerald Necklace: This emerald wonder is the ultimate statement necklace. It would only set you back a few grand, but a girl can dream, right?!
Antique diamond necklace - jewelry.1stdibs.com

8. Cowgirl Boots: Get your western on with a pair of beautifully embroidered cowgirl boots. 

Low boots - sheplers.com

9. Luxurious Scarf: Whether you opt for cashmere or silk, invest in a top quality scarf in one of your lucky colours; you'll get so much wear out of it!
Valentino scarve - harrods.com

10. Floral Jeans: These pretty, rose-patterned jeans would look fab paired with a cosy, over-sized jumper.
Current/Elliott denim skinny jeans - mytheresa.com

Images:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Taurus2.jpg
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2107952_2107953_2109560,00.html

http://www.homebunch.com/jessica-albas-house/
http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/blog/2009/02/independent-spirit-awards2009winners-cheat-sheet/
http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/05/19/transformers-megan-fox-out-will-it-be-the-same/
http://www.kuchmasti.com/kirsten-dunst/
http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20168763_20009283_20013866,00.html
http://cdnexpat.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/i-claim-christina-hendricks-as-canadian/
http://www.filmbug.com/db/363
http://just4hot.blogspot.ca/2012/07/tina-fey-latest-pictures-and-wallpapers.html
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/lily-allen-changes-her-name-to-lily-rose-cooper-201228
http://www.kovideo.net/kelly-clarkson-s-single-mr-know-it-all-leaked-news-kelly-clarkson-4033.html
http://tandlesachin21.onsugar.com/audrina-patridge-images-13316644

Five Favourites: Healthy Snacks

There is something very satisfying about organising your favourite things into lists. From movies to books, colours to clothing brands, the challenge of narrowing down your top five of everything is a fun way of passing time when you have a few minutes to kill. We've decided that Fridays will be Five Favourites on the blog, starting with our top picks for healthy snacks...we'll save our less angelic choices for another week!

(1)  Hummus

 Tasty, filling and nutritious, this ground chickpea dip can be eaten with your choice of chopped veggies or pieces of pita bread.

(2) Caprese Bites 

This yummy take on the Caprese salad couldn't be easier to prepare; just scoop the insides out of tomato halves, fill with mini mozzarella balls (which can be bought by the tub) and garnish with a sprig of basil and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

(3) Chocolate-dipped Strawberries

A fantastic way of satisfying a sweet tooth - bonus points if you opt for dark chocolate as opposed to milk.

(4) Ants on a Log

A childhood classic consisting of peanut butter spread on celery sticks and topped with raisins.

(5) Fruit & Yogurt Parfait

Simply layer yogurt, granola and your choice of fruit for a delectable sweet treat.

Image 1: http://www.befitnola.com/2010/04/trick-yourself-with-treats/

Image 2:http://glutenfreewithjudee.blogspot.ca/2011/08/mini-caprese-appetizers.html

Image 3: http://funnfud.blogspot.ca/2008/07/chocolate-dipped-strawberries-easy.html

Image 4:http://mmmunchonthis.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/start-eating-right-and-you%E2%80%99ll%E2%80%A6what-was-i-saying-2/

Image 5: http://greenhalloween.org/blog/?p=2131

YEAH IT'S THE WEEKEND!

It's treat again folks on the Pollyanna Express train of thought...choo choo!

Each weekend, we will enjoy guest visits from Ali and Vicky's blog. (www.aliandvic.blogspot.com) I enjoy reading them more than I do my own - no kidding! I'm spending weekends catching up on writing my book 'Dancing with the Stars' on relationship astrology, as I have a lot of young ones asking me for it! There is considerable work involved, so I need to focus on that during the weekends. In the meantime, sit back, chillax, and enjoy the following blogs this weekend:-

Saturday 25th August - 'Five Favourite Healthy Snacks'

Sunday 26th August - 'Star Style Taurus' for all you sassy Taurus gals!

Remember if you're not near the one you love - love the one you're near!!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx

THE GAMES POLLYANNA PLAYS

Since boarding the Pollyanna train of thought, each day is a new adventure, and I never know what Ms. P has up her sleeve! She constantly inspires me with fun suggestions on how to live a happier, and more peaceful existence. I'm learning to appreciate the magic moments, and to find joy in the simplest of pleasures. Thank you for all the beautiful, encouraging emails I've been receiving since I started this blog in mid July. It would appear Rule # 10 is the most popular!! When it comes to your happiness - just think of the word  K.I.S.S. - Keep it Super Simple!

Each morning, as part of my exercise regime, I walk on the Cedar Hill chip trail - my favourite place on earth! I call it the 'Holy Grail'. En-route, I pass birds hunting for food, babies in strollers, people I know, who stop for a chat, joggers a-sweating, dogs of every make and shape, cats a purring, ducks paddling in the stream, wild sweet smelling roses, and now that we are in the berry season, people with pails in hand, picking the voluptuous blackberries, ripe for the pick. It's a joyful amble, and one I truly look forward to each morning. Oh, did I forget to mention the golfers?

Yes, I also pass golfers, earnest in their efforts to get a hole in one! This is the fun part of my walk. I have devised a new game which brings a smile, not just to my face, but to theirs as well. It is called "Have you lost your balls?" This is how it works...

As I walk, I often see lost golf balls hiding in the bushes (average 1-2 per day). As soon as I have one in hand, I then look for a group of elderly golfers (they appreciate the value of a free ball and a flirt). Here's how it goes "Hey fellas have you lost your balls?" I shout out bold as you like. They get excited and all run to catch it. (I pretend to throw it at them). 'Not so fast boyz" I say in my best Mae West voice. "First you have to think of a number between 1 and 10". They get all happy, especially the fellow who picks the correct number. So it's a win win situation. I get to do a corporal act of mercy (returning lost golf balls, and flirting with  seniors). It's worth me at least 10 brownie points for heaven.  They get free golf balls, which they probably lost in the first place! Yes, it powers up my walk nicely, and is a fun diversion. They call me 'Ballzy' ha ha.

The other game that Polly created was 'Hey do you collect cans?' I collect my old cans and as soon as I have a black bag full, I put it in the trunk of my car to give to a street person. The look of absolute delight in his/her face is priceless (see below). I spotted Gary, the man in the picture below on my way to Chinatown one day. I asked "Hey do you collect cans?" He was so thrilled, and I asked him if I could take his photo to show my readers. His smile speaks a thousand words, doesn't it?

Yet another win win K.I.S.S. situation, would you not agree?

Choo Choo for another day!

Polly hugs,

Patricia xxx