Vietnamese Tea Ceremony

"Ugly Vietnamese Shoes" as declared by T. I couldn't disagree so I remained somewhat silent. I probably made it worse by trying to get a good picture of them. Unfortunately they were hidden beneath her beautifully intricrate Vietnamese dress. T absolutely sparkled.
Her sister styled her hair in what could be appropriately described as Vietnamese too. I was blown away by this family's skills. Don't get me started on the FOOD!!
While T was upstairs deep-frying the last of the spring rolls, the groom's family handed over gifts for the bride's family (I got to be one of them!!). I was bursting from pride and a little anxiety over getting it just right, but I didn't have to worry - her sisters had me covered.
T's dad gave us the history of the tea ceremony, and T was presented to the groom's family, and everyone got a tad teary. She looked amazing as always. Gifts were opened and introductions were made. And the parents clinked their tea cups, and it was official. Everyone was one family! It was BRILLIANT!

T's little niece kept exclaiming "Wedding!". Right on. Today is the big ceremony at the Basilica. I should really get ready. I have just three hours to dress and get all ready. Are you ready for more pictures?? I almost don't miss the girls. I am subsiding on cheeky emails from E. That girl is hilarious and smart as a whip. How did that happen?

Cheers!

N

Junior Photographer

A couple of weeks ago while on a secret mission, I relinquished the prized camera to the littlest in the hopes that she could keep herself amused, so that I could semi-accomplish a project under the radar. I kept a close eye on her from inside the house, and she appeared to be shooting upwards and downwards in a rapid zig-zaggy fashion. I could only hope that we would have some memorable random pictures of clouds and dirt. I got that and more.

:: Clouds and faint telephone lines
:: Bricks

:: A sister who thought she was well-hidden from the junior photographer . . . and my two favourite shots . . .

:: Bird feeders

I'm adding these to my 'bird' collection!

And in other news, the eyebrows have been waxed and tweaked. An outift befitting of a wedding has been found. Family health cards and library cards (both equal in importance) have been separated and stored safely for our brief time apart. The wedding gift is in progress, and I am thrilled with how it's all coming together! Next step: Plan travel knitting - will need patterns, needles and yarn. I have lots of each. I just need to organize it, so that it is light-weight, compact and efficient - not to mention reasonable. I am thinking socks and mittens.

N

Instant Gratification Shawl

Seven days of knitting, and I was wearing the shawl to work. It's very toasty, and although not everyone would agree that it is super soft, I think it's just cozy enough. I used up four balls of Plymouth Boku and a 6mm circular needle. This was easy to travel with to ballet classes and hair cuts. I even smuggled it into a Legal Aspects of Nonprofits workshop. I guess I best be getting back to the Woodland Shawl -surprisingly it isn't showing signs of neglect as I am on the third and last skein of Loeut Gems fingering-weight superwash wool. It's all good.

I must get packing. I am going on a big trip. Big for me, anyway. It's T's wedding in less than two weeks, and I know that both of us are anxious in our own ways. I've never been away from my little family for nearly a week, let alone a 20-hour drive between us. But the excitement in seeing T and sharing this special time with her will be well worth the temporary separation. My parents will be helping J with the girls, so I know they are in good hands. :) Get ready for the Balkan Style reunion! I'm fervently working on a music request list for the reception. Something along the lines of some JT and Fergie and sprinkled with a little Hawksley. Or what if we all sing drunkedly to this? Oh, it's gonna be sweet!

Cheers!
N

Let's Go For A Walk

I'm a horrible mum. I 'make' the girls go for walks when it's absolutely gorgeous outside. The very idea of leaving the house evokes horrible groaning and moaning. This only makes me more persistent. I suggested we take pictures of fall, and I promised fun. They each promised me that they would NOT have fun, and should fun not be had, I would have to eat a dead rat. Sometimes it's not best to argue with these two. I got this sad puppy look demanding to be taken back home. I resisted knowing I had a surprise up my sleeve that would turn that frown upside down.

We took pictures of pretty red leaves.And we met a very fast caterpillar that we nicknamed Sparky.
And about half an hour later, we arrived at the surprise destination, and it was proclaimed that I was indeed the bestest mum (by the littlest), and there were 'beaucoup de' cheers and skipping.
The travelling exhibit was a big, loud music room with guitars and drums and shakers and pianos and kazoos and all the dress-up stuff so you look cool making music too.
After B was done being a rock star, she went on to become a letter carrier for Canada Post until she got distracted doing a Grimace puzzle (Little known fact - this is my favourite part of going to the Children's Museum. I sit beside it, in that chair, and wait for little kids to mess it up, and when they leave I show off my puzzle skills by putting it back correctly. El thinks I should be embarassed because some strange little kid showed me how a few years back, and now I act like some genius anytime I am around it. So flippin' what?). Then the kid flipped burgs and upselled nuggets at the little McD's. This kid has customer service skills up the wazoo. She even showed El to her table. It was a proud moment.
It was time then to go back in time where she served us tea and made a big pot of tomato soup on the little stove in the corner. When she couldn't find a cow to milk, she milked a big wall mural of horses.
Just before we left, the girls posed as astronauts with B on her tippy-toes and El on her knees. The three of us were a fit of giggles by that point.

We nibbled on some wine gums and threw back a few bottles of water, and we headed home again. I guess it wasn't such a bad idea to get out of the house after all. Silly monkeys.

N

Stand Away From the Shoes

It's time for the littlest to learn how to tie her shoes because this little pair of Chuck Taylors demands it. I have absolutely no recollection of teaching the oldest, but I must have because she is most competent in tying her laces. This is one of the disadvantages of having children nearly seven years apart. Seven years is more than enough time to forget everything. Honestly, I didn't think I would be doing it again. And so soon! :)

Wish me luck! This little gal is a strong-willed one, and I expect to do battle. I also expect to lose.

N

A Walk to the Park

B dragged me and my knitting to the park along the river after dinner. I was tired from work, and my tummy was full, but I relented, and I don't regret a single minute. We started off with our sweaters slung over my bag, but on the way back home an hour later, we had to throw them on to stay warm. It was a beautiful evening with just the right amount of sun to take a few good pictures including some native flowers, the underbelly of a wild mushroom and some leaves that display fall in action. I managed to knit several rows of the shawl, and B ran and climbed off some energy. It was full of smiles and wonder. It was absolutely rejuvenating. For this, I am thankful.


N

Side-tracked But Not For Long

I am supposed to be knitting up a couple second socks and finishing the Woodland Shawl, and in the event that those few projects are completed, I have a ton of stuff in the queue, not to mention the Christmas gifties I fully intend to knit in three months. So what am I doing casting on for a simple garter-stitch shawl with some stashed Boku? I haven't a clue. I am already through one ball and onto the second! This is insane. It's no wonder I literally feel like I am being stretched in a million different directions!

P.S. Hey, don't miss your chance for a free one-year subscription to eco-friendly Plenty magazine. Click here and click on the long-armed green monster.

N