Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Soccer Star #2

If you've read anything much on here, you will have noticed that the girl plays soccer.  This fall, the boy was old enough and we got him involved, too.  The U4's all had a big person with them on the field, and the group, split into four smaller groups, rotated through four stations, each working on a soccer skill or gross motor skill.  It was a fabulous way to do soccer with this age, and Nolan loved going.



So stinking CUTE.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

I Read.

And oldie, but a goodie!  It's little M the bookie.

I read to relax.
I read because I love getting into a good story.
I read to experience different times, places, and cultures.
I read because it takes me away from the present - a coffee break from my stay-at-home-ness.
I read because I am too tired to sew anymore.

I haven't blogged about what I've read for a while, so while I do read fast, rest assured that these haven't all been devoured in the last few weeks... I do have a life outside the pages!

These are the ones I rated 5 stars out of 5, which means I quite enjoyed the book.
 The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
 By the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

These were 4.5 stars - not amazing, but better than just good.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

These ones rated 4 stars: a decent read; something worthwhile in it.
Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Run by Ann Pachett
Paper Towns by John Green
Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Thousand Dollar Tan Line: A Veronica Mars Mystery by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
I am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

And then there was The Maze Runner by James Dashner that only ranked a 3.5.  I know it's aimed at a younger audience, but meh.

So there you have it - a list of names to refer to if you are wondering what to read next. 

Happy reading!!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

A DECADE OF BLOGGING

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of my first blog post.  Wow. 

I have written about our family, things we've done and updates on the kids, to keep my family and friends in the loop.  I have written about books and trips and things I'm thinking about; shared scrapbook pages and recipes.

I've had years where I've written lots (162 posts in 2009!) and years of less (including 2006 when I wrote a big fat zero posts - but that was also when I met and married Sean...)  The name has changed a few times, and the look has had a number of makeovers.

A few major changes have competed for my blogging time in the last few years - having a little one around, for one, means very little computer time at all! and starting my shop online where I sell the goods I sew.  (I still love that, by the way, and it's going stronger than ever.)

I started with the idea of putting my voice out there, to share my thoughts, my heart, my faith, and today, I have the same desire.  So thank you to all my faithful readers and all my random readers, for sharing in this journey with me, for listening to my voice, and especially for when you share yours back with me.  I'm not going anywhere, and look forward to picking things up again in the new year.

Saturday, November 07, 2015

Tis the Season... for Craft Sales!

I don't often go to craft sales to shop, honestly; when I do go, I'm one of those who shops for ideas that I can go home and make.

I am going to a bunch this fall, though, because I am selling at a bunch.  I am hoping that most shoppers are not like me, and are happy to buy rather than shop for ideas only at my table.  [If you do make your own stuff, that's awesome. I bet we would be friends. :)]

Last year I did two sales, they were moderately successful, but I figured this year I would rather do a few big ones through the year and then focus on the online side at Christmas.  Plans changed.  I did a sale at my nephew's school a few weeks ago, picked up a cancellation spot at Christ Lutheran last weekend, and now have 3 shows in the next 3 weeks.  And this weekend, while I'm not at a sale, I had a table at the Women's Wellness Day at my home church in Winnipeg.  Just got a report that it was a good day - thanks to all who bought my goods there and to my sister for manning the table! 

If you are in Southern Sask, this is where I'll be in the next few weeks:

First Annual Indoor CVAF Street Fair Christmas Craft Market
(Cathedral Village Arts Festival)
Saturday, November 14, 10-4
*There are sales in both the Westminster Cathedral and in the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre.  I will be in the Neighbourhood Centre, 2900 13th Ave.

Wascana Rehab Crafty Creations Christmas Craft Sale
Friday, 20th, 12-8
Saturday, 21st, 9-5

Caronport Christmas Craft Sale
Friday, 27th, 5-10:30
Saturday, 28th, noon-10:30
Sunday, 29th, 1-5:30

Now my focus is to find balance between the sales and the online side - I've been sewing lots and producing buckets of goods, but haven't found the right time with the right lighting to get photos and then get them listed.  I aim to do that this week so there's actually stuff to buy in the shop...  Wish me luck!

 Alice&Victor