Torn

I want to be here......

but because I can't be there, I will soon be here....

it almost looks the same, right?

Music Monday: Seasonal Sparkle

I spent this past Saturday night at a Sarah Vann house concert. The venue was a dazzling home with white walls, black furniture, punches of colour, beautiful art work and windows providing a breathtaking view of downtown Calgary.

It was the perfect place to start thinking about the sparkle of Christmas time. During evenings like this one always wants to try and capture the moment. I began filming this song, until my camera ran out of battery. I was a bit glad it did though... see I always find it's more difficult to remember events when viewing them from behind a lens. This way you are able to get a taste of the experience, and I was able to be completely immersed in the rest of the song.

I hope this brings you a bit of seasonal sparkle.

More for Aunt Jocelyn

After Kelsey's amazing tutorial on how to tie scarves, we were able to spend some quality tutorial time with Aunt Jocelyn until she mastered the puzzling knot!

Now that you've got that one down,

here's just a few more options and inspiration for all your winter scarves...

Black Wednesday

I'm just gonna say it... today was a sucky day.

You do what you love, and you work to make it happen... Or you work so that you can do the things you love.

Not the same thing. And one is not easier than the other. You have to strive either way.

So regardless of what you are doing have people in your life that support you. That love you. And that make the smaller things in life easier, so that you can do what you love.

Music Monday - This Old Road

Maybe it's because of all the miles we've been covering lately,

but this song about The Road by The Matinee has been stuck in my head for weeks.....

Music to drink to.

Music to dance to.

Music to drive to.

*Photos and inspiration provided by BT

Be Creative

As said in previous blog posts, Ailen has a thing about not picking favorites so I urge you to be open minded while considering the material I am about to present to you.

In 2012 there are two different Snow White movies coming out, and they couldn't get more different! One is dark and action packed while the other is comedic and I can only assume light-hearted.

When I first heard this was happening I thought to myself "Seriously?!? In the same year? Who decided that would be a good idea?" because naturally these two movies will be (and already have been) brutally compared to each other. Not to mention criticized for existing in the same year together.

This is where I go back to the 'not picking favorites' theory, because after watching these trailers I find myself intrigued by both of them for separate reasons. It is already evident that they have individual artistic merit that should be recognized. It is only by these films being so different, and by the creative power behind the two storylines, that they have a chance of surviving against each other in the analysis is sure to ensue.

So here are the trailers... you be the judge ;)

The Oldest and the Youngest

For the second time in two weeks our family has met at the Red Deer hospital

.... on Mondays.

The first occasion was a little more worrisome than the second

but regardless of the circumstances, it's been comforting to spend the time with family

Our Grandpa ended up in the hospital after his stroke,

But he's a strong man, and he's recovering well

Especially because our new nephew is around to keep him company

It's nice to spend time as a family......

...... as granddaughters......

....... and as aunties......

..... but next time we get together, can it NOT be at the hospital???

Music Monday: Ailen

A celebration of life, friendship, and all that makes the world light. A purely wonderful and relaxing weekend... and sister your birthday isn't even until tomorrow!

'Happy Birthday Ailen' sung by Sarah Vann, Ari Neufeld, Peter Stone, Denise McKay, Curtis Glas and Brent Tyler.


You can see this song, and the conversation after it here. This is an unlisted youtube video, and so you can only reach it through the link... all I'm gonna say is that it is a good representation of what the weekend was like :D

P.S. Brent Tyler, I would like to add some of those pictures Jordan took of Ailen listening to this song. Send them to me?

11-11-11, 11:11

One
The 11s behind Rememberance Day: Fighting in World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Two
One small step: Apollo 11 was the first manned mission to land on the moon.

Three
Gaming 11s: Eleven is a winning roll in craps and an ace in blackjack, if you prefer that game of chance. Eleven is also the number of players on a team in cricket, field hockey, football and soccer.

Four
Oscar-winning 11s: Only three movies have won 11 Academy Awards - Ben-Hur, Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Five
A pair of XIs: Two movie franchises - The Pink Panther and Star Trek - have made it all the way to 11.

Six
Heartthrob 11s: The original Ocean's 11 starred Frank Sinatra; the slick remake Ocean's Eleven starred George Clooney.

Seven
Last century's chilly 11- 11-11 reception: Nov. 11, 1911, marked the Great Blue Norther, a major cold snap in the U.S. during which many Midwest cities set record highs and record lows in the same day.

Eight
Location, location, location: Fusami, Nigeria, is the closest locale to latitude and longitude 11 degrees, 11 minutes, 11 seconds.

Nine
Eleven sides: The Canadian one-dollar coin, called a "loonie," is shaped like a hendecagon (an 11-sided polygon).

Ten
Eleven birthdays: Personalities born on Nov. 11 include former first lady Abigail Adams, accused spy Alger Hiss, World War II Gen. George S. Patton, novelist Kurt Vonnegut, comedian Jonathan Winters, golfer Fuzzy Zoeller, actor Stanley Tucci, actress Demi Moore, actress Calista Flockhart, TV personality Carson Kressley and actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Eleven
May all your wishes come true.

Recognize These Women?

Jirka Vaatainen is a Graphic Design student who has recently received wide recognition for his interpretation of classic Disney princesses 'in real life'.

"Really Kelsey?" said my brain.
"What?!?" I replied.
"Recently, received, recognition... You couldn't find any synonymous?"
"Do we really have to talk about this now? I am in the middle of a blog post and you are interrupting me."
"Well if you are going to be so repetitive than it's a good thing I did! I think it's time for me to take charge here."
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
"Step aside Kelsey, and let me do the work..."

These three photos are only a taste of the wonders you will find on Jirka's blog! He started the Disney character manipulation with his favorite vilian Ursula, the half woman, half octopus that scammed the Little Mermaid Arielle into giving up her voice for human legs, with only one shot at making the Prince fall in love with her! The photos will amaze you, ASTOUND you, and perhaps have you wondering "Have I met her before?" only to catch your breath once you realize that you've known her your entire life...

"You really think that was worth it?" I asked my pompous brain.
"Of course! I switch things up, make it more interesting for your readers instead of just the same old 'Go check this thing out, I think it's sooo great, maneneaneamn bla!' I actually get the reader excited about what I'm showing them."

"... I don't talk like that. That is the worst impression of me I've ever heard."
"What? Oh! You mean... (raises voice a bit too high) 'I'm Kelsey and I'm so cool, you should be my friend." Like that?"
"We are not having this conversation in front of our readers."
"Why? Are you--"
"CAN WE JUST TELL THEM ABOUT JIRKA'S BLOG AND GET ON WITH IT?!?!?!"

The pictures are really well done. I hope you all enjoy them, and I also hope these images remind you of childhood... the child inside you, never taking anything in life to seriously ;)

"That's how you're ending the blog?" my brain asked.
"Yes! Do you have a problem with that?"
"No... I actually kind of like it."
"...Thanks."
"Hey! Let's go have a butter, peanut butter and jam sandwich cut in fours!"

Hey everyone! Just want to let you all know I appreciate that you spend time reading the blog... ESPECIALLY on days like today when I get a bit carried away :) Enjoy the princess, and make time to revert to some child-like behavior every now and again. CHEERS!

Music Monday - It's Time

It's been hard to not talk about this.
It's not that we wanted to keep it a secret (it's hardly a secret)
But we've had to exercise patience if only to keep the anticipation and suspense high for ourselves.

Today, it's time to share

We sisters have already had numerous dance parties to this new song by
Florence + the Machine
and are both inspired by it's beauty and hope

play this one loudly
dance along
shake it out




I am done with my graceless heart
tonight I'm going to cut it out and then restart

Murmuration

So I did have a brilliant blog post planned for today, where I talked about the meaning of life and such, but then I found this video. I really must share it with you. It is incredible, Dustin (and anyone else afraid of birds) do NOT watch this video... everyone else, it is the DEFINITION of

majesty.

"A chance encounter and shared moment with one of natures greatest and most fleeting phenomena. "

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

HATS!

After Kelsey's brilliant display of scarves last week, I thought I'd show off a few hats I'm considering wearing for an upcoming wedding.

I love the mysterious look of the veil across the eyes



Modern twist on a classic top-hat



I think this one is (sexy)...



Still undecided.... input welcome!