{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a cozy weekend!

*** *** ***

the birthday boy.

My baby brother, Benjamin, turned 20 on Sunday.  After almost 40 years my parents finally have no more teenagers! Little Ben has always been such a gem. Unlike the rest of us, he is very mellow and easy going (I guess you have to be when you're the youngest of nine!).

my real-life doll.

He was the recipient of much mothering in my younger years. Actually, I'd probably still be mothering him if we lived in the same city. There is something that makes me fiercely protective of him. He is just lovable, gentle, endearing, thoughtful, considerate, sensitive, and all around lovely.

at his sweet sixteen.

It's hard not to think of Benjamin as a little boy -- I still picture my baby brother sitting in the playroom playing with his cars and drooling all over his knee. But he isn't, he's now a young man. And he's one of my favourite young men at that.

So Happy Birthday Benjamin Nicolas Hendrik. I know I'm late, but better late than never!

Music Monday: Double trouble

Aren't Mondays much more fun with new music to listen to? I look forward to them.

I am posting a double header today so I better get right down to it. My Brightest Diamond is a group that I've known about for a while but have never come in contact with. They are signed with Asthmatic Kitty records which has a lot of amazing artists and most importantly was created by my musical man crush Sufjan Stevens.

Shara Worden's voice is stunning to say the least coupled with her song writing ability its a sure match for anyone who likes dramatics and music. One thing I really appreciate is how many artists she has collaborated with. The National, Bon Iver, David Byrn, DM Stith, and (YES!) Sufjan Stevens are just a few. I knew as soon as I heard her voice that I've heard it before and that is because she was contributing artist on many of Sufjan's albums. I feel that artists who are able to collaborate, contribute, and share talents are in a very healthy situation. I love being able to hear how someone's album is added to by another artist's talents.

Here is "Feeling Good" a contribution to the Dark Was the Night album I've posted here before.



As I said, a stunning voice.

Here is another favorite. A very raw and beautiful version of her song "Everything Is In Line". The song on the album sounds nothing like this but I am glad they put this version up because I think its amazing.



Love it.

Until next time, keep your diamonds polished and your feelings good.

EO

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

*** *** ***

the tube

for your listening pleasure.

Music Monday

Hello and welcome to Music Monday. This is a day to listen, enjoy, dislike, and reflect on our favorite music.

I must admit that I am very particular about music. I cannot stand most pop music (there are a few slightly embarrassing exceptions). Generally speaking the music I like has to be emotive, thought provoking, lyrically unique, or just generally interesting. I am very resistant to most new artists or have been until recently and I currently am feeling bad about only liking one or two songs from an artist. I used to think if I didn't like the entire album then it wasn't worth it. Actually, I am still mostly that way but I am slowly kicking that habit. There are way too many good songs out there to listen to and not enough time to listen to them all.

This is Timbre Timber with Black Water



Until next time Mondains, keep your lyrics thought provoking and your beats interesting... or else I won't like you.

EDO

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

*** *** ***

the gym

My dear husband convinced me to go to the gym with him yesterday. His gym. A gym or both men and women. I'm going to start by saying I think I prefer women only -- there were far too many very large, very muscular macho men within an uncomfortably close proximity of me. I'm uncomfortable lifting weights as it is, but when you incorporate forty strong men into the picture I become even less comfortable.

I was reminded of how out of shape I am. It's funny and entirely absurd, but I still think of myself as a fit athlete. This proved to be a myth yesterday.  To be honest, there have been a number of times I have been faced with the reality that I am not, in fact, in shape, nor could I classify myself as an athlete. Even so, I have held on firmly to the myth. Ignorance is bliss, my friends, ignorance is bliss.

I did really well with going to the gym last year. From November till January at least and then I went to Africa and came back far too busy to think about it. And now, now I am a casual employee at the hospital which means I have no set schedule. Which means I can't make a schedule for the gym. Which means I need to decide to go when I'm not called into work. I think I work better with a planning and preparation. I like knowing. I like going to classes I like going to rather than showing up and doing whatever is scheduled at the time. Also, my gym has the worst hours for someone who does shift work. It isn't open until 6am and it closes by 9pm. And weekends are even worse -- something like 11-3.

Oh. I only do classes. I'm not big on doing things on my own because of a) accountability b) I don't actually know what I'm supposed to do at the gym and c) I am more determined when there is someone watching me and when someone else sets expectations.

Anyway. This is me recommitting to going to the gym. Probably my ladies gym, though I do like exercising with Erik. We'll just have to start running together once the weather warms up  again. I miss being fit.

So until next time, keep fit and have fun.

the bean

Erik and I had Sawyer over for the weekend. I don't know if I have ever mentioned it, but Erik again stated that he prefers having her for more than one night. I'm not entirely sure why, but I think he thinks it's easier. I have to agree -- I love having her for more than one night. We get into a groove of our own and I can focus on other thing rather than being wrapped up entirely in enjoying her.

She enjoys playing independently so it's good when I give her some space. This weekend she discovered the wooden food I have. It's Melissa and Doug's Cutting Food and she became obsessed with it. I also have the Shape Sorting Cube which she is getting the hang of. It's actually really tough! It has a pentagon, a hexagon, and an octagon among other difficult shapes. She still needs a little direction, but if I turn the box so it's facing right-side-up she cn usually figure out which hole the shape fits into.

I think it's fun to watch kids learn. I especially love when you can see their little minds thinking and you know exactly what they are trying to figure out. Sawy gets a very determined look on her face when she is puzzled and she will often look at me and sign "more" or "please" when she is stumped and needs a hand. It's pretty adorable.

Sawyer only signs "more", "please", "all done" and "milk", but I am amazed at how much she can communicate with just that. We were dancing and the music stopped so she looked at me and signed "more please".  I like the idea of teaching kids sign language -- even if it is only a couple words. Especially "all done". I think it can prevent some temper tantrums. Sawyer will sign when she is finished with something or when she wants out of her high chair or when she is annoyed with you rather than getting upset.

Sawyer has started saying "ya" all the time too. She doesn't say much yet -- momma, dada, ball, ya... that may be the extent of it. She sometimes repeats words, but not typically. And she doesn't really say any animal sounds. Not a very verbally expressive little Bean.

This here is her favourite seat in the house. She loves to sit on feet. Especially when your legs are crossed so she is perched up a bit. It makes me laugh every time. I will pick her up to sit on my lap or sit on the seat beside me and she will slide down and sit herself down on my foot. She is very fond of bouncing on your foot too.

She was so cuddly when she was over. She passed out on Erik when I was making our lunch and even he couldn't deny how wonderful a small child feels snuggled up.

The hospital called every single day Sawyer was over. I was waiting all week for calls and none came, but any time I have anything planned they call and I can't come in. Of course. That's the way it always goes. I have this weekend pre-booked so at least I know I'll be working then.

I hope some blue skies are poking through wherever you are. I haven't spotted any yet today, but I remain hopeful. Have a wonderful day!

Music Monday

Hello Mondains back for more?

Short post today.

Here is a good ol' song from a Canadian artist. Aidan Knight with his song "Jasper"



Enjoy.

EO

Micro Update

I am off to work so all you get is a micro update. In point form even...

• Sawyer was the usual -- adorable, snuggly, and hilarious. Erik has been known to say something along the lines of, "I prefer having her for a couple days". And it's true, we get into our own little groove. And she typically likes him more day 2. 
• Speaking of E -- he's sick. I wouldn't go as far as to say he is ill, but he is definitely under-the-weather. The can't-sleep-through-the-night, nose-is-like-a-faucet, my-head-doesn't-feel-so-good kind of sick.
• I am still healthy as an ox though I have been awake since 0330. Much too early, if you ask me. 
• We had a pumpkin carving afternoon with our church yesterday at a friend's house. It was awesome! Good food, good friends, good naps. And pumpkins were carved into some amazing things. There was some serious carving talent. Pictures later today maybe... or tomorrow. I can't "cock block" Erik's Music Monday. He has put a 24 hour no-post policy in place so I can't post for an entire day after his posts. 
• I have no more shifts booked until Friday. Then I start a set. I'm a little nervous to work on my regular floor after the last two weeks on plastics. General Surgery is much much busier. And the patients are much much sicker. And it is much much more intense. It will be fine though -- it usually is. 
• That's all I have time for folks. Have a good day or two. Let's hope Erik doesn't wait until 10pm to post!

my recent knitting

These pictures are the worst! For some reason our camera takes the worst photos when it's cloudy out. Well, they aren't the worst, but the colour is way off in these. Ok, not way off, but definitely off.

First up, the little vests I have been making. I got buttons for them yesterday. They have five buttons down the side and two at the top on one of the shoulders. I am thinking of altering the pattern and making a couple of these babies without all the side buttons. Who wants to finagle a bunch of buttons? We'll see if I am skilled enough to make the adjustment -- I don't think it will be too difficult.

Just another close up of the yarn I used. These are intended to be a "manly" vest. The pattern is so quick and easy so I want to also make minor adjustments to make it a girly vest too. You know, lose the tweed, add softer yarn and more feminine colours. Also doing a different stitch at the top, bottom and may help. And losing the changed side stitch. I'll have to see what I can whip up.

And this little dress is nearly completed. The colour is a lot more subtle in real life -- a pale pink. I was trying to find buttons for this, but wasn't satisfied with any at the yarn store I went to. Maybe I will venture out to Fabricland this week. We'll see.

I have also completed another little project, but it's a Christmas present so you'll have to wait until December to hear about that one. It's lovely though and I can't wait to share it!

Little Sawybean is here for the weekend. As I write this I hear her humming herself to sleep -- what a good little girl. I will hopefully find some time to share a little bit of how adorable she is tomorrow. For now, a movie date with my husband. Have a good night!

No Moment

No {this moment}  this week as I didn't take any photos. Instead I have been knitting up a storm and working when I am called in. But seriously, knitting up a storm. I will take photos today to show you what I have made in the last five days.

For now I will leave you with this little video. Erik and I were obsessed with it a while ago and my sister-in-law recently posted it to her blog reminding me of how much I love it. It sometimes hits me just so and makes me all teary eyed and nostalgic.

a wee dilemma

I have a bit of a dilemma. You see, there's a craft fair in November and I was thinking about knitting some things for it.

Pas de probleme, right?

Wrong.

Sure I could knit a few things. Maybe a couple baby vests. Maybe some toques. I have an entire month to knit them, but the creating of the items isn't the problem. The problem would be the pricing of said items and if it would really actually be worth my while. You see, knitting takes a long time. Especially when you are a slow knitter like myself. Knitting takes time and yarn costs money (especially if you are a yarn snob like me).

Let's put it this way... You know the dress I made my niece, Hailey? How much do you think I could sell it for?

Whatever number you have in your head is not enough. And here's why: I chose relatively inexpensive yarn and it still ended up costing me $25 (the yarn I purchased for my next go-around with the dress was $40... eek!). Would people even buy the dress for $25??? And that would only cover the yarn -- it wouldn't even touch a minute of the 40-some hours I spent knitting the lovely little dress. Yes, I did just say 40 hours... give or take a few. I've made the dress three times now and it has taken varying lengths of time.

Now take the vests I'm currently working on. They take about 10 hours to make but the yarn thankfully only costs $15. They're little vests. How much would I be able to sell them for?? Is it even worth it?

And the toques. The yarn costs anywhere from $7-15. And the toques take about 5 hours to make. Could I really sell them for a decent price though? How much are people willing to pay??

I love knitting, but this is why I think I can only do it for fun. It really isn't worth selling. I wish I could make a profit off it to help fund the yarn addiction I have been wanting to develop, but I guess I will continue to employ my self control.

Instead, I think I will just keep knitting for the people I love.

Well, maybe I'll sell some vests. Or some toques. Or both.

I'm undecided.

Music Monday

I think perhaps that anyone who looks at this blog on such a special day as music monday should have a special name that I can address you all as. I propose "mondains." Send me your ideas or put them in the comments; if you can make me chuckle more than I just made myself chuckle then you may just have your name in lights.

Hello Mondains and welcome to Music Monday!

Today I am dedicating this to everyone whose initials are SKOS. If you are SKOS this day is dedicated to you because for some reason the music reminds me of something you would have given to me on a mixed CD circa ten years ago. The moment I heard it I thought of you and a few moments after that I started liking the song. Hurray!

This is Oh Land with "Perfection"



One part catchy, one part bizarre, three parts delightful.

BONUS ALERT! BONUS ALERT! TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! BONUS ALERT! BONUS!

This is another one which reminds me of SKOS for some reason. Its a collaborative effort by If By Yes and a man whose name rhymes with Bavid Dyrns. This is "Eliza"



Leave your ideas for naming all you mondies (all three of you).

Until next week, keep your Bavid's Dyrning.

E
D
O

mornings.

I am definitely a morning person. I always have been and I hope to always be. Mornings just work for me. In fact, I have a hard time staying up in the evenings. For some reason I have no problem staying awake when I work nights though -- it probably has something to do with the fluorescent lighting that gives me a head ache... or the constant eating... or the incessant call bells. I worked last night and I should probably be napping, but I'm going to stick it out and just go to bed early tonight. I'm good at that.

To reward myself for three night shifts in a row I have decided to have my favourite kind of morning. The kind where I sit with a pot of tea (this morning it happens to be Bengal Spice), a Granville Island Candle (papaya clafouti), and my knitting needles. Bon Iver is keeping me company for the time being.

I love mornings that I get to laze around the house.

My messy kitchen isn't even bothering me.  The scraps of paper scattered around me from partially crafted Christmas gifts aren't even causing a stir.

It is wonderful.

I have already cast on a new baby vest. Worked through about a quarter of it (the easiest quarter) and then pulled it apart because I think I want to use smaller needles. I'm going for a bit of a thicker look than the needles were giving me. I have even re-cast the baby vest on smaller needles already.

The only thing that would make my morning better is if one of you was here sipping on some tea with me.

Good 'ol Shel

We had all of Shel Silverstein's books when I was little and the only two poems that I can still quote are:

Mrs. McTwitter was the babysitter

I think she's a bit crazy.

She thinks a babysitter's supposed 

To sit on the baby.

And, my favourite growing up.

My beard grows down to my toes,

I never wears no clothes,

I wraps my hair around my bare,

And down the road I goes.

on my mind

Well, I am off to work in a couple of minutes. I'm going to be spending my night dreaming in pinks and purples. Oh, and caring for my patients.

I'll have these lovely yarns on my mind.

 

Speaking of yarns, I am almost finished this little dress. Old faithful. I love this pattern. 

Also, in the midst of working on some of my Christmas gifts I have also almost finished an adorable baby vest. I'll have to take pictures of it on Monday. It's pretty cute. It's time I devote some time to those gifts though... November is creeping up on me and December is right behind it.

Have a good night.

some of the weekend.

Erik and I had an all-too-brief visit home last weekend. It was a short one, but it was a good one. We managed to squeeze a lot into the three days we were gone.

It was interesting to see Erik interacting with his old high school friends, former teachers, and other members of his community. Many of them he hadn't seen since graduating eight years ago. He was a little social butterfly at the funeral and I watched contently as he reacquainted himself with everyone. It was obvious that he was (and is) well loved. 

On the way home (Kelowna) from my in-laws we stopped in to see the Reimers so I could meet little Halle Grace.  And to see Stewart, Charisa and Micah... of course.

But Miss Halle was undoubtedly the main event.  She was adorable -- so tiny (though much bigger than when she was born) and so perfect. She was even awake for most of our visit.

And Mr Micah, her older brother, was as cute as ever. He has grown so much since I last saw him! He adored the camera though taking photos of almost-two-year-olds is always a challenge oddly enough. I ended up with many blurry photos. He is such a doting big brother and he was so gentle with little Halle. Very sweet.

And Stewart and Charisa? They were lovely as well. It's always good to visit with friends though I wish we had more time. There's never enough time.

After our visit with the Reimer's we went out for dinner with my brother, SIL and cousin. Again, the visit was much too short. We had to head home to Kelowna that night so we were in a bit of a hurry. It was fun, none-the-less.

And this week I have been working. from 11pm to 7am. Gross. I worked Monday and Tuesday and now I have Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Going to work at 11pm is bizarre. Sometimes I go to bed at 8:00pm and sleep until 10:00pm before my shift. And then my patients are often sleeping when I get to work so I sometimes don't meet them until I am either waking them up at 2am to do vitals or until 6am when I am doing vitals, giving meds, or doing a quick assessment. The benefit of working from 11pm-7am is that I actually get to see Erik after work. My shift from 7pm-7am doesn't leave much time for us to hang out.

That's about all for now. Have a good weekend.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a crisp weekend!

*** *** ***

photo credit: Mr. Micah.