My dad and I have been singing together forever. I cherish the times we spent huddled around the piano, singing and playing the guitar and spoons until the wee hours of the morning. I cherish my celtic heritage ( Dad is from Newfoundland, whose ancestors were from Ireland and mom is from Northern Ireland) for infusing the never ending song in my heart!
For a keepsake, I thought it would be fun to video my dad and I practising the song we are to sing tonight at my parent's church. I am off to a New Year's dinner/party at friends then will slip on out and head over to sing with my dad, then come back to my friends where we will all ring in the new year! It is frigid outside. I just want to stay in cozied up by the fire. But, I will venture out into the dark, cold, final night of 2008!
Don't mind the mistakes in this video or the pile made up of my winter coat, hat, mitts and boots in the background! Without further adieu, here is my father and I singing an old gospel song by Maybelle Carter, "In the Highways"...
( the video is in the following post as blogger wouldn't let me upload it to this post, so keep on scrolling down!)
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Dad and I singing
*** Update...Blogger somehow erased the video and I couldn't get the entire embed code to link on here so you will have to follow this link to our video on you tube***
Saturday 27 December 2008
Love Actually...
"Love Actually
Love Actually is
love actually is all around..."
Loneliness can be a bit of a spoilsport. It seems to mar me when I least expect it. Christmastime seems to bring out those feelings of aloneness that are buried in the depths of my soul. Ironic isn't it considering I have been surrounded by family and friends during this holiday season. It's not that kind of loneliness though, "being without company; solitary; lone." It's difficult to define. However, part of the pang stems from my desire to be with someone - my soulmate- in a committed marriage relationship and have a brood of children together!
It is a God-given desire. Sometimes I feel guilty for these feelings. But, didn't God create a helper for Adam because he didn't want him to be alone. Sometimes I get angry at God and like to blame Him for not allowing this desire to come to fruition.
I am content with my singleness. I am enjoying it to the full. There is nothing wrong with me - no more than anyone else! It is natural to long for a family. I am also fully aware some people in a marriage can suffer feelings of loneliness. I am not impling that marriage and children will cure these pangs of loneliness - maybe they will. It is easy for my feelings of self-pity to be stirred up at this time of year, especially when I have friends getting engaged, friends having babies and I am still single. I truly want to be happy for these friends but selfishly I want to wallow in my own self pity.
One of my favourite Christmas movies, "Love Actually," was on TV last night. It was the inspiration behind this poem/song I wrote. During the writing of this song, I was experiencing another bout of heartache and was determined to move on. To move past the pain of loneliness. To move past the self pity. To get on with my life. To sing again. To dance again.
Last night, another part of this movie was like salve to my soul...
"love actually... is all around."
Love surrounds me. Love is in me. I cannot take it for granted. I need to remember. I need to be thankful. I am fortunate. The Great Love is salve to my soul.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his LOVE into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
(Romans 5:1-5, NIV)
Love actually is all around!
Love Actually is
love actually is all around..."
Loneliness can be a bit of a spoilsport. It seems to mar me when I least expect it. Christmastime seems to bring out those feelings of aloneness that are buried in the depths of my soul. Ironic isn't it considering I have been surrounded by family and friends during this holiday season. It's not that kind of loneliness though, "being without company; solitary; lone." It's difficult to define. However, part of the pang stems from my desire to be with someone - my soulmate- in a committed marriage relationship and have a brood of children together!
It is a God-given desire. Sometimes I feel guilty for these feelings. But, didn't God create a helper for Adam because he didn't want him to be alone. Sometimes I get angry at God and like to blame Him for not allowing this desire to come to fruition.
I am content with my singleness. I am enjoying it to the full. There is nothing wrong with me - no more than anyone else! It is natural to long for a family. I am also fully aware some people in a marriage can suffer feelings of loneliness. I am not impling that marriage and children will cure these pangs of loneliness - maybe they will. It is easy for my feelings of self-pity to be stirred up at this time of year, especially when I have friends getting engaged, friends having babies and I am still single. I truly want to be happy for these friends but selfishly I want to wallow in my own self pity.
One of my favourite Christmas movies, "Love Actually," was on TV last night. It was the inspiration behind this poem/song I wrote. During the writing of this song, I was experiencing another bout of heartache and was determined to move on. To move past the pain of loneliness. To move past the self pity. To get on with my life. To sing again. To dance again.
Last night, another part of this movie was like salve to my soul...
"love actually... is all around."
Love surrounds me. Love is in me. I cannot take it for granted. I need to remember. I need to be thankful. I am fortunate. The Great Love is salve to my soul.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his LOVE into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
(Romans 5:1-5, NIV)
Love actually is all around!
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Twas the Night Before Christmas...
...and all through the house...
...the smell of "Fish and Brewis" filled the air, killing the mouse!
"Fish and Brewis" for dinner on Christmas Eve has been a tradition around our house for years. It is only recently that I have been able to partake in this family tradition passed down through my father's lineage!
The phone rang. Perfect timing. It was my friend Michelle wondering if I wanted to meet for coffee. She needed a break from her brood and Christmas preparations and I needed to get away from the smell of the salt cod before I got sick! Our destination: the newly opened "Coffee Culture" cafe down the road.
Michelle and I first met when we were 5 years old - on our first day of kindergarten! Our friendship has survived all these years and blossomed into a beautiful camaraderie. A rare gift. I am grateful God allowed our paths to cross on that September day many years ago.
Michelle took this pic of me at the cafe. I am decked out in my Christmas "bling" ( compliments to "Topshop", Belfast, Northern Ireland - July 2008). May I digress for one moment as I need to tell a story about those earrings... 
The inside of the tweed hat says, "Joy and health to you who wear this Donegal Tweed hat!" Here's to joy and health in 2009! Michelle and I have begun to run together and hope to compete in a 5 km ( maybe more!) race in 2009.
Refreshed and ready for the rest of the day's festivities, Michelle and I bid farewell. When I arrived home, dinner was ready...the table was set...can't forget the tacky Christmas toothpick holder from Gramma Whalen - another Christmas table tradition! I miss Gramma Whalen, but know she is looking down from heaven on us and wishing she could have some Fish and Brewis!!:)
Without further adieu, here is the infamous "Fish and Brewis", with drawn butter and potatoes...hailing all the way from Newfoundland ( I always thought Brewis was spelled Brews or Bruise because that is how the Newfies pronounce it!!) ...
Another family tradition on Christmas Eve is to drink Ginger Ale with the Fish and Brewis...
The salt cod still tastes soooo salty even though my dad soaked it all night and day!!
Here is the Brewis...
The history...
If you have a hankering next Christmas Eve for a traditional Newfie feast, here is how you prepare it...
For dessert....
...a delightful finishing touch!
After dinner, it was time to get ready for the Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at my parent's church...
Lighting the candles...
" ...While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David's town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master'....at once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him..." ( Luke 2, The Message)
A final family tradition on Christmas Eve is the opening of one gift before Santa officially arrives!
I am very pleased with this gift!! :)
... "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
...the smell of "Fish and Brewis" filled the air, killing the mouse!"Fish and Brewis" for dinner on Christmas Eve has been a tradition around our house for years. It is only recently that I have been able to partake in this family tradition passed down through my father's lineage!
The phone rang. Perfect timing. It was my friend Michelle wondering if I wanted to meet for coffee. She needed a break from her brood and Christmas preparations and I needed to get away from the smell of the salt cod before I got sick! Our destination: the newly opened "Coffee Culture" cafe down the road.
Michelle and I first met when we were 5 years old - on our first day of kindergarten! Our friendship has survived all these years and blossomed into a beautiful camaraderie. A rare gift. I am grateful God allowed our paths to cross on that September day many years ago.
Michelle took this pic of me at the cafe. I am decked out in my Christmas "bling" ( compliments to "Topshop", Belfast, Northern Ireland - July 2008). May I digress for one moment as I need to tell a story about those earrings...
Yesterday during my shift on the "kettles" at the LCBO, a customer came over to me and said, "I am giving you an extra toonie ($2) because I love your earrings." Another customer loved my hat, which is actually my dad's tweed hat from Donegal, Ireland, so he gave me an extra toonie too! Then another man asked, "What do you have at the top of your tree since you are wearing the star!!:)" (I'm also wearing my $4 Lacoste-Alligator sweater I got at Value Village long before Lacoste was so trendy and expensive.)
Notice the Queen on the TV screen in the background. Either she is giving a Christmas Eve address or it is advertising for her Christmas Day message!! Another family tradition on Christmas is to watch the Queen's speech on Christmas Day, so I found this funny that she should appear as Michelle was taking the pic:)
The inside of the tweed hat says, "Joy and health to you who wear this Donegal Tweed hat!" Here's to joy and health in 2009! Michelle and I have begun to run together and hope to compete in a 5 km ( maybe more!) race in 2009.
Refreshed and ready for the rest of the day's festivities, Michelle and I bid farewell. When I arrived home, dinner was ready...the table was set...can't forget the tacky Christmas toothpick holder from Gramma Whalen - another Christmas table tradition! I miss Gramma Whalen, but know she is looking down from heaven on us and wishing she could have some Fish and Brewis!!:)
Without further adieu, here is the infamous "Fish and Brewis", with drawn butter and potatoes...hailing all the way from Newfoundland ( I always thought Brewis was spelled Brews or Bruise because that is how the Newfies pronounce it!!) ...
Another family tradition on Christmas Eve is to drink Ginger Ale with the Fish and Brewis...
The salt cod still tastes soooo salty even though my dad soaked it all night and day!!Here is the Brewis...
The history...
If you have a hankering next Christmas Eve for a traditional Newfie feast, here is how you prepare it...
For dessert....
...a delightful finishing touch!After dinner, it was time to get ready for the Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at my parent's church...
Lighting the candles...
" ...While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David's town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master'....at once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him..." ( Luke 2, The Message)A final family tradition on Christmas Eve is the opening of one gift before Santa officially arrives!
Here is mine...
I am very pleased with this gift!! :)
... "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Saturday 20 December 2008
Walk'in in a Winter Wonderland....
Blowing snow, reduced visibility, bitter cold winds, slippery unploughed roads all greeted me as I drove home from work yesterday. What a welcomed beginning to our Christmas holidays! You would think as dwellers in Canada, we would be used to this winter weather. In my "neck of the woods," storms like we experienced yesterday are usually few and far between. However, the last couple of winters, the weather pattern has changed.
I safely made it home (with a few nail-biting moments) in 30 minutes, which is great timing for my typically 15 -minute commute in normal conditions. I did have to venture out in the storm later that day to fulfill my stint on the "Kettles." The storm worsened but thankfully I did not have far to travel home. After all was said and done, we accumulated 30 cm of the fluffy white stuff. ( I believe that is approximately 10 inches for those still used to the Empirical system!)
Strangely enough, I find comfort during snowstorms - as long as I am snuggled safely at home and not driving! I love bundling up in my many warm layers and venturing outside for a long walk in the snow. It is quiet and peaceful - a welcome retreat from the chaotic noise of my world.
It looks like I'll be walk'in again in my winter wonderland tomorrow - another storm is on its way apparently bringing an additional 10 - 15 cm!
Here are some photos I took last night and this morning...
Light in the midst of the storm...
(Looking west out our apartment window. On a clear day you can see the CN Tower in Toronto.) 
( I love the snow that settled on the windowsill and the fact you can see the reflection of the living room! )
(I never knew I was in the pic until I posted it!)
(Looking south towards Lake Ontario.)Peace after the storm...
I find peace and stillness in the settled snow on pine trees!
( These pics were taken with my zoom out the same apartment window that captured last night's storm!)
( I wanted to capture the lightness of the settled snow on the windowsill...I like how the pic turned blurry!)
( I took this photo this morning at my friend's house. This pine tree sits firmly sheltering their front yard. I love the smell of pine trees!)
Before I close, I just had to share this cute email I received today from my 71 -year old mom. I should explain the context of the discussion... She had emailed my 13-year old nephew to ask what he wanted for Christmas. He sent a reply directly from the American Eagle website showing my mom exactly the item he wanted. He forgot to include the size of the jacket he needed. So, here is where we pick up the conversation...
I find peace and stillness in the settled snow on pine trees!
( These pics were taken with my zoom out the same apartment window that captured last night's storm!)
( I wanted to capture the lightness of the settled snow on the windowsill...I like how the pic turned blurry!)
( I took this photo this morning at my friend's house. This pine tree sits firmly sheltering their front yard. I love the smell of pine trees!)Before I close, I just had to share this cute email I received today from my 71 -year old mom. I should explain the context of the discussion... She had emailed my 13-year old nephew to ask what he wanted for Christmas. He sent a reply directly from the American Eagle website showing my mom exactly the item he wanted. He forgot to include the size of the jacket he needed. So, here is where we pick up the conversation...
Mom ( Grannie) to James: "So it is medium you need?"
James to Grannie: " ya it is medium i need plz and thx xoxoxoxo love james"
Mom to me: "What does James mean?"
Me to mom: "Yes it is medium I need please and thanks xoxoxoxo , love James."
Mom to me: "What?"
Me to Mom: " plz and thx are the shortened versions of please and thanks. This is how 13-year olds write now-a-days. It comes from their cell phone texting language."
Mom to me: ( in a still somewhat confused tone) " Okay, thanks for the clarification!"
Grannie to James: "Okay love, got it! Love you, Grannie and Papa x0x0x0x0xo"
Gotta love the generation gap! Although I must say my parents are pretty good at keeping up with the times, "walk'in in the shoes of the younger generation!"
Monday 15 December 2008
In memory...
We lost a saint today. (Saturday December 13, 2008) Yet this faithful servant of Jesus gained her reward today: meeting her Saviour face to face.
My first memory of Mrs. Connaty praying for us was in her kindergarten Sunday School class. We would sit cross -legged on the floor, eagerly anticipating the flannelgraph Bible story about to be told!
Over the years, I knew Mrs. Connaty and the others were faithfully praying for us young people. I didn't fully appreciate the ramifications until I was a missionary with Youth For Christ in Edmonton, Alberta - a LONG way from home!
Mrs. Connaty headed up the "Ladies Mission Circle" at the church. This little group of dedicated ladies would meet weekly to make practical gifts for all the missionaries our church supported. In addition, they would write letters to the missionaries and most importantly, would take the time to pray for us. Those letters and prayers were cherished more than they probably realized. These prayer warriors played a key role in the ongoing relationship I still continue to have with some of those high school students I worked with at Youth For Christ back in the '90's. TOGETHER we made a difference!
One thing Mrs. Connaty is known for is her quilt making. She had the "Ladies Mission Circle" make a quilt for every missionary. I was the proud recipient of one of these beautiful quilts. You can see it in the picture below. (Unfortunately, it is the only picture I have of the quilt as it is tucked away in my cedar chest!) Every stitch was crafted with love, tears, age-old wisdom, strength, sacrifice, laughter and prayer. It is a poignant reminder to me of their faithful devotion to Jesus. Shamefully, I am not as consistent in my prayers and encouragement for the younger generation at my church. A New Year's resolution? Definitely! I do hope the younger generation sees Jesus reflected in my life.
Mrs. Nanckievill, a precious gem, singing and playing her accordion at Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday - another favourite childhood memory of mine - it was a treat! Mr. and Mrs. Nanckievill hosted many a youth event at their home. They were always so gracious!
Mrs. Connaty enjoying every moment of her celebration!
She always had to have the last word!! Here she is cutting her cake.
Mrs. Connaty's daughter Joanne. My former babysitter:)
Mrs. Lambshed, one of our Pastor's wives, befriended me. Pastor Wally Mills. Pastor Wally was one of the chaplains at our local hospital, so one summer I was his "assistant." What an incredible learning experience!
Mabel Matheson. She was our church secretary for YEARS!
Mrs. Santos, another one of my Sunday School teachers.
Mrs. Grant was one of my Pioneer Girls Club leaders.
Mrs. Bykiv was one of my Vacation Bible School teachers.
Mary Bond (left) was one of my Day Camp Directors when I was a camper and a staff member. Mrs. Hooper (right) was my Sunday School teacher and Pioneer Girl's Club leader.
( taken at Helene's 90'th birthday party, Calvary Baptist Church, Oshawa, ON, December 8, 2008)
Helene Connaty. (Always Mrs. Connaty to me!) December 6, 1918 - December 14, 2008. "Prayer Warrior" extraordinaire.
I have been blessed to be raised in a church community where the older generation were (and still are) committed, faithful prayer warriors. I am indebted to them for their support over the years.My first memory of Mrs. Connaty praying for us was in her kindergarten Sunday School class. We would sit cross -legged on the floor, eagerly anticipating the flannelgraph Bible story about to be told!
Over the years, I knew Mrs. Connaty and the others were faithfully praying for us young people. I didn't fully appreciate the ramifications until I was a missionary with Youth For Christ in Edmonton, Alberta - a LONG way from home!
Mrs. Connaty headed up the "Ladies Mission Circle" at the church. This little group of dedicated ladies would meet weekly to make practical gifts for all the missionaries our church supported. In addition, they would write letters to the missionaries and most importantly, would take the time to pray for us. Those letters and prayers were cherished more than they probably realized. These prayer warriors played a key role in the ongoing relationship I still continue to have with some of those high school students I worked with at Youth For Christ back in the '90's. TOGETHER we made a difference!
One thing Mrs. Connaty is known for is her quilt making. She had the "Ladies Mission Circle" make a quilt for every missionary. I was the proud recipient of one of these beautiful quilts. You can see it in the picture below. (Unfortunately, it is the only picture I have of the quilt as it is tucked away in my cedar chest!) Every stitch was crafted with love, tears, age-old wisdom, strength, sacrifice, laughter and prayer. It is a poignant reminder to me of their faithful devotion to Jesus. Shamefully, I am not as consistent in my prayers and encouragement for the younger generation at my church. A New Year's resolution? Definitely! I do hope the younger generation sees Jesus reflected in my life.
(circa, 1997, Edmonton, AB. One of my YFC students and I sitting on Mrs. Connaty and the Ladies Mission Circle's quilt)
What will happen when these prayer warriors are gone? Who will take their place?
I had the privilege of attending Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday celebration, six days before she died. Surrounded by these prayer warriors, I decided I better capture the moment on film.
Here are some of the remarkable men and women who helped shape me into the woman I am today...
Mrs. Nanckievill, a precious gem, singing and playing her accordion at Mrs. Connaty's 90th birthday - another favourite childhood memory of mine - it was a treat! Mr. and Mrs. Nanckievill hosted many a youth event at their home. They were always so gracious!
Mrs. Connaty enjoying every moment of her celebration!
She always had to have the last word!! Here she is cutting her cake.
Mrs. Connaty's daughter Joanne. My former babysitter:)
Mrs. Lambshed, one of our Pastor's wives, befriended me. Pastor Wally Mills. Pastor Wally was one of the chaplains at our local hospital, so one summer I was his "assistant." What an incredible learning experience!
Mabel Matheson. She was our church secretary for YEARS!
Mrs. Santos, another one of my Sunday School teachers.
Mrs. Grant was one of my Pioneer Girls Club leaders.
Mrs. Bykiv was one of my Vacation Bible School teachers.
Mary Bond (left) was one of my Day Camp Directors when I was a camper and a staff member. Mrs. Hooper (right) was my Sunday School teacher and Pioneer Girl's Club leader. Thank You
(Words and Music by Ray Boltz)
I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said, Friend
You may not know me now
And then he said, But wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart
CHORUS:
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave
Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I am here today
CHORUS
One by one they came
Far as the eye could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed
And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, My child look around you
Great is your reward
CHORUS
I am so glad you gave
Thank You my faithful prayer warriors!
Sunday 14 December 2008
'Tis the Season...
I love Christmas. I love the hustle and bustle this season produces. I love the excitement in the air. I love the colourful and bright decorations adorning my community and surrounding areas. I love that I still get to believe in Santa ( wink, wink;) ). I love shopping for Christmas gifts in the crowded shopping malls - really! ( though, now as I'm older, I can only stay in the mall for a short time!) I love that we have not completely forgotten the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating Jesus birth. I love that we spend time with friends and family, eating turkey and all the trimmings and Christmas pudding, drinking egg nog and playing board games! AND I love the various festivities that take place during the holiday season. Here are some of the celebrations I have been participating in...
I have always wanted to take voice lessons, so I took the plunge in September and signed up! I have an incredibly talented and gifted teacher, Gayla. Her patience and confidence in me has motivated me to continue and I just might take my first voice exam in the spring! We had our Christmas recital yesterday. My, how memories flooded back to me of my childhood when I took piano lessons and participated in many recitals!
I had a good laugh at my first ever voice recital. I was the oldest participant! My competition was 5 year old piano and voice prodigies!!! My parents were even in attendance supporting me, just like the 5 year olds!! I was chuckling inside as I sat in the audience waiting for my time in the spotlight! Imagine the scene with me! Here are some visuals to help you...
Four year old Davis....
Six year old Sarah....
Five year old Daniel ( who chatted with us prior to the recital...he was a cutie who took a liking to my parents and I!!)...
Forty-one year old Karyne singing "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)...
Believe it or not, I was actually very nervous. I am naturally an alto, however, Gayla is trying to expand my range, thus the song she chose for me was VERY high! 
I made it through, with Gayla's amazing accompaniment! 
We were instructed to bow or curtsy after our performance, so here my mom tried to get a pic of me curtsying!
My voice teacher, Gayla, and I...
My supportive parents with Gayla and I!
I am grateful my parents love me and care enough about me to attend my voice recital! It was a fun afternoon.
Christmas is a time for giving and a time for receiving. I love the generosity brought out in people during this time of year. 
I wanted to share these pics of a pillow my friend "Maryne" bought me a while ago. She knows I collect Centennial paraphernalia. I was born in 1967, which happened to be Canada's 100th birthday: "Centennial Year." The actual day Canada became a nation was July 1, 1867. In honour of being a Centennial baby, I was given a silver spoon, silver cup, and a special certificate from our Mayor. Over the years, I have collected other Centennial objects. I think my favourite is this pillow. Why? Can you see the mistakes on the velvet pillow? No? Let me share...
First, I believe each triangle in the Centennial emblem is suppose to represent a province in Canada. I didn't know Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Gaspe were provinces in Canada!! To see the correct provinces and territories of Canada, go here.
Second, check out the spelling of Ottawa and Gaspe...Ottawa is missing a "t" and Gaspe is missing the accent over the "e." I am not able to type it either on this English keyboard!
I'm not sure where the pillow was made but obviously no one checked the final production!
"For unto us a child is given..."
Another celebration I am taking part in this weekend is my church choir's Christmas program. We have four performances over the weekend..two left, both today, one at 3:30pm and the last one at 6:30pm. We have worked hard all year to put this together and are a bit weary! It is a wonderful program celebrating our Saviour's birth. It always amazes me we never tire of the age-old story!
In the midst of all these festivities, I continue to work for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign...
Here I am at the LCBO. The customers are soooo generous. It is lovely to chat with them and hear stories of how they were helped as children through this very Kettle Campaign. I am thankful for churches like the Salvation Army who reach out to their community in this way!
Here is the view from where I am standing. It was a lovely sunset that night.
What is Christmas without a "Gingersnap Soy Latte!"
Here are the cards we hand out to customers who donate....
The modern day version of the "Christmas Kettle..."
I have always wanted to take voice lessons, so I took the plunge in September and signed up! I have an incredibly talented and gifted teacher, Gayla. Her patience and confidence in me has motivated me to continue and I just might take my first voice exam in the spring! We had our Christmas recital yesterday. My, how memories flooded back to me of my childhood when I took piano lessons and participated in many recitals!I had a good laugh at my first ever voice recital. I was the oldest participant! My competition was 5 year old piano and voice prodigies!!! My parents were even in attendance supporting me, just like the 5 year olds!! I was chuckling inside as I sat in the audience waiting for my time in the spotlight! Imagine the scene with me! Here are some visuals to help you...
Four year old Davis....
Six year old Sarah....Five year old Daniel ( who chatted with us prior to the recital...he was a cutie who took a liking to my parents and I!!)...Forty-one year old Karyne singing "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)...Believe it or not, I was actually very nervous. I am naturally an alto, however, Gayla is trying to expand my range, thus the song she chose for me was VERY high! I made it through, with Gayla's amazing accompaniment! We were instructed to bow or curtsy after our performance, so here my mom tried to get a pic of me curtsying!My voice teacher, Gayla, and I...My supportive parents with Gayla and I!I am grateful my parents love me and care enough about me to attend my voice recital! It was a fun afternoon.
Christmas is a time for giving and a time for receiving. I love the generosity brought out in people during this time of year. I wanted to share these pics of a pillow my friend "Maryne" bought me a while ago. She knows I collect Centennial paraphernalia. I was born in 1967, which happened to be Canada's 100th birthday: "Centennial Year." The actual day Canada became a nation was July 1, 1867. In honour of being a Centennial baby, I was given a silver spoon, silver cup, and a special certificate from our Mayor. Over the years, I have collected other Centennial objects. I think my favourite is this pillow. Why? Can you see the mistakes on the velvet pillow? No? Let me share...First, I believe each triangle in the Centennial emblem is suppose to represent a province in Canada. I didn't know Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Gaspe were provinces in Canada!! To see the correct provinces and territories of Canada, go here.
Second, check out the spelling of Ottawa and Gaspe...Ottawa is missing a "t" and Gaspe is missing the accent over the "e." I am not able to type it either on this English keyboard!
I'm not sure where the pillow was made but obviously no one checked the final production!
"For unto us a child is given..."
Another celebration I am taking part in this weekend is my church choir's Christmas program. We have four performances over the weekend..two left, both today, one at 3:30pm and the last one at 6:30pm. We have worked hard all year to put this together and are a bit weary! It is a wonderful program celebrating our Saviour's birth. It always amazes me we never tire of the age-old story!
In the midst of all these festivities, I continue to work for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign...Here I am at the LCBO. The customers are soooo generous. It is lovely to chat with them and hear stories of how they were helped as children through this very Kettle Campaign. I am thankful for churches like the Salvation Army who reach out to their community in this way!Here is the view from where I am standing. It was a lovely sunset that night.
What is Christmas without a "Gingersnap Soy Latte!"
Here are the cards we hand out to customers who donate....
The modern day version of the "Christmas Kettle..."
Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and happy new year!
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