Lost in Translation

I KNEW my year of learning high school German when I was in grade 10 was NOT a waste of my educational experience! I KNEW one day my proficiency in languages, or lack thereof quite honestly, would come in handy - even if it is 28 years later! (Oh my goodness. It can't be that long ago. Yikes!)

I agreed to house/dog/cat sit for my German friends over the holidays as they were trekking back to their motherland for Christmas. Prior to their trip, I enjoyed a lovely meal with the family to go over all the details I needed to know while they were away. These friends speak German at home to their children. So, I decided to try to have a conversation with their 4 year old son. It went something like this:

Me: " Mon -TOG, you travel to Deutschland?"
Son is staring blankly at me but grabs my hand and takes me into their kitchen to look at this:


A homemade advent calendar of sorts to track when they left for Germany.

I thought I would give it a go again...

Me: " So you leave Mon - TOG?"
Son: still staring blankly at me.
Me: "You know, Mon - TOG, Frees - TOG, etc.?"

I wish I had seen this calendar behind their door at this point in the conversation:


Me: "Mon - TOG you fly in a plane?"
Son, with a smile on his face indicating to me he understood my German, says in perfect English: "I have a dog!"

Lost in Translation! I better stick to speaking my native tongue!

I experienced a different kind of "lost in translation" adventure before Christmas with one of my grade 8 students. Our school was invited by our local Starbucks to come serenade the customers with Christmas carols. In addition, the customers had an opportunity to donate books to our school library. So we selected a small group of band and choir members to participate.

I drove my choir members to Starbucks on that snowy, wintry morning in my "Seniors" car, a 1999 custom Buick Century! I've always been a little embarrassed with my car but it is reliable and a comfortable ride. This car has an extra seat in the front so I can safely transport 5 people plus me! The students were quiet during our drive over and performed beautifully for the Starbucks crowd. The employees treated us to hot chocolate and treats after our performance, which was a lovely touch. A great time was had by all and we were pleased with all the books the customers donated for our library.



At the end of the week, one of the grade 8 choir members came up to me during morning recess and said,

"Miss W., I told my dad how AWESOME your car was to drive in. I told him you even have a COUCH in the back and front seats. But he said to me your car is really old. But I told him it was awesome anyways because I love the COUCHES!"

COUCH?! I laughed so hard after this student left! How adorable is that? Does this look like a couch to you...



...possibly! The world of teenagers, at times, is like being "lost in translation!"

My December Happenings...

...FROM an 80's party, visit with best friends, walking in the 'hood, seeing famous celebrities at a taping of the "Battle of the Blades" tv show ( hockey players; Theo Fleury, Val Bure, etc., figure skaters; Jamie Sale, Katarina Gordeava, Shae Lynn Bourne, Kurt Browning, etc.' Ron McClean host), sleeping in my favourite plaid flannel sheets, singing jingles in our church's Christmas production set in the 1940's (I tried to put my hair in pincurls like they did in the '40's but it was a disaster!) , dog/cat/house sitting, walking the dog in the old Cullen Gardens and Minature village which is now overgrown but turned into a lovely park with some of the old pathways and buildings, taking some of my students Christmas carolling at the local Starbucks, Christmas shopping, eating yummy Christmas treats, TO spending time with family celebrating our Saviour's birth. I love December. Now on to embracing the rest of the winter! (click on photo collage to enlarge the pics)

Happy New Year Ramblings

Genuine, pure, warm hospitality- a rare gift so aptly modelled by my parents...

(Dec.25, 2009, Whitby, ON)

...inviting newcomers to Canada ( who happen to be friends of mine but strangers to my folks) over to enjoy Christmas dinner with our family. We spared no expense with immersing them into our favourite Canadian ( via our British ancestors) traditions of Christmas Crackers ( see photo above), Plum Pudding with my delicious secret sauce, salt fish (well this is a Newfie tradition), Christmas cake and crokinole (I don't know if they play this game in the UK or not)! A wonderful time was had by all!

Refuge

shelter or protection from danger or trouble, to take refuge from a storm.
a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
retreat, sanctuary, haven.

(Shave and I on Dec. 28, 2009, Kingston, ON.
Yes, I am drinking my first beer ever, well it is actually Strongbow Cider! I LOVED it!)

How can I ever express my inmost gratitude for the time spent with my precious friend over the holidays? She created a refuge for my soul. A shelter, a sanctuary, a haven, an auspicious occasion, a refuge.

refuge
safe
understood
loved unconditionally
healing deep wounds
release without judgement
grace
tears
laughter
prayer
compassion
forgiveness
kindred spirits
defenders of friendship
silence
family
strength
fearless
blessed
refuge like our Father

How can I ever express my inmost gratitude to my Father for allowing our paths to cross when we were but innocent teenagers? It is a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime friendship that has endured the test of time? I am blessed. Thank you my sweet Shave! Thank you my sweet Father! Both of you are a refuge like no other!

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2Cor. 5:17)

(Dressed and ready to ring in the new year with my friends at The H.'s house on Dec. 31, 2009, Oshawa, ON)

I started a new tradition, well new to me, for New Year's Eve. I was visiting my sweet Brasilian friend over the holidays and she told me in Brasil everyone wears white on New Year's Eve. It symbolizes starting anew. Wiping the slate clean so to speak. Jesus wiped our slate clean- "washed our sins white as snow."

"We tend to rehash the past and rehearse the future. You can fret as much as you want, and it's not going to change anything. Why not get through with grace and ease?"
Julianna Margulies, actress

Also, white is made of seven colors, so the wearing of white can also symbolize bringing "colour," vibrancy, life into the new year. At midnight, you are to make a wish. If your wish involves finding love then you wear a touch of red :)

My prayer for 2010 (from Hal Helms, Echoes of Eternity, Volume 2):

"What do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in His presence in holy reverence, follow the road He sets out for you, love Him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today-live a good life."
(Deut. 10:12-13, The Message)

"Continue on in the path, My son and My daughter. It is a good path, and leads onward toward our mutual goal. Calm your fears, child. I am here and will be here always and all the way. Deo Gratias "

my christmas wish - for my brother - come home, come home

come home, come home
please forgive
please let grace abide
no room for bitterness
no room for stubbornness
no room for anger
no room
unconditional love awaits
it never left
even though hearts broke
into a million little pieces
please try to understand
the illness
no one's fault
let the One mend our pain
let the One mend our anger
let the One mend our stubbornness
give the One our past
give the One our bitterness
let it fly far, far away
into the abyss
unconditional love awaits
arms are wide open
let the One heal our family bond
before there are deep regrets
before it's too late
life is precious
it is a gift
a gift to our future generations
please come home
come home
that is my Christmas wish

***Epilogue: I love how the writing process works. This post began very differently. I was to write about my observations at a recent cousin's funeral, where their family was shattered because of unforgiveness. I was deeply moved. I am the peacemaker in my family so, I decided to write to my brother via this blog regarding some of our familial dysfunction. It was somewhat accusatory. However, a still small voice within kept saying these words to me, "come home, come home." So here is how that still small voice directed me! I have no idea if my brother even reads my blog but somewhere out there I hope he is listening with openness. I chose this pic to go along with this post because my dear sweet "S" is the essence of "home" here on earth where unconditional love, forgiveness and grace abide. Peace. May God's peace abide in our lives forever.***

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...

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!"

'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..."

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and happy new year!