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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Merry Christmas! If that doesn't work, then Happy Holidays!

From my newly renovated home (well, not quite finished) to yours I wish you the very best of this holiday season.

My daughter and I have had a photo with Santa every year since she was a wee tyke and this year was no exception - yes, she’s a sport as it’s me that’s in need of my yearly Santa fix.

So… here we are!



In this photo I want you to see, and feel, the happiness and joy we are sending all of you. 

Be at peace, smile, and know that all you really have is the minute you are living in right now. So, stop fretting and enjoy it - it will be gone in a blink.

Make happy memories - be kind to each other - and above all be kind to yourself.


Merry Christmas!


Jenny

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Enjoying the simple moments...


While visiting a friend’s home I took some photos of her koi pond along with the fairies and garden gnomes placed around her yard.

Here are my three favourite pictures:

No... I'm not doing any of this right now

and only a little of this...

but I am doing lots and lots of this.


Do you have little characters in and around your garden?

Cheers, Jenny

Friday, May 10, 2013

A-Z Reflection Post - head trauma alert, evil twin on the loose - this will get messy!


Let me start by saying this is going to be brutal…

Ever since I was attacked by mother’s walker I’m sensing some evil twin has been awoken by my head trauma and it’s been very hard to reign “it” in. (haven’t yet decided if “it” is a masculine or feminine evil twin)

So…

Here are my thoughts on this year’s A-Z Challenge.

I enjoyed it… a lot. 

Per my exit song, by Frank Sinatra, (the one that’ll be playing at the funeral of my evil twin… soon), “I did it my way”! I like to wing it and that’s exactly what I did.

A few facts:

I wrote each post the day before it was due.

J and U were reposts with a little extra at the beginning of each to make it “now” worthy. (mother issues took precedence) 

Y and Z were reposts due to my head injury. I couldn’t bear the thought of pulling the plug on posting so late in the game. I hope it was understandable. 

I visited a few blogs around my number on the list but after day four I stopped. 
(you know… that time thing…)

I visited everyone who commented on my posts; where possible I commented in return. 

A highlight was the bantering with Al, Bushman and Ruth (my posse) they made this challenge fun. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

I met some great new blogging friends - thanks to all of you too!

That’s it in a nutshell.

Right here… 
at this spot…
you can head to the bottom of this post if you don’t want the “brutal” stuff… 
or if you’re a skimmer.

What follows is me… being frank. (that evil twin just might be male; jury’s still out) 

I liked this year’s A-Z Challenge because I did not care about “the rules” - meaning I did not visit the suggested number of blogs, nor did I have everything prepared months in advance. 

In fact, all I did was write and post.

Yes, I read my comments, replied to my comments, visit all those that commented and when possible (as often as time permitted) commented on their blogs too. I doubly enjoyed the bantering back and forth within the comment area; that really made this “fun” for me. 

I struggle with this being called a “challenge” when everyone is heavily encouraged (which ends up being discouraging) to have posts ready in advance.

I do expect people to be thinking up ideas, even jotting a theme down and so on… yes, I can see how that is an important part of getting “ready” for this A-Z Challenge. 

Last year, as a co-host, I felt the pressure to be “ready” and have all my posts “done” so that I could fulfill my co-host obligations - which I thoroughly get - after all co-hosting is a whole different kettle of fish. (to which a solid high five goes out to those that co-hosted this year and to their assistants)

So I ask, “Why does it all have to be done in advance?”

When I have company for dinner, there are definitely things I do in advance, but the actual cooking, serving and entertaining is done in the “now” - that’s what makes it so random… even though I know what I’m serving I don’t really know what the evening will bring until guests arrive and dinner is started.

I would love to see this as the base for using the word “challenge” in “Blogging from A-Z Challenge”.

The “challenge” should be to see if one can produce twenty-six posts in April with the minimum of preparation; rising to this “challenge” by thinking on one's toes - writing from the untapped reservoir of ideas that sits in the recesses of our minds and to do so daily. 

Yes, use a theme. Yes, have ideas. Yes, do some prep. But if you don’t do any of that - do not sweat it… just have fun with it. It’s supposed to be a “challenge” after all! (talk about letting the ‘evil’ loose)

And… from what I read as I went “visiting”, toward the midway point, was that there was a doom and gloom air permeating the posts. This “I’m burned out” or “I’m losing interest” bit - where is that coming from? 

Is it because there’s too much pressure on bloggers to be prepared that when they’re not they start freaking out? (sort of like my gender-neutral evil sidekick is doing right about now)

It’s not easy to wing it - but in winging it there is a freedom and I really saw that in the posts of Bushman and Ruth - both last minute signups, like me. I loved the feeling of freedom and spontaneity in their posts. I hope they (and you) found the same in mine. 

Well, there you have it… this is what the word “challenge” means to me. (according to the evil twin of undisclosed gender)

Yup - that’s just how it is.

Oh… we’re not yet at the “brutal” bit… keep reading.

Okay…

Do you want me to tell you how I really “feel” about the whole “follow me and I’ll follow you” schtick.

I saw you nod your head in anticipation… (or was that in fear of my alter-ego, evil Jennsie)

I do not follow blogs that do not turn my crank. Full stop! 

If I follow you it’s because I like the energy I get from visiting and reading (or visually enjoying) your blog. It’s that simple - no strings attached.

I follow lots of blogs that do not follow me; I don’t stress about it, nor should you.

If you follow me - thank you; I hope it’s because you actually like what you see and read here at Pearson Report. (and not because you know I’ll hunt you down if you even think of leaving me)

I do not obsess over followers - I am, however, a huge fan of commenters, now those are the true “rockers” of this blogging gig! They make it all worthwhile.

As a blogger I don’t always have time to leave a comment these days so I fully understand the “no comment” deal - sometimes all I have time for is a quick read and then I move on; I expect this to happen at my blog too. No biggie.

If you peruse and just look that’s cool. No pressures - the planet will still turn and I will still smile. (it takes an awful lot to wipe the smile off my face)

Also, when I comment on your blogs - I invest a little of me in every comment I put out there. No fluffy “great post” quickies from me - I actually read your posts and when I comment I hope you can “feel” a bit of me being left behind. Why? - because you matter to me and I want you to read that in my comment.

Now… what you’ve been waiting for… (evil drum roll)

To end this I have a parting shot I’d like to take right about now.  (or my evil twin would, I have decide “it” is definitely a female as she’s in bitch mode right now)  (hehehe done with that evil cackle that only a Disney character the likes of Maleficent could pull off) 

And here comes the brutal part… (in case you were wondering if I'd forgotten it)

I have this to say to those out there that like to diss this Challenge but have never taken part in it. Don’t. It shows one’s ignorance in understanding what it actually takes to participate.

If you’ve done the A-Z you have the right to “have a say” otherwise you don’t. It’s like voting - if you don’t get out and cast a vote then you forego the right to bitch and complain. 

Really, it’s just that simple. 

Yup, today, I’m a little done with the BS out here whereby those that don’t participate go off on a bender and poop their panties about not “getting it” and “thinking it’s a waste”. 

The real waste in spending a whole post ranting about something you’ve never done. Now that’s so grown up! (not)

I know the hard work, time commitment and energy that participants put into their posts for this Challenge and to say it's anything less then stellar is a cheap shot and hurtful to those who do it. (just saying it like it is)

If you’ve made it this far I hope you see the many faces of Jenny also includes being frank, and today I wear that face without apology. (I could blame it on the head trauma instead let’s just say I am the sum of all my parts… good and evil) 

I like blogging, I like being challenged, I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s A-Z Challenge and regardless of my views I will be doing it again… as always in my own personal style - winging it!

Now, as I often do at the end of my posts I have a question for you.

Here it is…

DO YOU VOTE?

I do. Since turning eighteen I have never missed the chance to cast a vote and be heard. (on Tuesday we have our Provincial Election here in BC)

If your answer is NO it might be better to say nothing and still let me think you’re cool!

And on that note… I am, as always, smiling! (evil or not, you tell me)


Cheers, Jenny

Monday, May 06, 2013

Beauties on the Beach


Sunday, May 5th, was a glorious day - one that should really fall under the heading of Summer’s bliss.

I was down at English Bay Beach on a particular mission (not today's tale) and while there I took in the sights around me. 

I espied a beautiful woman sunning herself up on the rocks.


There was something quite exotic about the tilt of her head, the air of her manner and the way she had wrapped her hair with her scarf that begged a closer look.

Do you ever do that… see something that needs closer inspection and appreciation… and do just that - inspect and appreciate up close; well, I do.

So I did… here is what I saw. Can you see the beauty too… captivating, alluring, enticing and yet tranquil, soothing, uplifting - very Zen like.





I partook in delightful conversation with Jaziz (dare I say, exotic in both appearance and name) and learned she was an Interior Designer, with her own business - to which I believe fate played its hand in this unlikely meeting as I am in need of some expert advice on my colour palate for the upcoming rebuild of my house.


☀   ☀   ☀   ☀   ☀   ☀   ☀   ☀   ☀   ☀


From atop the rocks I had the advantage of catching a rare appearance of some other beauties; two mermaids had swum ashore to sun themselves before heading back out to sea.




As I made my way from English Bay Beach toward Sunset Beach, a stones throw away, I drank in the beauty that Mother Nature laid out before me. 

Here... take a look at the beautiful vistas I enjoyed on route to my car. 

View toward the Planetarium and Vanier Park
Taken from Beach Avenue above Sunset Beach
Wedding Ring Sculpture above Sunset Beach 
Burrard Street Bridge with Sunset Beach in foreground


Thank you for joining me for my Sunday outing even if it is a few days after the fact. It’s always fun when the sun can be enjoyed long after it has set.

I hope the sun is shining on you and yours… including those of you busy in your gardens. 

A while back I mentioned a blogging friend of mine, Bushman - a gardener extraordinaire - I've been dropping in on his blog and am wowed with what he's been up to - if you are at all serious about gardening this man is your go-to guy. 


How is your Spring shaping up… is it the garden or the beach that's calling your name? 


Cheers, Jenny

Footnote: My blog header and background are also of Sunset Beach; taken as I walked passed the Burrard Street Bridge on route to Sunset Beach. (circa 2012)

The photos above were taken as I walked toward Sunset Beach from the opposite direction, heading toward the Burrard Street Bridge.

- - - - - 

And... a little update on my boo-boo -  head's much better; in fact, I think it knocked some sense into me and I'm seeing things a little differently; and that, my dear friends, is a really good thing. 

I see many changes upon the horizon... will keep you in the loop.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

The raising of a May Tree


A while back I was over in Germany and happened to be there for the May 1st celebration of raising a May Tree.

Here are a few photos:


A lot of thinking goes into this event...
as does a lot of drinking...
and more drinking...
more thinking and a little more drinking...
yes, transportation is close by...
because I think this was where the tree ended up!


For those of you in parts of the world that celebrate this May 1st activity I send you my heartiest wishes for a day full of fun and enjoyment. 

I enjoyed myself when I last had the chance to partake... wished I was there again!


What May 1st celebrations do you enjoy?

Have you danced around a Maypole?


Cheers, Jenny

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Z is for Zay it isn’t Zo (head injury in effect - anything goes)

Vell, vhat kann I zay… 
za end is now here und I am zo zad… 
ja, dat is vhat I am…
zo zad.

Okay… head injury aside there is only so much of that that I can handle in one sitting with a bag of ice on my head.
This is my childhood doll, Cheerful Tearful, standing in for me.
I think she's doing a good imitation of Tearful me too!

As I said… I’m sad the end is here. It’s true. 

I’ve had fun with this challenge and I hope you have too - whether as a participant or a spectator.

Those of us in the arena with the beasts know it’s been a tough battle at times - some of those letters were rather difficult and required some ingenuity to work into a post.

I knew this photo from Las Vegas would have a purpose.

Okay… that’s all I got…

But, (remember the Big But bit) I do have this for you… it is a repost, but I told you this would be the case, so it should not come as a surprise.

If you missed this "Z" post in 2011 here’s your chance to catch it now. 

Dare I say... it was without a doubt my most favourite of all my 2011 posts.

Enjoy.




The shadows outside the window moved in a blur; she could make out the countryside yet nothing was clearly defined.

The man sitting next to her was asleep, the steady rhythm of his breath was hypnotic.

She smiled, he was a nice older man en route to his son’s wedding. His wife had passed away several years earlier, he had told her, and he no longer cared for long, lonely car trips. 

Besides, he liked the train. 

They had talked for hours until she could see his eyelids closing, his head had bobbed for a moment and then he was off - presumably to visit his wife in that place one goes to when leaving reality behind; the world of our dreams.

The train stopped, she knew it was time for him to disembark. He smiled and wished her a safe and happy journey.

Through the window, on the platform, she saw a tall, handsome young man embrace him with such devotion and gentleness that she felt her eyes well up. They walked away arm in arm, the younger carrying the luggage. 

Several steps were taken when they stopped - the old man turned and looked up at her window; seeing her he smiled and waved one last time. 

It had been a brief moment, this train ride, but it was now an imbedded memory - she had enjoyed their time together.


THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME ON MY JOURNEY FROM A-Z!

Ich genoss unsere Zeit zusammen.   

Translated:  I enjoyed our time together.   


I wish you a wonderful journey - ever onward, ever forward - always with happy thoughts and joy in your heart.


Did you enjoy our Zeit zusammen (time together)? 


Until... my next journey!


Cheers, Jenny

Monday, April 29, 2013

Y is for YesterYear


Concussion update - not great; head hurts; I’ve been flat on my back enjoying my ceiling when I’m awake - but mostly I'm sleeping. (woke up just long enough for this)

As I said, back on “X”, I would do a repost…

Here is my “Y” post from yesteryear; back in 2011 to be exact. 

Enjoy.

Also - thank you for the wonderful comments and well wishes out here and behind the scenes - much appreciated!  


☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀


Y is for Yackety Yak - redux


YOU, my dear readers and followers, may be surprised to know that, YES, I can add a video to my blog. (back in 2011 I was still getting a handle on this)

YET...You may have wondered if I would spin a Yarn for You about Yesterday's Yearnings.

Not wishing to disappoint...enjoy this little glimpse into Years gone by...my childhood of YesterYear. (back in 2011 this put a smile on my face... it did the same for me today... hope you get a smile out of it too)



Al - do you remember these little characters?


Hard to believe...I have Yackety Yakked my way through Yet another letter without Yielding to stress. Yeah, right? 

Do you have fond memories of your yesteryears?
Cheers, Jenny

Saturday, April 27, 2013

X is for Extra Extra read all about it...



Wednesday I was attacked by mom’s walker.

Looks innocent enough, doesn't it? 


While getting it out of my trunk it opened up and one of the handles smacked me square on the bridge of my nose.

I saw stars without the help of this telescope

Remember this baby - where are the boys when you need them, eh!

I iced my face for forty minutes.

Tough chick that I am… I sucked it up and carried on. 

I felt good enough, the next day, to do a quick sketch of Bushman's chocolate dog, Gunner, when he was a puppy. So cute... here, take a look.


A quick sketch - seems my right brain was doing okay after the attack!


Then came today. (this would be Friday)

I was out in the garden - edging, mowing, raking and sweeping; I noticed my balance and concentration were off kilter for most of my time out there.

Even Thursday evening I noticed my focus (while writing “W”) was all over the map - to the point where I thought… must lay of the sauce. (poor Ginny felt a little rejected by my refusal to top her up)

During my gardening I took a phone call from my accountant and told him I was feeling a bit “out to lunch” - he thought I should go to the local emergency ward.

I did as he suggested - in light of the tragic death of Natasha Richardson - I figured better safe than sorry.

I hopped a bus to the emergency - about 10 min. from my house. (I had driven Thursday but hadn't felt all that smooth behind the wheel, truth be told)

After a bit of a wait this very appealing doctor, with the best chair-side manners, attended me.

Extensive tests were done and it was determined I had a concussion and needed to deal with it.

Dealing with it means not playing on my computer until all hours of the night thereby resting my eyes and my head. 

Therefore - Y and Z will be repeats from 2011 - besides I like them both and you will too. You will, and if not - fake it! I'll need all the love and support I can get after what I've been through. (talk about milking a dry cow)

Thanks for understanding. 

And… the funny thing is trying to type, even yesterday I noticed, the amount of typos were out of this world. I have pretty good typing skills - but right now every word - yes, every word, is spelled wrong. Sucks!! (okay, that one I spelled right) 

Thank goodness for the backspace button… if only I could backspace to before the attack of the walker!


If you’ve had a concussion tell me how you dealt with it? 

Cheers, Jenny

Friday, April 26, 2013

W is for Would Work


No, I did not misspell “would”; it is not “wood work”.

This is all about what “would work” if you found yourself stuck in my head.

If that would work for you then read on, and read between the lines… let’s see if you see what I see.

Also, there are no pictures because this one is all on you and your imagination.

See you at the end.

☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀

She repeated the story for the police.

It made no sense to them; how could she not have seen anything, wasn’t she walking in the direction of the “alleged” screams on her way to the restaurant? 

This was the second time they had asked this question.

A disturbing, high-pitched noise had been heard far over on the other side of the block, yet no one had seen anything… accept for her appearing on the sidewalk.

She had made her way over the rail tracks that bisected the long block and onto the sidewalk which lead to the local eatery when she had been spotted by a passerby. She had even smiled at him.

She told the officers that going for dinner was part of her Thursday evening routine - she even smiled when telling them it was the pasta Alfredo she loved, with extra parmesan. 

Finally, she mentioned she was cat sitting for a friend and really needed to be on her way; with no reason to further detain her one of the officers walked her to her vehicle.

Her car was behind the yellow tape - almost parallel to the three bodies; the officer thanked her and apologized for the inconvenience of keeping her so long. 

Should they have more questions would she mind them calling, he queried.

Again, with a soft and compassionate smile she nodded and said she would be happy to answer any more questions they should have, though she wasn’t sure what more she could add.

He let her drive away without a second thought. 

She drove straight home - there was no cat to sit - she berated herself for her sloppiness; it was time for a new set of knives.

Yes, that would work. 

And with that she smiled.



Well, are you wondering what that was all about?


Cheers, Jenny


Footnote
If you are familiar with the Death Wish series you might take a page out of that to give you the gist of this story.

This woman “takes out” more than food; she removes the rubbish off the streets and does it with charm and a sweet smile. She has yet to be caught!  

Being an expert chef, knives are her weapon of choice and has no problem "packing" her set around. 

I could go on and on... but you get the gist now. 

She enjoys deboning a chicken... and does it regularly - sometimes three at a time!  

Thursday, April 25, 2013

V is for Visiting Vancouver


Vancouver, British Columbia has been rated the third most liveable city in the world, right behind Vienna, Austria (where my parents are from) and Melbourne, Australia. 

If you are visiting Vancouver don’t forget to enjoy the outdoors - we have a variety of beautiful scenic spots which I would like to share with your here.

Everything in blue is a link to more information. Click any photo to enlarge.

Enjoy visiting Vancouver…


Looking at the North Shore mountains from Point Grey,
 on the West Side of Vancouver.

Another view from Point Grey over to West Vancouver and Cypress Mountain.

The Five Sails at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Seaplane docks below Vancouver Convention Centre.

A look at Vancouver from Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver.

Close-up  of Vancouver from Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver.
(Mount Baker, in Washington State, can be seen in the background)

Passing under the Lions Gate Bridge - exiting Vancouver by cruise ship.

Sailing at Jericho Beach
A short walk to the left you'll find The Galley Patio and Grill.

And this is the view from The Galley.

Vancouver and local mountains from Seasons In the Park Restaurant,
atop Queen Elizabeth Park.

Main Quarry Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park.

Kayaking in False Creek - Burrard Street Bridge in background.

View of the West End of Vancouver from Vanier Park.
(The link above will take you to a video I shot from Vanier Park - enjoy)

Sunset at Vanier Park, off leash dog beach.

Grouse Mountain, taken from Mountain View Cemetery.

The Lions, taken from Mountain View Cemetery.


I regularly go on walkabouts throughout this world-class city and these photos are just a taste of the beauty and splendour I take in as I play tourist in my own backyard; thank you for joining me today.

I hope you enjoyed visiting Vancouver. 


Do you play tourist in your city and enjoy all it has to offer?


Cheers, Jenny