Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.  May the gifts you exchange today include peace, love, joy and laughter.

God Bless.

-Laura

Toronto Christmas Market

As many of you know by now, I absolutely adore the Christmas season. The lights, the sounds, the smells, the movies .. haha! So, where better for me to be this time of the year than the Toronto Christmas Market?

This is the fifth year for the Market, and I have wanted to attend each year. Of course the first two years I lived too far away to easily attend, and the past two years, my leg just was not up to the journey. And to be quite honest, since my knee replacement was only three short months ago - I was unsure if I would be able to attend this year. BUT I was sure going to give it my best shot!

This weekend my sister and I went to the Market and I loved every moment of it!

The Market is held in the historic Distillery District of Toronto, and one of the things that I did not consider was the cobblestone streets. Now, two years ago, Bentley (My dog) and I would go for walks down to the Distillery, and walking around the neighborhood upon the cobblestones was not an issue. It should be noted that these walks occurred in the daylight - soo there's that.

Cut to this past Saturday night. It is dark, I am unsteady on my feet, there is a sea of about 5000 people - pushing to get to where they want to be. Let me just say that it was terrifying at times. Luckily my sister was with me, and the poor girl was probably more afraid of my falling than I was! lol  She was so sweet and linked arms with me, pointing out where NOT to put my feet. So in the end, we made it through the evening. At least for about an hour and a half before my legs got tired. But that was enough time for me to soak in the atmosphere.

The lights, the vendor booths, the smells of all of the delicious treats, the Christmas music. Just the festive - jovial energy of everyone there. It was truly a wonderful experience.

I just want to share a couple of the photos I took that evening with you. I hope you can see how festive the Market is and that if you are in the area before December 21st, you will gather your family and head on down to the Market.

Once you arrive, you will see the beautiful towering Christmas tree, which I believe stands at 85 feet! The kiddies can ride the Ferris Wheel, or the Carousel, visit Santa Clause, walk through a life-size Gingerbread House, sing Christmas Carols with Carolers dressed in period costume. Enjoy lots of delicious treats. Truly, it is like walking around in a Christmas Snow globe!

 

Remembrance Day - Freedom Is Not Free

Often times it is easy to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy. We wake up in the morning, have a cup of coffee and prepare for our day. We hop in our car, or take the bus – to work or to school, wherever the day may take us. Without giving a second thought as to the luxury we enjoy by being able to do the simplest of things – without considering how complex freedom really is.

We come home in the evening, we spend time with our family, and we mindlessly enjoy a meal or a movie on the TV. We climb into our comfy bed and pull the blankets over ourselves and close our eyes without worry or fear of our ease of life being taken away.

We don’t give a thought to the possibility of our freedoms being extinguished. We forget about the struggles, which our ancestors fought. We often fail to remember the soldiers who dedicate their lives overseas and at home, to ensure that the light of our daily lives is not tampered by darkness.

We neglect the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. We take it for granted like a foregone conclusion. The past gets shamefully lost in the hustle and bustle of the now. But we must remember that nothing is free in life. Your morning coffee, the car you drive to work in, the bed up curl up in at night.  Everything has a cost.  Brave men and women paid that bill. For you – for me – and for our children.  And so today we STOP – and we give THANKS – to those who paid that price. And we REMEMBER that Freedom is not Free.


Happy Remembrance Day.  Happy Veteran's Day.

God Bless.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Well, it is that time of year again. The time of year when we focus on that which we should be thankful for. Funny isn't it? We know that we should be thankful all year round. We should focus each day upon our blessings, our loved ones, our health, our life. But in the rat-race we call life, we often forget to stop - and zone in on the good things in our life. Perhaps we know in the back of our mind that there is a day specifically intended for gratitude. Just as our Birthday comes once a year, and we choose that day to celebrate ourselves - when in actuality, we should celebrate ourselves every single day. We use Thanksgiving Day as the day to celebrate our blessings. To acknowledge that we are blessed.

The very fact that I am alive is a reason for me to be thankful. The fact that my eyes were met with brilliant blue skies and sunshine this morning, is a reason to be thankful. And that is exactly why when I open my eyes, before I even get out of bed each morning - I give thanks. And when I go to bed each night, I give thanks once again. For the day, for the lessons, for the challenges, for the strength to meet those challenges.

But as much as I try to be thankful - show gratitude for my blessings on a daily basis. I am not perfect. I forget. I neglect. Alas, I am a work in progress. So, with tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I, too, want to focus in on the gifts in my life. And I want to STOP - and acknowledge the blessings in my life.

Clearly, this year has been an eventful one.. Aren't they all?  (lol)  For me, 2014 will be a year of rebirth. I quit smoking this year, in fact it has now been over 7 months since I switched to ecigs!! 5 weeks ago I also had my Total Knee Replacement surgery. Which I am still recovering from.  And with each passing day, I get stronger. With each step I take, I am closer to reclaiming my life. A life that was lost these past two years, due to my inability to walk. This journey in and of itself has been a gift. Forcing me to slow down and focus on the mini accomplishments, which, when collected, amount to huge accomplishments.

I am now off of the wheelchair fully. This week I should be off of the walker, fully transitioned to the cane.  My dog should be coming home at the end of this month. My daughter and I have gotten much closer over these past weeks. My sister and I have rebuilt a relationship, a friendship, a sistership, over these past two years.

I have felt the love of my friends. A spotlight has been cast down to illuminate the goodness of the people in my life. All of the messages, phone calls, prayers, support and encouragement has carried me through some of the toughest times of my life. I am delighted to say that the vast majority of people in my life have risen to meet the call. And I am thankful, grateful, for each and every one of them.

What I have learned - or relearned .... is that it is the hard times in life that shape us. It is interesting how we tend to focus on the good times, the happy occasions, which we refer to as blessings. But it isn't the sunshine that challenges us. It isn't the happy occasions that shape our character. It is the storms in life that ultimately define us. It is the darkness that allows us to truly see what is around us. To truly see who is around us. To discover what we are made of. And it is then that we get to decide if we like who we have become. And if that answer is "No", then we have a opportunity to change what we don't like. And it is the opportunity that is the blessing.

So, I want to give thanks for the opportunities. For the darkness. For the challenges. For the illumination of my soul. For all who surround me with love and light.

Tomorrow I will be preparing my annual turkey dinner, which in and of itself is a miracle - given that I am still in recovery from surgery! I will welcome my family into my home and share in this beautiful day, in the blessings, in the delicious food. In each other.

Whether you are celebrating today, or tomorrow.....

I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!!


Love and Light ..

-Laura

Mother's Day - 2014

I realize that this is a bit over-due. Well, a lot over-due actually. But I am just sitting here, reading, and my mind drifted off to my beautiful daughter and the time we spent together last weekend. Mother's Day.

As the years pass and each of us get older, I grow evermore conscious of how precious the moments shared with my beautiful daughter are. And oh how I treasure them.

Have the years always been smooth? No. Have there been bumps along the way. Oh yeah! One of the most tumultuous relationships that exist is that of a mother and daughter. And ours was certainly no exception to that rule! With that said, I am also mindful of all of the good times we've shared along the way. And all of the hurdles we have jumped over together. Hand-in-hand, mother and daughter against the world!

It brings a smile to my face as I watch the love of my life get older, growing into a beautiful young woman, talented, intelligent, gifted, sensitive, spiritual, loving, thoughtful ... well, you get the picture. :)

It is interesting, as we get older, we  hear our mother shine through us. I cannot tell you how many times I've opened my mouth and out popped my mother. I observe the same in my daughter. I see myself in her, as I see my mother and father in myself.

How blessed I am to have been given such a gift of nurturing the life of one of God's angels here on earth.

I love you my twinkle-twinkle-little-star.

With a smile on my heart, my mind recounts the time we spent together. Dinner, a movie, beautiful flowers, and most importantly - the memories. Locked away forever.

Happy Mother's Day from a very Happy Mommy!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Wishing you and yours a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Remember that everybody is Irish today!!  ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

February 14th - Valentine's Day, a day, which can be very polarizing. We either look forward to it -or we dread it. If we are in a relationship and in love, it is the day that we plan to spend with our sweetheart. A day we celebrate our love for that someone special. But if we are single, this day can make you feel even more alone. Love is all around - except with you.

The same can be said for New Year's Eve. When you are alone - single, and have nobody to kiss at midnight, it can be depressing. Can't it?

It's funny how a day can instantly diminish how we feel about ourselves. February 13th we feel great. February 15th we feel relieved that we survived another dreaded 14th!  But on THAT day, we almost feel invisible.

We can feel like this day was just not made for us. And you cannot seem to escape it. Restaurant specials are made for two. Every movie on the TV is about love. Ballads playing on the radio all day long. And everywhere you look there seems to be couples in love. Love indeed is in the air. And you have no choice but to breathe it in!

Well, as someone who has been single for some time now, I certainly can relate to the feelings around this holiday. But I have chosen to LOVE on this day anyway. Love my friends, love my family, and love myself.

So if you have someone special to share this day with. Fantastic!

If you are flying solo on this holiday - treat yourself! Buy yourself a rose. Get your nails or hair done. Treat yourself to a day at the spa! If you happen to be male, perhaps you can hang out with your buddies and shoot some pool. Take in a sporting event. Or - get your nails done. Yes, women loved a well-groomed man! ;-)

With that in mind, let me wish you a Very Happy Valentine's Day!!

-Laura

Happy Chinese New Year - Year Of The Horse - Kung Hei Fat Choi!!!

In the Chinese calendar, 2014 is the Year Of The Horse. Are You a Horse? If you were born in any of the following years - then yes, you are a Horse - Of Course, Of Course.

1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

So, what does the Year Of The Horse mean?

source: www.travelchinaguide.com

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos – making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. Ancient people liked to designate an able person as 'Qianli Ma', a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters).

Strengths

People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and refuse to be reconciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefinitely.

Weaknesses

They cannot bear too much constraint. However their interest may be only superficial and lacking real substance. They are usually impatient and hot blooded about everything other than their daily work. They are independent and rarely listen to advice. Failure may result in pessimism. They usually have strong endurance but with bad temper. Flamboyant by nature, they are wasteful since they are not good with matters of finance due to a lack of budgetary efficiency. Some of those who are born in the horse like to move in glamorous circles while pursuing high profile careers.  They tend to interfere in many things and frequently fail to finish projects of their own.

China Zodiac Animal - HorseHoroscope and Numerology Elements

Earthly Branch of Birth Year: wu
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): huo (fire)
Yin Yang: yang

Auspicious Directions: northeast, southwest and northwest
Lucky Colors: brown, yellow, purple; Avoid: blue, white, golden
Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7; Avoid 1, 6, 5
Lucky Flowers: calla lily, jasmine, marigold
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: tiger, sheep, dog; Avoid: rat, ox, rabbit

Celebrities Born in the Year of the Horse

Louisa May Alcott, Chopin, Davy Crockett, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Sandra Day O'Connor, Rembrandt, Teddy Roosevelt, Sir Isaac Newton, Barbara Streisand, Cindy Crawford, Cynthia Nixon, Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Jason Biggs, Jackie Chan, Jerry Seinfeld, John Travolta, Leonard Bernstein, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Rembrandt, Ashton Kutcher, Emma Watson, Josh Hartnett, Katie Holmes, Kristen Stewart, Kobe Bryant, Genghis Khan, Emperor Kangxi and Yongzheng of China’s Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)

Fortune Foretelling in 2014

Overview: It is their order to encounter the Year of Birth (Benming Nian), a year to offend “Taisui’, the god in charge of people’s fortune. In 2014, their fortune in all aspects will be fluctuant which requires their great cares. They may stress out, in which case they are suggested to self-adjust by talking more to others or taking part in group activities. Upon any difficulties, they should be strong to overcome them all. If they treat people around friendly and behave righteously, they will smoothly get through the year.

Career: Horse people are easily offended this year even for trifles, and seem not to keep a harmonious relationship with colleagues. Sometimes they doubt themselves too much, gradually short of confidence. When finishing a task, they ask people around to confirm again and again. In this case, it is suggested to be confident and talk more to family instead of complaining to colleagues. Just keep a low profile, get along well with boss and be careful of tricks by mean people and then they will make some achievements in job.

Wealth: Their financial fortune will be unstable in 2014. It seems that there will be much unexpected cost. Thus to make ends meet comes first When managing money matters, they should consider accepting others’ suggestion. It is necessary to be careful to make any investment. Businesspeople should make a full scheme before making a large amount of investment, because the market will be changeable in the year.

Relationships: The fortune in love life for horse people will be just so-so. If they would like to get married in the year, it is strongly suggested to select an auspicious date according to the dates of birth of the bride and the bridegroom, or they will suffer a lot in marriage. Singles may meet several people that they have feelings for, but none of them are doomed to be their Mr./Ms. Right. If standing in dilemma, they’d better refer to the idea or suggestion of their relatives and friends. Husband and wife will argue a lot in the year, to avoid which communication and mutual understanding weighs. For all lovers, mutual trust is the secret for an everlasting relationship.

Health: As they offend “Taisui” this year, they may suffer some discomforts. Some insidious diseases like dermatosis may happen. To avoid that, they’d better have a full physical examination. Besides, they also need to be careful to avoid unexpected injuries by knives and others sharp items. Females should pay attention to problem in urinary system and males need to care more about their stomach. Adjusting their emotions and traveling outside will help with their health as well. They also need to remember not to eat too much for each meal.

Whether you are a Horse or not - I pray that this will be a great year for us all! 

Happy Chinese New Year!! - Kung Hei Fat Choi!!

Happy Martin Luther King Day

Although Martin Luther King Day is officially celebrated in the United States, I believe that it should be recognized world-wide! And that every man, woman and child should be aware of that powerful and important historic speech given in Washington on August 28th, 1963.

If you have not yet taken the time to listen to the words of the 'I have a dream' speech, please take a few minutes to listen to it now.

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Happy Orthodox New Year!

I want to take this moment to wish my Orthodox friends a Very Happy and Blessed New Year!!

Love and Light,
-Laura

Merry Orthodox Christmas!

To my Orthodox friends, I want to wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas. May your day be blessed as you gather with those you love to celebrate this day.

-Laura

Happy New Year!! 2014

If you have been reading this blog for awhile then you know I have given up the dreaded New Year resolutions some time ago. Can we be real for a moment? How many resolutions are actually kept? If you make 5 resolutions - chances are you may succeed to keep one of them for about a month.

What I have discovered a few years back is that it is best - for me - to focus on one thing. Not a laundry list of pipe dreams. But one word. Something meaningful.  I have done HEALTH - all encompassing - spiritual, physical, medical, emotional.  I chose this word for a couple consecutive years. Last year I chose FORGIVENESS. Forgiving myself for wrong doings - for ill choices and forgiveness of others who have done things to me.

I have had some difficulty selecting the word for 2014. I have gone through many words and tossed them out just as quickly - simply because they just did not feel right.  Finally I decided that my word for 2014 will be LOVE.

Love is an all encompassing word. To love is to respect, to understand, to appreciate, to sympathize, to forgive, to trust, to do so unconditionally.

I will endeavour to love myself - and the people around me. Wholly.

I know it sounds easy. Right? But think about it. Vanity aside - it can be very difficult to love one self. To fully accept yourself without qualifying it. "I love me, BUT" Oh that dreaded BUT.

So over this next year I will LOVE. Period.

I invite you to toss away the trap of the dreaded New Year resolutions and select one word to commit to over the next year.

And in the spirit of LOVE - I want to take this moment to wish you, my dear friends, a Very Happy and Blessed 2014. I pray that all of your dreams come true and that this is the best year of your life - thus far!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

LOVE,
Laura

2014 Prediction

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well 2014 is upon us, and it will be a good year indeed. For those of you who seek a balanced lifestyle, with family, work, and play, you will find 2014 a year to remember. It is considered a spiritual year. Why? Well because the numbers of the year add up to 7 eg: 2014- 2+0+1+4=7 and seven is a special number indeed.
Seven represents mysticism and the unknown. This year number 7 will affect people with an instinct to try and understand the things in their life, the people they share time with, and the reason things keep happening to them.

Most people will want to look from within and transform the way they feel about their life. They will automatically gravitate to things of a spiritual manner and may even become more in tune with their own spirituality.

Health will be of concern for many people during 2014, and instead of talking about fighting cancer they will be talking about curing cancer. More and more people will be altering their diets and eating habits to live a more organically sound lifestyle.

One thing to watch out for in 2014 is your attitude. Have a good one. Do not lose your temper easily. Hold your tongue in your mouth behind your teeth, instead of letting it fly out to say things that you cannot take back.

Overall, during 2014, if you increase your spirituality, watch your health, and keep your attitude in check, then you will feel great, look great and know you’re great!

Happy New Year family and friends, be blessed.

-Cerise.

Merry Christmas!

As I continue to prepare a feast for my family, I wanted to make time to reach out to all of my family, friends and readers whether you have been with me for years or joining me for the first time. I hope that you are spending this precious day surrounded by those who you love. Keeping those who cannot be with you close to your heart. Remembering that the icing on the cake is just sugar in disguise. It is the decoration. Fluff. But the true substance of the cake is what is beneath the sugary covering.  Underneath the decorations and the presents beneath the tree, let us remember what this day is really all about; the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  And the immense and ever lasting love he has for you and I.

We must keep him in our thoughts and in our hearts, giving thanks that we are here on this day. That we are able to be with our loved ones today. That we are able to share in the spirit of this sacred time of the year.

And we must also remember to keep in our mind all of those who are not able to be with loved ones on this day. Those who are hurting, hungry, ill, grieving, sad, alone. Those who remain without power following the terrible ice storm. And all of the workers who travel from other places to lend a hand, leaving their family and own Christmas celebrations behind. Lift them in your thoughts and prayers on this day. Send them your love in energy that they may not be completely alone. And if you are able - reach out to someone who is alone on this day. Share your bounty with those who are less fortunate than yourself.

For if you are able to gather with loved ones and take part in a feast on this day - you are indeed blessed.

Don't keep the love all to yourself.

With that said, and as I return to my kitchen,
allow me to wish you and yours a
Blessed Merry Christmas.

-Laura

Arrive Alive - Don't Drink And Drive!

Let’s be honest, nothing ruins the holidays like a funeral.  As you visit with family and friends or attend parties during this holiday season, please remember to plan ahead for your ride home.  Call a Friend. Call a Taxi. Have a Designated Driver. Stay Overnight. Rent a Hotel Room. Whatever you do – NEVER EVER get behind the wheel when you have been drinking! Nor should you accept a ride from a friend who has been drinking!!  Please be SAFE and Arrive ALIVE!!


-Laura

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just want to take a moment to wish my American friends and readers an Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Day!  May it be filled with love, laughter and good food, and may you be surrounded by those closest to your heart.

-Laura

Happy Hanukkah

This evening marks the beginning of Hanukkah celebrations, which run through to the evening of Thursday December 5th.

So, if you are observing the festival of lights, I want to wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah.

-Laura.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

It's that time of year again.  The winds are picking up, the temps are dropping, snow is just around the corner, and our favorite visitor is polishing up his sleigh for his 2nd biggest day on the calendar!

That's right! Santa Claus is coming to town!!

It is time to start making plans to take the kiddies and the kiddies at heart to the 109th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade! Don't forget the blankets and thermos filled with hot chocolate!

The parade will take place next Sunday (November 17th) and will begin at 12:30pm. Be sure to get there early so that you can get a good spot!!

For those of you new to this family tradition, I am posting a map of the route.  :-)

If you are unable to make it to the parade - fear not! The full parade will air on TV on local stations beginning at 4:30PM.  I remember when my daughter was very young, this was a part of our tradition. We would make a big bowl of popcorn and with the parade on the TV in the background, we would put up our Christmas Tree.  Ahhh the sweet, sweet, memories. ♥

Here is a bit of Parade trivia:  Did you know that in the first parade, Santa's sleigh was pulled by real reindeer, which were brought in from Labrador. The reindeer were cared for by their own personal vet, who was sure to have a full stock of moss for the reindeer to eat!  After the parade, the reindeer retired on a property owned by a member of the Eaton family outside of Toronto.

In Flanders Fields

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month ...

Stop - and remember.

Lest We Forget.

Happy Halloween!

It is October 31st, the day when all of the kiddies will turn into ghosts and goblins, faeries, witches, princesses, and super hero's.  Parents everywhere will be taking their little ones through neighborhoods and visiting door-to-door in the great candy hunt.  

Please remember to be safe!!  Stay in groups, never stray off on your own. Don't zig-zag through the road - and drivers please remember that kids are excited and probably will be darting out into the street - drive with Extreme caution! 

Last but not least, I am reminding parents to always check the candy before letting your little one dive in to the yummy treats!  

Anything that has been opened or appears to be tampered with - toss it.

Anything that looks homemade - toss it.

Anything that appears to have pin holes in it - toss it.

When in doubt - toss it out!!

It really is just not worth the risk!!

I wish you and your kiddies a Happy and Safe Halloween!!!

-Laura