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Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Welcome Winter!
Winter Solstice begins today at 12:11PM EST. Christmas, The Dawn of a New Year, Building a Snowman, Who doesn't like Winter?
Well, okay,,, I am not a fan of trudging through the snow and slush, and I hate ice. But I do appreciate the beauty of the season!!
So, please join me in saying a big WELCOME WINTER!!!!
Labels:
Seasons,
What's In A Year?
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Welcome Autumn!
Here we are. The first day of Autumn. Well, technically the first half day, as Autumn officially arrives at 4:44PM EST. So in a nutshell - we woke up in Summer and will Fall into bed tonight.
Climatologists promise this season will be especially beautiful. The trees have apparently really loved this sunny and wet summer and are expected to reward us with a full bouquet of beautiful colors.
Can't wait!
Here are a couple of shots I took while walking with Bentley this afternoon. Just to get things rolling!
I hope you are enjoying the start of this colorful season!
On another note.... three weeks until Thanksgiving here in Canada!
In the meantime..... Welcome Autumn!!!
Labels:
Seasons,
What's In A Year?
Thursday, August 15, 2013
135th Annual CNE!
It's that time of year once again! The CNE opens it's doors tomorrow morning and welcomes millions of visitors to the 135th year of attractions at the grand park. Anyone who grew up in the Greater Toronto Area has grown up attending the CNE every year as a child and has many, many wonderful memories of family fun time!
Last year I had attended the CNE with my Godson - for me it was the first time in many years since I had last been, and we had an amazing time!
With new attractions each year, I am going to include some info for those interested in attending this summer tradition!
---
The CNE is held at Exhibition Place, which is a 192-acre site located along Toronto’s waterfront on the shores of Lake Ontario and just west of downtown Toronto. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit provide easy transportation to the CNE with stops at Exhibition Place.
The site features several buildings—many of which have been named significant under the Ontario Heritage Act—roads named after the Canadian provinces and territories, parks, fountains, plazas, a rose garden, statues and parking lots. The fair itself consists of a variety of pavilions, exhibits, shows, concerts, a working farm, horse show, casino, and a large carnival midway with rides, games and food. What used to be an exhibition just for agriculture and technology has now turned into an event for families and people of all ages to enjoy.
Entertainment, thrills, and the wide variety of international foods are just some of the attractions that the CNE has to offer. To many people in the Greater Toronto Area and the surroundings communities, the CNE is an annual family tradition.
Now in its 135th season, the 2013 CNE runs from Friday, August 16 until Labour Day on Monday, September 2. 2013 CNE highlights include:
- CNE Sky Ride
- Acrobatic Show
- Bandshell Stage concerts
- The Flying Wallendas
- Food Building
- Food Network Celebrity Stage
- Garden Show
- International Pavilion and International Stage
- Mardi Gras Parade
- Midway rides and games
- President's Choice SuperDogs Show
A variety of daily live performances like musical acts, dancers, comedy shows, and even magic shows
65th anniversary of the Canadian International Air Show on Labour Day weekend.
It was recently announced that a new zip line ride will be introduced during the 2013 CNE. Operated by Ziptrek Eco Tours, the CNE zip line will be the highest and longest temporary zip line in the world. The launch tower, positioned southeast of the Food Building, will be 180 feet high (approx. 55 metres). The landing tower, southwest of the Direct Energy Centre, will be 60 feet high (approx. 18 metres). The zip line ride will consist of four lines, each measuring just shy of 1,100 feet (approx. 335 metres). Zip line riders will travel at approximately 65 km/hour.
---
Whether you are planning to play the games, or experience the thrill of the rides, hit the casino, sample all of the carnival foods, visit the horse shows, catch a concert or check out any of the other hundreds of attractions,, I know that you will have a fabulous family fun time!!
Labels:
Milestones,
Seasons,
What's In A Year?
Friday, July 19, 2013
What Do Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavours Say About You?
Here in Toronto we've been sweltering in a major heat-wave. Humidex readings averaging 45c/113f and if you are like me, you love to indulge in cool treats to help beat the heat. But have you ever thought about what your favorite flavour of ice-cream says about you? Neither have I. But I saw a story on the news today, which got me to do some research on this very topic. So, here is what I have come up with...
Some fun Ice-Cream facts about your favorite flavours!!
---
Vanilla: There is nothing plain about Vanilla. In fact, if you love Vanilla, you are actually a colorful, dramatic risk taker who relies more on intuition than logic. Emotionally expressive and idealistic, you tend to set high goals for yourself, and push yourself to meet and exceed them. On the romantic front, you tend to rely on secure romantic relationships that fulfill your emotional needs while working toward future objectives.
Chocolate: You’re more likely to be dramatic, lively, charming, flirtatious, seductive and gullible.
Very Berry Strawberry: You’re more likely to be a tolerant, devoted and an introvert.
Mint Chocolate Chip: As a Mint Chocolate Chip lover, you tend to be ambitious and confident… yet a little skeptical about life. You are a realist who prepares for the future, needing a solid plan to feel secure. While your stubbornness is a business asset, it can add a challenging element to your relationships. Nonetheless, your loyalty, honesty and dependability create lasting friendships and close family ties.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: You’re more likely to be ambitious, competitive and a visionary.
Double Chocolate Chunk: If you love Double Chocolate Chunk, you tend to be lively, creative and dramatic. Always the life of the party, you charm everyone you meet with your enthusiasm and sense of style. You enjoy being in the spotlight and prefer to be in the company of friends rather than left alone to reflect on life. You prefer passion and excitement in your romantic relationships, and require a lot of attention from your mate.
Pralines ‘n Cream: You’re more likely to be loving, supportive and prefer to avoid the spotlight.
Jamoca: You’re more likely to be scrupulous, conscientious and a moral perfectionist.
Chocolate Chip: As a chocolate chip lover, you are competitive and accomplished; no victory is sweet without a little hard work. Although you are competent and ambitious in love and work, you are generous with your time and money, never taking your blessings for granted. Your captivating personality makes you a shining star in social situations
Rainbow Sherbet: You’re more likely to be analytic, decisive and pessimistic.
Rocky Road: If you opt for the rich, indulgent taste of Rocky Road, you tend to be a balanced mixture of charm and practicality. While you are outgoing and engaging in social situations, in the business world you tend to be more aggressive and goal-oriented. You enjoy being catered to, and appreciate the finer things in life. You are very sensitive to minor slights and respond best to encouragement rather than criticism.
Butter Pecan: If your favorite flavor is Butter Pecan, you might be characterized as the perfect worker. You are devoted, conscientious, respectful and fiscally conservative. You hold high standards for right and wrong and show integrity in all of your actions. This includes an extreme sensitivity for others’ feelings. You aren’t one to wear your heart on your sleeve; it takes a little encouragement from close friends and family to share your deepest thoughts.
Coffee: As a coffee lover, you are lively, dramatic and flirtatious – thriving on the passion of the moment. Because you throw yourself into all that you do, you tend to be over-committed, starting new projects without finishing old ones. You tend to become bored by dull relationships and thrive on new and exciting ventures.
Strawberry: A love for strawberry reveals a thoughtful, logical person who carefully weighs each option before making decisions. More a follower than a leader, you are content and effective working behind the scenes and out of the limelight. In relationships, you are often characterized as shy and reserved. Although you don’t fall head-over-heels in love at first sight, once you commit to a relationship, you are loyal and supportive.
Labels:
Seasons,
Stuff,
What's In A Year?
Friday, June 21, 2013
Welcome Summer!
Summer Solstice officially arrived at 1:04AM (EST) today - Saturday, June 21st, 2013!!
Whether you are planning a getaway with your family or friends, taking a trip up the cottage, or just planning to enjoy a staycation in your local stomping grounds, I hope you have a beautiful Summer Season!!
Remember:
- Apply sun block while taking in all of that Vitamin D!!
- Stay hydrated! (Drink plenty of water)
- If you are going to be enjoying time on the local lake, wear your life jacket!!
- Don't drink and drive!
Play hard - but Play SAFE!!
And for those of you who are not a fan of the Summer Season ~ There is 187 days until Christmas! ;-)
Labels:
Seasons
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Happy Spring!!!
As of 7:02AM Spring will finally be upon us. And may I just say Goodbye Winter and Hello Spring!!
If your winter has been anything like mine here in Toronto, you know that we sure were served a wallop of a never-ending series of punchs from Old Man Winter ... the worst winter in five years! Yes, we have been spoiled if you compare it to the winters when I was growing up. But - I enjoyed being spoiled and I for one have been looking forward to (and counting down to) the arrival of Spring for about two months now! lol
The temperatures will slowly begin to rise, the April showers will bring out the May flowers. Trees will begin to bud. Baby birds will be learning how to fly. The birth of a new cycle of nature. I absolutely adore this season. Everything is fresh. Everything is new. And although the weather is warmer - it is still comfortable ... ahead of the sweltering summer to follow!
So - let me say, albeit a few hours early - HAPPY SPRING Everyone!!!
Labels:
Seasons
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Daylight Savings Time - Spring Forward!!
It's that time of year again. Daylight Savings Time!! The signal of the end of Winter and the birth of Spring.
Tonight before you go to bed, be sure to set your clocks ahead 1 hour!!
And take it easy tomorrow - losing an hour sleep does have an effect on us. Use tomorrow to reset your internal clock ahead of Monday.
On the plus side - though we lose an hour of sleep - we gain an hour of sunlight! The days are getting longer people!!
Labels:
Seasons
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day
My heart has chosen you,
On this magical day of love-
To share and dwell upon,
The beauty of its touch
How sweet and blissful is,
The humming of its song-
The wonders that it brings
I, knowing you're the one
It has invited me
Into its world of inspirational dreams-
A place called paradise,
Where love and laughter sings
My heart has chosen you
And my soul agrees as well
You are the splendid light
Of true loves magical spell…
~~~
To all who are celebrating this day of love,
I wish you and yours a Happy Valentine's Day
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is upon us. My how quickly this year is going by. Today, marks the first day of Lent, and 46 days before Easter. This is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
For those who will be observing this season; I want to wish you and yours a Blessed Ash Wednesday.
Love and Light
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year - 2013
As we begin our journey through 2013, I want to wish you and yours:
12 Months of Happiness
52 Weeks of Fun
365 Days of Success
8,760 Hours of Good Health
52,600 Minute of Good Luck
3,153.600 Seconds of Joy
May God continue to Bless and Keep you and those you love.
Happy New Year!!!
-Laura
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
For auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
And we've wandered many a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae paidled i' the burn
From mornin’ sun till dine
But the seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
For auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
And we've wandered many a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae paidled i' the burn
From mornin’ sun till dine
But the seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
~~~
Labels:
Holidays,
Seasons,
What's In A Year?
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas
As you gather with the ones you love to celebrate this day, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that your home is filled with warmth, your heart filled with joy and your life filled with blessings.
Let us not forget to think of the people who are alone - for whatever reason. That they may know they are loved.
From my family to yours;
Merry Christmas!!
Love and Light,
-Laura
Labels:
Christmas Carols,
Holidays,
Seasons
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Season For Giving
Oprah's "My Favorite Things" .... Ellen's "Twelve Days of Giveaways" .... Just two of the bigger - more visual events where people are given things in the name of the Christmas Season. I have written before about how much I love these shows. How they leave my cup overflowing with joy. Just in watching the elation on the faces of the unsuspecting recipients. I look forward to it every year!
As much as I love these shows, what I love more is the way communities ban together during the season of giving. Schools doing clothing, toy and food drives. Christmas Wish charities. The way people dig deep within themselves for the good of their fellow man. Everyone scrambling to do what they can to be sure no child wakes up on Christmas morning without a toy. Donating for Christmas food hampers - so that low income families can gather around their table and enjoy a wonderful meal as they celebrate the day.
Having been a young mother at 22 years of age, I am certainly thankful for those who reach out to help lower income families. I cannot begin to express how tough it is as a mother, worrying about how you will provide "Christmas" for your child.... working with precious little money - and you want it to be perfect ... the turkey... the fixin's .... the gifts ... the tree ... the lights. There were several years in the beginning, where I was blessed in receiving from of the generosity of others. How wonderful it was to receive that Christmas Hamper, knowing that the gaps were now filled. That my child would not go to school - with no story to tell.
Now, let me just say - being a parent - failure is not an option ... and I would have done anything to insure that what needed to happen - happened. And in the end my child never went without. With that said, it was an enormous weight lifted from my soul, knowing that there were places to go and people to help when I was young, struggling, and dearly wanting to give my child what every other child would have.
Through the grace of God I have been able to know the other side of that coin as well. Donating canned goods to the school, when they began their holiday collections. Donating clothing to charities. Welcoming friends of myself, my daughter and family - who were alone on the holidays. Always making sure there was enough food and a place for them in my home. That they, too, would enjoy a hot, home cooked meal. Just the way my mother taught me through her actions when my siblings and I were growing up. It was always just assumed that there would be extra bodies present during the holidays - or on a Tuesday. And they were always welcomed!
So, I guess I just wanted to say ... do what you are able. Whether it is donating a few cans of food .. a bag of diapers ... baby formula... clothes.... bedding .... new toys .... money....
Please, give. Give whatever you can! Whenever you can! And not just through the holidays. Because you may never know when the day may come that you will be standing on line, hopeful to receive from the generosity of others.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Golden Box
I read this lovely and touching story and just had to share it here with you.
---
The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her 5
year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money
was tight and she became even more upset when the child used the gold paper to
decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.
Never the less, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and said, “This is for you, Momma.” The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner. “Don’t you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there’s supposed to be something inside the package?”
Never the less, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and said, “This is for you, Momma.” The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner. “Don’t you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there’s supposed to be something inside the package?”
She had tears in her eyes and said, “Oh, Momma, it’s not empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full.”
The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness for her thoughtless anger.
An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life. Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.
In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, have been given a golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends....
Author - Unknown
Baby It's Cold Outside
Winter is just around the corner... December is nearly upon us, and baby it's cold outside!
Regular readers know that I have had my Christmas Tree up for a couple of weeks now. I absolutely love everything about the Christmas season and now that the weather is beginning to have a chill in the air - well ... it is just fueling my excitement for the season! Though I will admit that I am not a fan of the extreme cold. Extreme weather - one way or the other is not my friend.
With that said, I have decided it is once again time for Enchanted Essence to dawn a new look, appropriate for the season. Like the weather, the new background puts me in mind of snuggling under a warm blanket, large steaming cups of hot chocolate, roaring fires, hearing the cold winds blowing against the windows, and flurries of snow settling upon the bare tree branches.
So, until we meet again; keep warm, keep safe, and stock up on hot chocolate!
Labels:
Seasons
Monday, November 5, 2012
First Christmas Lights
It's a dark, cold November night. Bentley and I are out for a walk. The same walk we do every night. I can see my own breath. Why didn't I wear my gloves?? Bentley is routing around in the dried leaves - I can hear the crunching beneath his paws. Something about piles of leaves, mounds of snow and puddles that attract him - much like the way a young child is attracted to them. I pause and let him do his thing as I look around ... the trees are nearly naked of leaves. The streets are quiet. I look up at the side of my building, way up - way, way up at the top floor there are bright colors illuminating against the darkness of night.
Six outlines of trees all lit up!! Multicolored twinkling lights shining down for me to see! (Because of course they were put there especially for me!)
I actually felt myself blink and then become very happy as the spirit of the season began to wash over me.
I had just seen the first lights!!
YAY!!!
Instantly I begin to think of putting up my own tree and decorating the apartment. My first Christmas in my new place!!
I cannot wait!!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Return to Standard Time!
It's that time of the year again. Time to say "Bye-bye" to Daylight Savings, as we set our clocks back 1hr and return to Standard Time. This also means, of course, that we gain an extra hour or sleep. My favorite part of this whole equation! Haha!!
Remember - clocks go back 1 hour at 2AM - Sunday November 4th. Yup! That's tomorrow people!! Or tonight for some of us night owls. lol
And for all of you party people - the answer is NO! The bar is not open an extra hour. :-)
While you are 'Falling Back' ... Please also remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors!!
Labels:
Seasons
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Goodbye Summer
Today is the last full day of summer! And what a beautiful summer it has been. The hottest in decades, but also - for me - very meaningful. Filled with many memory-making moments, which I shall cherish always.
Much like everything in life; there must be change of season, this is not a sad thing. In fact, it is a blessing.
Autumn will be upon us at exactly 10:49AM, and I am looking forward to all that it will bring. Although the days are getting shorter - and the nights are getting longer, the night air is cooler and wonderful for sleeping! The trees shed their leaves to ready themselves for Winter. Not before displaying a rainbow of beauty in color. I simply adore the Autumn season. The reds, golds, oranges ... stunning. Like living in God's painting.
And who can forget the celebrations that come along with this season. Time for family and loved ones to get together. And yes, as my family gathers for each of the season's blessings, Dad will be present in my heart - where he dwells.
As I write this, there is exactly 16 hours and 23 minutes left of this magnificent season we call Summer. I, for one, am going to head out now and enjoy the rest of the evening.
God Bless! See you in the Fall!!
Labels:
Seasons
Sunday, September 2, 2012
September 2012
Going to the CNE today triggered many memories of my youth. I was reminded of how every year when the EX opened it brought upon the realization that summer holidays were coming to a quick conclusion. Summer was essentially over! School right around the corner! ACK!!!
A very traumatic time for most students I think. At least it was for me and most of my friends. Although when I became a mother, back-to-school became my most favorite time of the year. lol
Because perspective changes with age, I now look at this time of the year differently. In fact, I have really come to appreciate each month, each season for it's unique contributions to my life.
Although September is seen as the end of summer, there really is technically three more weeks of summer to enjoy. And for me, it is typically the better part. Overall the weather is not as scorching hot - the Autumn air begins to take an undertone to the days and the nights are starting to get cooler. Which, for me, means great nights of sleep with the windows open - fresh air and the end of artificial cooling through the a/c.
I have to say as well that September also happens to be the month when all of my shows come back. New Seasons!! Gotta love the season premiers!! Some of my favorites returning this month are Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, The Voice ... and perhaps my all time favorite .... Dancing with the Stars!!
YAY!!!
DWTS this season will be especially fantastic. It is season 15 and will be all past stars. Many of whom are winners from past seasons. The bar is going to be raised people, and I expect fantastic things!!
:-)
September also brings on the beginning of Autumn. I simply adore the changing of the leaves. I remember last year talking with Dad about going out for drives to see the colors. We spoke about going out on a drive together. This year when I go exploring, I will carry him with me. His passing will bring for me a whole new significance and appreciation for the beauty of the season.
Labels:
Seasons,
What's In A Year?
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