With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy some yummy summer goodness.
OJ frozen concentrate, milk, vanilla ice cream, vanilla, sugar, summer fruits, ice, popsicle molds
Orange Julius
2/3 cup frozen OJ concentrate
1 c. milk
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. sugar (can use less)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
10-12 ice cubes
Mix in blender and enjoy
Homemade Popsicles
1 cup OJ concentrate (slightly thawed works best)
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup chopped nectarines or peaches
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
Blend OJ and ice cream until smooth. Fill popsicle molds half-way. Drop in one set of fruit chunks. Jiggle a bit to submerge. Drop in other set of fruit. Fill molds rest of the way and add handles. Freeze. (Amounts are approximate...adjust as needed). Experiment with different fruits.
What are your favorite summer treats?
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday
Winnipeg Family Ideas--from Tara Miller
Being professional photographers, we look for ways to spend family time in a way that reflects our passion.
When we are not shooting for a client we love the chance to jump in the car as a family with a few snacks and drinks and drive the Manitoba back roads to look for that special place to spend the time as a family photographing a secret garden or rolling valley.
Our 13 year old is happy when he can use all the modern ipad, ipod, and technical gadgets on the way. But when we arrive we might grab a local lunch or visit the farmers market for a fresh treat! Then all 3 of us with cameras in hand head out together to capture some images of the day. It's really exciting to me as a mom to see what my son finds interesting at this age to shoot.
I always get excited when he has the same interest in his photography. To keep one up on him, we make it as a fun competition to upload and view what adventures we shared in the day.
I keep in mind as a parent that encouragement and positive feedback goes a long way!
Sonya's note: Tara is currently a finalist for CNIB's Eye Remember photo contest and you can see her photo/vote until June 30th.
One family idea that I (Sonya) plan to implement this year is sketching excursions with my kids. It's been a very long time since I've done that and I'd love to see what my kids come up with. I'm planning to buy my supplies at http://www.cre8ivesupplies.com It's a great new store in the exchange district here in Winnipeg (Adelaide and William).
Thursday
Winnipeg Family Ideas--from Laura Finlayson
We met Laura Finlayson during one of our art projects. She is the mother of two girls: a tween and a toddler. She has graciously agreed to give us some of her ideas for family time.
Sonya's note: Laura also had some great conversation starters. You can find them on our Eve Studios facebook page.I'm Laura Finlayson from Nest Executive Home and Lifestyle Management. "Work. Life. Balance Both." is the motto for my business.
Great outingsWe like to go to the St. Norbert Farmer's Market, take hikes at Bird's Hill Park and have a picnic or walk to our local park. The Mennonite Heritage Village is also a great outing, although not free.
Activities at home
- picnics in the back yard
- family movie night
- family games night
- a fire with marshmallows in our back yard
- scrapbooking
Family ritualsWe don't answer the phone during dinnertime, and that's a strict rule in our house. We also pretty much ALWAYS eat dinner together with no TV on! We let our 12-year-old choose what's for supper once per week, and we allow her to sit in the living room and have dinner watching TV once per week.
Best ever vacationsA trip to Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Tuesday
Winnipeg Family Ideas--from Kelly Dvorak
Kelly Dvorak is a marriage and family counselor from Pregnancy and Family Support Services on Spence Street. This is what she wrote:
We have some good ideas for memory making ... although our kids are presently at a stage where getting them to spend family time is like pulling teeth...we still think family fun is possible with teens!
We like to go on family walks in local parks, especially when getting ice cream is part of the equation. Assiniboine Park + DQ on Portage Ave. is a favorite combination.
Rituals ... well, we have some family things we do together... We make ribs for supper whenever we're celebrating something. We buy A & W Bacon Egger sandwiches for breakfast on the day of everyone's birthday, and on the way out of town for a road trip. We do hand or foot massages when we're sitting around on the couch. (that is a great way to get kids into a talking mood, by the way!) We have sitcoms that we buy by the season, then we watch it when it fits our schedule. (We watched all 6 seasons of Reba last year! This year we're working on Corner Gas.) On birthdays, we say what we appreciate about each other. On Mother's Day, we do crazy things like review our family mission statement... I take full advantage of 'my' day to do things that would not happen on any other day!
We've only taken one big family vacation, it was to San Francisco last summer. We highly, highly recommend that as a destination for a family, especially if the kids are a bit older. The public transport is terrific, there are good deals for accommodations to be had, and Westjet has frequent seat sales there (although you may have to fly out of another city, we flew from Calgary).
Thanks for a chance to write about us and remind myself that we are indeed a fun family!"
Sonya's note: if you'd like to learn more about creating a family mission statement, read "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" by Stephen Covey.
Thursday
Winnipeg Family Ideas--from Stephanie Staples
I asked Stephanie Staples from "Your Life Unlimited" to share a few of her family time ideas. Her kids are 17, 19, and 21. Some of her answers are here and some will be popping up on our facebook page in the next couple of weeks. One of my favorites is what they do at the dinner table to get conversation going and create positive attitudes.
You can listen to Stephanie's radio show on CJOB from 8-9 on Fridays when there are no sporting events competing for air time. She will be discussing the topic of family time this Friday and has asked us to be her guests! Maybe she'll expand on some of her ideas...like her playdough recipe!
- great outings - anything one on one (sometimes we try so hard to do everything as a family we forget the power of 1:1 interactions/experiences)
- activities at home - homemade playdough - never too old for that warm dough!
- family rituals - Manitoba Marathon - any length
- best ever vacations - camping, camping, camping
Monday
Winnipeg Family Ideas - Box of Summer Fun
Thanks to Heidi Reimer-Epp from Botanical Paperworks for giving us some creative ideas for summer fun:
An annual tradition in our family is the Box Of Summer Fun. I have two MacBook laptop boxes (the original packaging for the computers) that are constructed like little briefcases. Every June, I stock the two boxes with supplies for summer fun. The boxes always include a new package of markers, scissors, stickers, pad of paper and glue. I also have included word searches, coloring books, bubble soap or a journal. I mix it up each year and as my girls get older, I customize the items to fit their age and interests.
The girls know that I'm getting it ready but they aren't allowed to open them until July 1! They love the anticipation and surprise, and I love how the Box of Summer Fun gives them something to do over the summer, whether they are traveling in the car, at home or at the cottage. If they come to me saying "I'm bored", I suggest they get out their Box Of Summer Fun and they're able to entertain themselves.
A new thing that we've done this year is to print this graphic of 101 Fun Summer Things for the Kids and frame it in a simple black frame from Michael's. It's sitting on our kitchen counter and we're already choosing which fun things we want to tackle first.
Anyone else have boredom busters to share? Feel free to comment or send me an email at sonya @ evestudios dot ca.
An annual tradition in our family is the Box Of Summer Fun. I have two MacBook laptop boxes (the original packaging for the computers) that are constructed like little briefcases. Every June, I stock the two boxes with supplies for summer fun. The boxes always include a new package of markers, scissors, stickers, pad of paper and glue. I also have included word searches, coloring books, bubble soap or a journal. I mix it up each year and as my girls get older, I customize the items to fit their age and interests.
The girls know that I'm getting it ready but they aren't allowed to open them until July 1! They love the anticipation and surprise, and I love how the Box of Summer Fun gives them something to do over the summer, whether they are traveling in the car, at home or at the cottage. If they come to me saying "I'm bored", I suggest they get out their Box Of Summer Fun and they're able to entertain themselves.
A new thing that we've done this year is to print this graphic of 101 Fun Summer Things for the Kids and frame it in a simple black frame from Michael's. It's sitting on our kitchen counter and we're already choosing which fun things we want to tackle first.
Anyone else have boredom busters to share? Feel free to comment or send me an email at sonya @ evestudios dot ca.
Wednesday
Ideas for Families
What are your favorite summertime family activities?
Some of the ideas we receive will be posted on our facebook page. If you haven't "liked" our page yet, go there now so you don't miss anything...it's also a great way to know when our blog has been updated (or you can follow by email - top right of this blog).
Friday
Focus on Family
At Eve Studios, our focus is women: capturing their beauty and building their self-esteem. But we also know that one of the most important things to a woman is her relationships. This summer we'd like to focus on family relationships primarily.
Over the next months, I hope you'll come back to our blog regularly to read tips on creating great family memories. One way is to bring your family together for a fun outdoor portrait session. June is a great time to do it! There is something about a natural setting that is special, especially if that setting is a favorite hang-out for your family.
We're very excited to be partnering with Supper Central again. If you've never visited them at McGillivray and Kenaston, you should. They have a beautiful location and offer great meal ingredients all ready for you to assemble or pick up in order to create a delicious home-cooked meal so you can savour more time with your family!
We've also got plans for some sort of family give-away, so stay connected to see if there's a prize draw you're interested in.
If you'd like to book an Eve session or outdoor family session, be sure to book soon so that you can get in while the weather is good. Calling 221-8413 Tuesday to Friday between 11 and 1 is your best bet to talk in person to someone. Rodney will be happy to answer any questions you may have and set up a time to talk about what you're thinking. There's no obligation or cost involved. (As well, if you've won a mother/daughter gift certificate, please don't hesitate to call and book a time to do it).
"Because time with family is precious"
Wednesday
My Grandmother was Right
As I think of Father's Day approaching, a day when we honour some very important men in our lives, I am reminded of the advice my Grandma passed on to each of her five daughters:
"Never put down your husband in public".
If her daughters started complaining about her son-in-laws, she didn't want to hear about it. If they had a problem, they should discuss it with their husbands, not the rest of the world.
The more I know about men, and the more I've lived with one, the more I love my Grandma's advice. Men need respect and affirmation in the roles they play in life, as much as we need to know we're beautiful and wanted. Where our question is "Am I lovely? Am I captivating?", a man's question is "Am I capable? Am I enough for the job?" I don't think we realize how we are actually attacking his strength/his core, when we put him down, especially in front of others.
Here's another quote I just recalled, from a book I perused once (it won't be exact, and I can't remember the author):
"Too often we end up serving our children and training our husbands, when it should be the other way around"
So, let's all take a few minutes and figure out some ways to show the men in our lives how we see them accomplishing good in their workplace, their family relationships, and their world.
"Never put down your husband in public".
If her daughters started complaining about her son-in-laws, she didn't want to hear about it. If they had a problem, they should discuss it with their husbands, not the rest of the world.
The more I know about men, and the more I've lived with one, the more I love my Grandma's advice. Men need respect and affirmation in the roles they play in life, as much as we need to know we're beautiful and wanted. Where our question is "Am I lovely? Am I captivating?", a man's question is "Am I capable? Am I enough for the job?" I don't think we realize how we are actually attacking his strength/his core, when we put him down, especially in front of others.
Here's another quote I just recalled, from a book I perused once (it won't be exact, and I can't remember the author):
"Too often we end up serving our children and training our husbands, when it should be the other way around"
So, let's all take a few minutes and figure out some ways to show the men in our lives how we see them accomplishing good in their workplace, their family relationships, and their world.
Tuesday
The Question of Men
I realize that Eve Studios is all about women. At the core of all females, is this question, "Am I beautiful?" (if that sounds really lame to you, think of the tremendous role that beauty plays in our world). We've all twirled in our dresses as little girls and hoped that someone would notice. And how that question is answered and whether we've been seen and valued as we grew up, especially by the father figure in our life, does a great deal to shape the women we become.
Lately, I've been reading and thinking about men. They've been on my heart for quite awhile, in particular since reading "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge. A man's question is very different. It's "Am I capable?" As boys, they looked for someone to say, "You can do it...you have what it takes" and to have a man come alongside and teach them skills and pass on what it means to be truly strong. Unfortunately, our society's focus on economic strength rather than relational strength leaves the foundations weak, and our media's message of "men are fools" (just look at advertising and comedy) only serves to topple whatever strength remains.
That's why I was so delighted to see Will Smith (and his family) interviewed on Oprah, and be completely inspired by his leadership, his insight, his strength of conviction, and the legacy he's leaving to his kids (in conjunction with Jada of course...). And a few days before that, Rod was telling me how Tom Cruise has an amazing vision for his kids and what he is doing to accomplish that. (We now have them on DVD...it's just made that much of an impact).
I'm so glad that Father's Day is coming up, because it just gives me the perfect excuse to talk about men and the importance of their role. I'm not sure where this will take me, but discussing our relationship to men and how we can help them be truly great is something that's on my heart. We can see all around us what happens when men's strength goes bad or goes passive. But how powerful it is when we encounter a man fully functioning in his strength, and controlled by his conscience.
Lately, I've been reading and thinking about men. They've been on my heart for quite awhile, in particular since reading "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge. A man's question is very different. It's "Am I capable?" As boys, they looked for someone to say, "You can do it...you have what it takes" and to have a man come alongside and teach them skills and pass on what it means to be truly strong. Unfortunately, our society's focus on economic strength rather than relational strength leaves the foundations weak, and our media's message of "men are fools" (just look at advertising and comedy) only serves to topple whatever strength remains.
That's why I was so delighted to see Will Smith (and his family) interviewed on Oprah, and be completely inspired by his leadership, his insight, his strength of conviction, and the legacy he's leaving to his kids (in conjunction with Jada of course...). And a few days before that, Rod was telling me how Tom Cruise has an amazing vision for his kids and what he is doing to accomplish that. (We now have them on DVD...it's just made that much of an impact).
I'm so glad that Father's Day is coming up, because it just gives me the perfect excuse to talk about men and the importance of their role. I'm not sure where this will take me, but discussing our relationship to men and how we can help them be truly great is something that's on my heart. We can see all around us what happens when men's strength goes bad or goes passive. But how powerful it is when we encounter a man fully functioning in his strength, and controlled by his conscience.
Monday
Easter Reflections
As I look back on this week-end, I remember hearing heavenly music wafting in from--the street(!)--as our studio's neighbours (Holy Ghost Church) filled our street with parishioners and led us in the Lord's Prayer on Good Friday. What beautiful sights and sounds to grace the North End. I spent much of the day in bed with a fever and sore throat. Then the bittersweet mix of the arrival of Rod's parents from Saskatoon and the news that our van's back window had been smashed and a couple of important things for us (but useless for anyone else) had gone missing.
Saturday was a low-key day of travel to Winkler to pick up some local cheese (and lots of reading for me: Success Principles by Jack Cansfield) and then some egg-dyeing. We enjoyed some amazing BBQ'd pork tenderloin courtesy of Rodney.
And Sunday, the celebration day, found me doing what I love: dancing and playing with colour. Our pastor had an incredibly moving talk, weaving the pain and sorrow, the love, and the life and power that were at work during the events of Easter. After a nap, we had an Easter egg hunt with little symbols of the Easter story inside each one. To finish off the week-end, I drew an Easter mural on our livingroom window and Rod's Mom cooked a chicken dinner. (And in the evening, we watched "Fireproof" and I cried way too much).
A very rich and full week-end.
Saturday was a low-key day of travel to Winkler to pick up some local cheese (and lots of reading for me: Success Principles by Jack Cansfield) and then some egg-dyeing. We enjoyed some amazing BBQ'd pork tenderloin courtesy of Rodney.
And Sunday, the celebration day, found me doing what I love: dancing and playing with colour. Our pastor had an incredibly moving talk, weaving the pain and sorrow, the love, and the life and power that were at work during the events of Easter. After a nap, we had an Easter egg hunt with little symbols of the Easter story inside each one. To finish off the week-end, I drew an Easter mural on our livingroom window and Rod's Mom cooked a chicken dinner. (And in the evening, we watched "Fireproof" and I cried way too much).
A very rich and full week-end.
Wednesday
Faith, Fun and the Circus!
I’m tired and it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day. On the bright side the sun has come out a few times in the last two days and it has been a real mood booster to say the least to see that beautiful piece of fiery goodness.
This weekend we had a family outing on Saturday, we went to the circus together and then worked on some landscaping as a family. The circus, what a feeling of electricity I felt from our kids as we walked into the big tent in the Grant Park mall parking lot. We bought “Circus” Cotton Candy, and “Circus” Popcorn , a “Circus” Balloon and a “Circus” hotdog and mini doughnuts. What was so special about the “Circus” Food, to us it was simply really really expensive but to our children it was magical. It seems I have something on my forehead that says “Pick me” because in the whole tent full of people the clown picked me to come up on stage, be an idiot and ultimately get shot backstage (My kids were more than a little concerned about that) before ultimately emerging from behind the curtain to new life and a new lease on life.
Speaking of that I have had a number of people ask me about my faith, views on faith and all the rest of that mumbo jumbo so I will take a moment to let you into the deepest part of my being and share with you where I am at.
Firstly, I’m not a terribly religious person in that I define religion as a list of rules to follow to appease the gods or God. I do however have a deep faith and here it is:
I believe that God loves me (and you) and has a plan for my (and your) life.
I believe that I (and you) have missed the mark that God has set out for us, and are therefore sinful and separated from God.
I believe that God sent his very own son Jesus die on the cross 2000 years ago to bridge the separation between us and God.
I believe that God gives us the opportunity to either accept or reject the gift of his son and thereby accept or reject the opportunity of having a relationship with him (although God is not a boy or a girl, history has generally given God the Masculine words like he, him, his) should we choose.
To put it another way, Dad just wrote us a check for a million but the money isn’t actually ours until we decide to deposit the check or cash it.
As a Christian I don’t somehow feel as though I’m any better than anyone else because I’m not, I have simply chosen to ask for forgiveness for my many imperfections. I have also been asked how as a Christian I can do the type of work I do at Eve Studios or the types of projects I do such as Just As I Am. The answer is a simple one, when I look at the universe around us and the world in which we dwell I see such incredible beauty everywhere I look and I feel as though God is the ultimate artist. I also look at the body that God created and marvel at the beauty and complexity of it and quite frankly feel as though it is the ultimate slap in the face to God to not appreciate and capture the beauty of the human body and spirit.
I know this is sort of the readers digest version that I’ve just given you but when it comes right down to it faith is not nearly as complex as many make it, God’s biggest command is “to love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind and all your strength; and to love your neighbour as yourself." I feel as though if we all lived even a little bit like this the world would be a much better place.
I hope this answers some questions, if not, call me up and set up a time to bring me a beloved Pepsi and we can sit down and discuss anything that’s on your mind.
Love you all,
Rodney
This weekend we had a family outing on Saturday, we went to the circus together and then worked on some landscaping as a family. The circus, what a feeling of electricity I felt from our kids as we walked into the big tent in the Grant Park mall parking lot. We bought “Circus” Cotton Candy, and “Circus” Popcorn , a “Circus” Balloon and a “Circus” hotdog and mini doughnuts. What was so special about the “Circus” Food, to us it was simply really really expensive but to our children it was magical. It seems I have something on my forehead that says “Pick me” because in the whole tent full of people the clown picked me to come up on stage, be an idiot and ultimately get shot backstage (My kids were more than a little concerned about that) before ultimately emerging from behind the curtain to new life and a new lease on life.
Speaking of that I have had a number of people ask me about my faith, views on faith and all the rest of that mumbo jumbo so I will take a moment to let you into the deepest part of my being and share with you where I am at.
Firstly, I’m not a terribly religious person in that I define religion as a list of rules to follow to appease the gods or God. I do however have a deep faith and here it is:
I believe that God loves me (and you) and has a plan for my (and your) life.
I believe that I (and you) have missed the mark that God has set out for us, and are therefore sinful and separated from God.
I believe that God sent his very own son Jesus die on the cross 2000 years ago to bridge the separation between us and God.
I believe that God gives us the opportunity to either accept or reject the gift of his son and thereby accept or reject the opportunity of having a relationship with him (although God is not a boy or a girl, history has generally given God the Masculine words like he, him, his) should we choose.
To put it another way, Dad just wrote us a check for a million but the money isn’t actually ours until we decide to deposit the check or cash it.
As a Christian I don’t somehow feel as though I’m any better than anyone else because I’m not, I have simply chosen to ask for forgiveness for my many imperfections. I have also been asked how as a Christian I can do the type of work I do at Eve Studios or the types of projects I do such as Just As I Am. The answer is a simple one, when I look at the universe around us and the world in which we dwell I see such incredible beauty everywhere I look and I feel as though God is the ultimate artist. I also look at the body that God created and marvel at the beauty and complexity of it and quite frankly feel as though it is the ultimate slap in the face to God to not appreciate and capture the beauty of the human body and spirit.
I know this is sort of the readers digest version that I’ve just given you but when it comes right down to it faith is not nearly as complex as many make it, God’s biggest command is “to love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind and all your strength; and to love your neighbour as yourself." I feel as though if we all lived even a little bit like this the world would be a much better place.
I hope this answers some questions, if not, call me up and set up a time to bring me a beloved Pepsi and we can sit down and discuss anything that’s on your mind.
Love you all,
Rodney
Waiting
You've probably been waiting for us to update this blog. We're all waiting for spring to arrive (or stay). If you've been driving in this weather, you've probably done your share of waiting in traffic. And if you're like several in our family, you're waiting for a persistent cough to clear up.
Waiting. Most of us aren't that crazy about waiting. Or good at it. My kids are notoriously impatient. I think they come by it honestly. Where am I going with this? I'm not even sure. That's what I like about the creative process. You never know where it might lead. It's like a great novel or an exciting adventure.
My friend is doing a lot of waiting these days. She broke her ankle in three places. Now she waits for it to heal. And waits for others to do things for her, when normally she is the one making things happen (and a lot of things happen at once, I might add).
I have experienced the waiting that comes with pregnancy three times. With the first came lots of reflection and anticipation...and a little trepidation. The second and third went by much faster, with less time to savour the experience.
With our business, we've done a lot of waiting...waiting for the breakthrough...where everything we've done starts to come together in synergy and our business takes off. Well, I think the waiting is over. It feels a little surreal at times, to see our dream becoming a reality, but I think it's slowly sinking in. It's been a long time coming.
I think the waiting has enlarged us (like being pregnant). I think it has expanded our capacity for hope. I think it has increased our ability to trust. I think it has opened up our hearts to be more grateful. I hope so.
Rodney and I often find it difficult to find the balance between "doing the stuff"and trusting. Sometimes it comes down to receiving the wisdom to do the "right stuff at the right time" and sometimes it is simply receiving a gift we could never have orchestrated ourselves. Those gifts "out of the blue" remind us of the vastness of God, so that we don't over-inflate (or over-work) our limited selves.
What are you waiting for? Have you been feeling desperate? Have you nearly given up hope? Do you wonder if you are foolish to believe it will happen? Are you afraid of disappointment?
The one who created us waits for us to turn to him. He knows our hearts. He knows what we need. He is fully capable of meeting those needs. Our part is to wait...in expectation (and with a bit more "stillness" than my children!)
Well, I think I got to where I needed to go. I hope the path was scenic enough.
I'm waiting to hear from you!
Waiting. Most of us aren't that crazy about waiting. Or good at it. My kids are notoriously impatient. I think they come by it honestly. Where am I going with this? I'm not even sure. That's what I like about the creative process. You never know where it might lead. It's like a great novel or an exciting adventure.
My friend is doing a lot of waiting these days. She broke her ankle in three places. Now she waits for it to heal. And waits for others to do things for her, when normally she is the one making things happen (and a lot of things happen at once, I might add).
I have experienced the waiting that comes with pregnancy three times. With the first came lots of reflection and anticipation...and a little trepidation. The second and third went by much faster, with less time to savour the experience.
With our business, we've done a lot of waiting...waiting for the breakthrough...where everything we've done starts to come together in synergy and our business takes off. Well, I think the waiting is over. It feels a little surreal at times, to see our dream becoming a reality, but I think it's slowly sinking in. It's been a long time coming.
I think the waiting has enlarged us (like being pregnant). I think it has expanded our capacity for hope. I think it has increased our ability to trust. I think it has opened up our hearts to be more grateful. I hope so.
Rodney and I often find it difficult to find the balance between "doing the stuff"and trusting. Sometimes it comes down to receiving the wisdom to do the "right stuff at the right time" and sometimes it is simply receiving a gift we could never have orchestrated ourselves. Those gifts "out of the blue" remind us of the vastness of God, so that we don't over-inflate (or over-work) our limited selves.
What are you waiting for? Have you been feeling desperate? Have you nearly given up hope? Do you wonder if you are foolish to believe it will happen? Are you afraid of disappointment?
The one who created us waits for us to turn to him. He knows our hearts. He knows what we need. He is fully capable of meeting those needs. Our part is to wait...in expectation (and with a bit more "stillness" than my children!)
Well, I think I got to where I needed to go. I hope the path was scenic enough.
I'm waiting to hear from you!
Saturday
Merry Christmas!
Rodney and I wish you all a very merry Christmas! What is a merry Christmas anyways? I think I would wish that inspite of the busyness of preparations and events, the stresses and emotion that often accompany family life, and the possibility that you may even be dealing with loss or loneliness this Christmas, that you can take a few moments and give thanks for what you have, make the effort to really look around you and drink in the beauty that is there (in the countryside as you're driving or in the faces of those around you), and savour good food and hopefully a few good laughs. More...
Sing. Light candles. Watch the snow fall. Lay on the couch and get mesmerized by the Christmas lights. Read a good book. Listen to music. Party. Watch a classic Christmas show. Make soup. Eat chocolate. Hold a warm drink in your hands and let it soothe you. Take a little extra care with one or two presents and make them a work of art. Use a little extra colour or glimmer as you set your table.
For me, I also hope to take a little time to reflect on the experience of Mary, on the wonder of that night, on the unusual ordinary-ness of a King born among animals and adored by sheep herders, and on the love that brought this story to life.
Maybe merry isn't the best word. Perhaps "wonder-filled" is better. The one conjures up red and green, deck the halls, ho ho ho, and let your heart be light (things I still enjoy). The other brings to my mind starry nights, the intricacies of nature, the faces of children, and a depth of feeling in both joy and sorrow. You can choose. May love, joy, peace, and hope fill your heart this Christmas.
The Brauns
Sing. Light candles. Watch the snow fall. Lay on the couch and get mesmerized by the Christmas lights. Read a good book. Listen to music. Party. Watch a classic Christmas show. Make soup. Eat chocolate. Hold a warm drink in your hands and let it soothe you. Take a little extra care with one or two presents and make them a work of art. Use a little extra colour or glimmer as you set your table.
For me, I also hope to take a little time to reflect on the experience of Mary, on the wonder of that night, on the unusual ordinary-ness of a King born among animals and adored by sheep herders, and on the love that brought this story to life.
Maybe merry isn't the best word. Perhaps "wonder-filled" is better. The one conjures up red and green, deck the halls, ho ho ho, and let your heart be light (things I still enjoy). The other brings to my mind starry nights, the intricacies of nature, the faces of children, and a depth of feeling in both joy and sorrow. You can choose. May love, joy, peace, and hope fill your heart this Christmas.
The Brauns
Feasts, Farmer's Markets and Fall
My eldest suggested we have a "feast" today. I remembered there was a farmer's market at PineRidge Hollow this morning, so off we went . Picked up the sweetest corn on the cob ever, some carrots, and some "natural" farmer sausage from Matheson's farm. If the potatoes I bought earlier were local, we had a "Made in Manitoba" meal. Yummy. The highlight of today was Rod pulling me over to one of the stalls, pulling out a twenty and telling me to pick out a necklace. I wasn't sure which one I liked best, so he ended up picking out a winner: black cord, polished black stone with white swirls and two silver beads on either side. I love it! I haven't really worn jewellery since having children, so it was extra special. My youngest still wants to yank on it, but hopefully the novelty will wear off quickly and he'll ignore it.
The farmer's market runs every Saturday from 9-1 until September 20th. It's a bit of a drive, but I thought it was totally worth it. There were a few crafters, lots of jams, jellies & chutneys, great corn on the cob (don't even bother buying corn anywhere else...mine was picked this morning!), potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cukes, zucchini, onions, mini pumpkins and gourds, and decorative corn just to name a few things. We didn't have time to stop in at the restaurant, but sometime I'd like to go back with a girlfriend. They list their menu on the website...looks tantalizing!
Well, that's it for now. Fall looks like it will be busy at the studio. Our new brochures are already bringing in new clients and fantastic feedback. (I'm working on getting them out to our clients still). Rodney will start shooting for one of CancerCare's big gala fundraisers this week. He's still pretty sore after holding a camera all day, but doing surprisingly well. We are blessed. Our eldest starts grade one this week. Not looking forward to the earlier start to the mornings and yet I am looking forward to having more morning in my day. Hope you have a wonderful fall. It's one of my favorite seasons. I hear Tiber River is bringing out an amazing line for fall, which includes pomegranate-vanilla and strawberry-rhubarb crisp. Mmm!
Happy long week-end!
The farmer's market runs every Saturday from 9-1 until September 20th. It's a bit of a drive, but I thought it was totally worth it. There were a few crafters, lots of jams, jellies & chutneys, great corn on the cob (don't even bother buying corn anywhere else...mine was picked this morning!), potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cukes, zucchini, onions, mini pumpkins and gourds, and decorative corn just to name a few things. We didn't have time to stop in at the restaurant, but sometime I'd like to go back with a girlfriend. They list their menu on the website...looks tantalizing!
Well, that's it for now. Fall looks like it will be busy at the studio. Our new brochures are already bringing in new clients and fantastic feedback. (I'm working on getting them out to our clients still). Rodney will start shooting for one of CancerCare's big gala fundraisers this week. He's still pretty sore after holding a camera all day, but doing surprisingly well. We are blessed. Our eldest starts grade one this week. Not looking forward to the earlier start to the mornings and yet I am looking forward to having more morning in my day. Hope you have a wonderful fall. It's one of my favorite seasons. I hear Tiber River is bringing out an amazing line for fall, which includes pomegranate-vanilla and strawberry-rhubarb crisp. Mmm!
Happy long week-end!
Thursday
Thankful
We are extremely thankful to God in the Braun household today. As Rod was headed down Main Street on his way to a meeting this morning, a man accidentally ran a red light at Logan and broad-sided our van on the passenger side with such force that the van was tipped onto its side. Many thoughts raced through Rod's mind as he was skidding along down Main, face inches from the pavement with his window open.
Construction workers came to rescue him immediately. An off-duty police officer quickly assessed the situation and told Rod he was concerned about fluid leaks and getting him out as soon as possible. A bunch of guys got the van back on its wheels and Rod was able to get out. Miraculously, he has the mildest of skin abrasions on his cheek and chin (not even really visible) and a tiny cut on his forehead (from a shard of glass I assume). There were some glass shards in his shoe. Of course, his left shoulder and hip are getting increasingly sore and stiff. But it could easily have been so much worse. The car following him ended up somehow in between both vehicles with minor scratches. Also a miracle. The driver of the other car is also "okay". Rod had a chance to talk to him...a very nice guy who just happened to miss the light change as he was adjusting his sun visor. Traffic was blocked off for a four-block radius for about an hour.
So many phone calls today already. We will be replacing three car seats (as a precaution) and looking for a new vehicle. Rod just went to pick up a rental and will be heading to the chiropractor after that. Lots of decisions and uncertainties ahead, but we are so grateful that Rod's life was preserved and that no major injuries were sustained. The accident will probably be in the news...lots of cameras and reporters. I don't even know if I want to see the aftermath.
Life is precious. It is good to be reminded of the fragility of life. Each day we have with those we love is a gift. So enjoy today. And be thankful. I sure am.
Construction workers came to rescue him immediately. An off-duty police officer quickly assessed the situation and told Rod he was concerned about fluid leaks and getting him out as soon as possible. A bunch of guys got the van back on its wheels and Rod was able to get out. Miraculously, he has the mildest of skin abrasions on his cheek and chin (not even really visible) and a tiny cut on his forehead (from a shard of glass I assume). There were some glass shards in his shoe. Of course, his left shoulder and hip are getting increasingly sore and stiff. But it could easily have been so much worse. The car following him ended up somehow in between both vehicles with minor scratches. Also a miracle. The driver of the other car is also "okay". Rod had a chance to talk to him...a very nice guy who just happened to miss the light change as he was adjusting his sun visor. Traffic was blocked off for a four-block radius for about an hour.
So many phone calls today already. We will be replacing three car seats (as a precaution) and looking for a new vehicle. Rod just went to pick up a rental and will be heading to the chiropractor after that. Lots of decisions and uncertainties ahead, but we are so grateful that Rod's life was preserved and that no major injuries were sustained. The accident will probably be in the news...lots of cameras and reporters. I don't even know if I want to see the aftermath.
Life is precious. It is good to be reminded of the fragility of life. Each day we have with those we love is a gift. So enjoy today. And be thankful. I sure am.
Saturday
Summertime
Summertime...and the livin' is easy. Ahhhh, that it were so. Actually, we're really looking forward to summer. Our firstborn is done school, we're taking off to Saskatchewan to visit family and do some family sessions in the great outdoors, and then we're planning lots of BBQ's, some beach days and some family outings as well as some work in the yard. And of course, we continue to build Eve Studios into a thriving studio where more and more women can celebrate their beauty just the way they are.
In other news, Rodney just spent a busy couple of days preparing for and teaching at the first ever Manitoba Photographic Artist's Exposition at the Forks. His two seminars (Glamour/Art Nude Photography and Child Portraiture) were some of the first to sell out. It's still going on...workshops, galleries and things. It also happens to be National Aboriginal Day with celebrations there and on Selkirk Avenue. We might try to take a little of that in if the kids wake up in time.
And then it's off to our homeland. So, it'll be a little quiet here, but we'll be back soon. Enjoy the long week-end. It's coming soon!
In other news, Rodney just spent a busy couple of days preparing for and teaching at the first ever Manitoba Photographic Artist's Exposition at the Forks. His two seminars (Glamour/Art Nude Photography and Child Portraiture) were some of the first to sell out. It's still going on...workshops, galleries and things. It also happens to be National Aboriginal Day with celebrations there and on Selkirk Avenue. We might try to take a little of that in if the kids wake up in time.
And then it's off to our homeland. So, it'll be a little quiet here, but we'll be back soon. Enjoy the long week-end. It's coming soon!
Wednesday
The most beautiful smiles
Well it's winter here in Winnipeg, we have lots of snow and it's freezing outside but with winter comes outside fun with the kids. This last two weeks my kids have gotten a new hobby, it's called having daddy pull us around on the sled before he goes to the studio and until he's on the brink of a heart attack. Why do we do these crazy things?? The answer to this is very simple, all I had to do was turn my head while on Clydesdale duty and see the expressions on my kids faces, they were giggling and laughing all the while holding on for dear life. After seeing this my cold face was balanced by my warm heart, and that's all the beauty I could handle in one day.
Friday
Well, well, well, my how the time does go by so quickly. My family and I recently spent a week in the mountains of BC and a total of 5 days on the road going to and from our destination. It really amazes me how a change of scenery can do amazing things for our clarity of thought, on our time away I was blessed with the chance to sit out on the deck on one particular evening and just soak in the sounds on the stream running by while I spent an hour enjoying a great cigar. I truly believe that this "stopping to smell the roses" type of thing is an incredibly spiritual experience. I came back from BC renewed and refreshed although in no way caught up on sleep.
My children also had a great time, they knew that for 12 days daddy was theirs, no studio to go to and no renovating to do, it was great.
Photos will come soon, right now I'm exhausted and must sleep.
Rodney
My children also had a great time, they knew that for 12 days daddy was theirs, no studio to go to and no renovating to do, it was great.
Photos will come soon, right now I'm exhausted and must sleep.
Rodney
Wednesday
Well I can't believe it's been weeks since I have shared myself with the world, sorry to those of you who live on the edge of your seats just waiting to read another of my posts.
It seems as though I'm perpetually tired lately. I'm not sure if it's the three small kids or the constant renovations on the studio, but my body finally gave in to the flu this last week. On the positive side, I feel blessed to have the life that I have, I feel sometimes as though I'm living a dream.
The studio, good question. The renovations are going slower than I had hoped for, but on the positive side they are actually going. This week we got new windows on the second floor, there is now twice as much light up there and it's very nice. My lobby is coming along quite quickly as well, we hope to be putting the slate flooring in the next week or so, pray for me!!!
As far as the rest of life a week ago was the annual convention for the professional photographers of Canada - Manitoba and as always there is an image competition. The Images I entered did very well, I won the "Most Creative Image" for Manitoba, and also brought home two of the six "Judges Choice" awards. It feels good to be recognized by my peers for my work, but quite frankly it all left me with quite an empty feeling, I much prefer the feeling of making a client feel beautiful, changing a woman's life is much more satisfying than the accolades of peers.
Speaking of beauty, I saw the nicest little car the other day, it's the 2007 Pontiac Solstice, nice, very nice, in fact WOW. Did I mention that the car is almost completely impractical and pales in comparison to a hug from my wife or kids, yet I would really like one someday (maybe you have a used one you would like to loan me for the next few years)
Anyway, alas it is time to bid you adue, I hope all is well, God Bless.
Rodney
It seems as though I'm perpetually tired lately. I'm not sure if it's the three small kids or the constant renovations on the studio, but my body finally gave in to the flu this last week. On the positive side, I feel blessed to have the life that I have, I feel sometimes as though I'm living a dream.
The studio, good question. The renovations are going slower than I had hoped for, but on the positive side they are actually going. This week we got new windows on the second floor, there is now twice as much light up there and it's very nice. My lobby is coming along quite quickly as well, we hope to be putting the slate flooring in the next week or so, pray for me!!!
As far as the rest of life a week ago was the annual convention for the professional photographers of Canada - Manitoba and as always there is an image competition. The Images I entered did very well, I won the "Most Creative Image" for Manitoba, and also brought home two of the six "Judges Choice" awards. It feels good to be recognized by my peers for my work, but quite frankly it all left me with quite an empty feeling, I much prefer the feeling of making a client feel beautiful, changing a woman's life is much more satisfying than the accolades of peers.
Speaking of beauty, I saw the nicest little car the other day, it's the 2007 Pontiac Solstice, nice, very nice, in fact WOW. Did I mention that the car is almost completely impractical and pales in comparison to a hug from my wife or kids, yet I would really like one someday (maybe you have a used one you would like to loan me for the next few years)
Anyway, alas it is time to bid you adue, I hope all is well, God Bless.
Rodney
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