Moment with Margot: A Girl And Her Cat

The presence of a pet in a child's life offers them companionship, security and love. I grew up (from the ages of 7 to 28) with my Minette who slept in my bed, listened to me read aloud, allowed to be held and petted at all times of the day, felt my tears. She was always there for me; my confident.

Even though Margot is still a bit rough with Luna, she has displayed great love and affection towards her pet: "Ma belle Luna! My sweetheart! I love you, Luna!" she enthusiastically chimes almost daily, while she kisses the top of Luna's head and strokes her soft back.

Friends

A listener of stories and watcher of pictures

A protector at night

A comforting presence

Someone to hug when you need time alone

Thoughts: Smartphones

This is our phone: cell and landline in one.

in its original, now-tattered case

closed with a pic of my foot

open

As a flip-phone, no data plan, no text plan-user, I know that I'm a minority in my social circles. Maybe I should go with the flow and buy a smartphone and join what I've been missing these last few years. Maybe I should be more "connected". However, I just don't see the need. I like my flip phone. It does the job. I also don't have a GPS. I use a good (updated: 2015!) map of the area with an alphabetical listing of all the streets. The Weather App? I listen to the radio before leaving the house in the morning. I'm doing just fine. 

Simon just received a snazzy iPhone 6 for his work (to replace his Blackberry). It's so cool, slick and user-friendly! For a few minutes, after fiddling around with his wallpaper options and ring tones; taking a few Margot pics (which I had to delete because it's his work phone) ; checking out the Cineplex app,  I wanted one! I was so tempted that I started justifying the monthly cost and planning all the apps I was going to get… "Why do you need a smartphone?" my practical Simon asked. Hum… Needless to say, this put on a damper on my short-lived enthusiasm. Why do I need one? I don't REALLY need one. 

My pragmatic self took over: If I had an iPhone, I think it would take over my leisure time. For example, instead of chatting with Simon during Margot's swimming lessons, I'd be playing solitaire on my phone while he would check work emails on his; instead of bringing a book with me to a coffee shop while waiting for a friend, I would be checking my emails, my eyes transfixed on a screen; instead of just waiting for the bus, breathing in the fresh Spring air and noticing the buds on the trees, I would be reading the news for the 5th time (this last one is hypothetical as I don't take the bus, and I'm sure the air at a bus stop doesn't smell like fresh rain).

To be honest, I don't think a smartphone would add anything to my life. Quite the contrary, I think it would take away from my daily hobbies and rob me from my precious time. If I did have a device,  I would need to monitor and control my daily dose of being "plugged in". I don't want to be a slave to technology. 

End notes:

Sad:

• I find disheartening to see so many people with their spines hunched over, eyes glazing at a small screen and fingers scrolling, in search of….?  ….

Happy:

• An interesting observation: when I'm rehearsing with my students, no one brings their phones onstage (they keep their phones in their bags on the seats of the auditorium). I was unaware of that until one evening when I asked someone for the time (and, as you probably know, no-one under the age of 25 wears a watch) and no-one knew. Then, one student exclaimed: "Wow! That's so rare! No one has their phone on them! This is probably the only place and time where/when this happens!"This is hopeful on how phones are being used.

Disclaimer: this blog post might be completely hypocritical in a year: perhaps I will join the 2010's and find great joy using my new iPhone 8 (!)

Fun: A Song on the Radio on a Snowy Friday Morning

Image the scene:

Snowy Friday morning.

Slick roads.

Traffic. (the opposite way that I was going, so I was ok)

Margot and Noa sitting in the backseat discussing Zelfian issues (more of that in a future post).

I, eyes on the road, driving them to school. 

CBC Radio 2 Morning on.

And this song comes up.

I smiled and tried to sing all the way to school. Awesome! Rocked my morning!

Here's why I like listening to the radio: you never know what song will play and surprise you. I love a good oldie once in awhile. 

To Inspire: A Spring Manifesto

Yes, I know, our Family Manifesto looks awfully similar (identical!?)  to Winter's (or last year's), but I think it's important that we are reminded of a few focus areas throughout the months. I like having goals and this encourages us to go out and play as a family.

I will also share my own goals for Spring:

(You'll quickly note that they are mostly focused on my physical well-being, but that's what I need and want now): 

-Sign up for a 5km - done! May 23rd is the day - and train 3x a week.

-Try something new. Last Summer, it was cello. This Spring, it's Modern Dance (although it's not quite new as I have taken a class more than 12 years ago)

-Finish knitting my poncho so I can enjoy wearing it on walks!
-Keep up my daily yoga practice.

What are your plans for Spring? (either individual or as a family)

Simple Pleasure: Sunday Evening

There is a quietude to Sunday evenings.
Here are some moments of my Sunday evening routine:
*Tidying up the kitchen after Simon's Sunday meal. note: I love how he cooks on weekends and I, during the week. It works with our schedules.
*Margot's earlier bedtime routine.
*Making lunches: chopping veggies, steaming broccoli (my lunch for Monday and Tuesday. I add grated cheese and pop it in the microwave for the cheese to melt. An easy lunch that makes me happy!)
*Organizing Margot's things for school: her class folder, her washed blankets, her lunchbox. I even lay out her snowsuit, mitts and hat by the front entrance. note: she picks her clothes before going to bed.
*Organizing my things in my work bag (marking folders, wallet, phone) Car keys nearby.
*Sometimes watching an episode of a show on Netflix. (We started watching Broadchurch a few days ago).
*Tucking into bed a bit earlier to catch up on a bit of reading. Delightful!

It's nice to have a slower pace on Sunday evenings. Once the work week begins, it quickens and we sometimes lose track of that Jazz and Candle soundtrack of Sunday evening.

Spring!

This is what Spring should look like, right?

Not quite yet…
However, milder temperatures are hovering in the air.

I find a change in the seasons (even if it's just a date on the calendar), quite rejuvenating. Spring! A new season! Time for plans and dreams and embrace something new. Even the word Spring creates a feeling of bounce and spark and lightness.
I wish I could properly celebrate the Equinox. I used to - way, way back - as a university student , when I had ample time, and it was acceptable to be dancing in the woods, lighting candles and chanting blessings. Have I piqued your curiosity? :) This deserves a blog post on its own.
I now write my seasonal Family Manifestos which I post on the fridge. I admit that it does work and all our monthly Winter outings do happen. Awesome!

***

On another note, family and friends, you will be thrilled to hear that I have decided that one of my personal plans this Spring is to blog more regularly.
Here are my topics (which I will rotate):
-A Moment with Margot
-Thoughts
-Simple Pleasure(s)
-To Inspire
-Randomness
I know that I haven't been consistent during the past seasons, but I'm not ready to let this blog just flop and dwindle. I have more to say and to share with you.

Kissing Winter Goodbye?

Well, the sun is shining; the birds are singing; the grass is peaking from under the snow. Can it be? Is it possible that a new season is under way?

Before we kiss Winter goodbye, here's a reminder of how fun it can be:

But also how cold and unfriendly it sometimes is:

I hope this is the last time you see me with my white and black coat, black snow pants and red tuque which I have adorned on every walk this season: