my house

I am having a lazy day today. Jeremy is out with a friend, and I am enjoying some time alone. I was browsing my usual blogs, and came across this!!

this is my house!

To see my house and street, click here!

You can build a house too, and add it to Green Gardens Street.

My house also has a garden in the back for organic vegetables, and some fruit trees. There is also a beautiful patio. The roof is also made of grass, even though I'm not sure if you can have a chimney with a grass roof!!! If you want to come and stay, we cook an awesome organic breakfast, and we have a beautiful guest room and amazing linens. You also have your own en-suite bathroom, with an antique, extremely deep, sloped back, soaker tub. And extra large towels from France. We have a library and a sun room, so you can read by the fire, or if you prefer, lounging in a sun beam. Our flooring is all reclaimed, and heated........

I could go on and on and on........

must practice!!

i want a desk

now we just need to find one.......... and then work miracles to find a space to put it!! I've started writing again, but it is difficult to write without a proper place. And I don't like writing at the kitchen table. It's not the right size, and when I'm sitting there I just want to eat all day. So. The search for a desk begins, and the writing continues on the big chair. I'm an old school writer, apparently. I like the feeling of writing fiction with a pen and paper.

It's been all things creative here for the past week. As well as writing, I picked up my sketch book and have been doing some drawing with some sketching felts. Chickadee's and some other random ideas have all been sketched.

Practicing has been going well. I took a bit of a break for a while, gasp, I probably shouldn't admit it- as taking breaks are often frowned upon in my profession. It's fun to be playing, and I am thinking about scheduling a recital in May or maybe early/mid August.

Other crazy ideas have also been flying around in my brain. I'm thinking about going back to school, just thinking right now, and maybe doing something non-music related..... we shall see. I'm NOT saying that I'm stopping music. I'm just thinking about getting some schooling in an area that I could do while having a music career. I like to do too many things!! I'll post more about that if and when things get a little more serious!!

It's getting to be time for a haircut. It's January, which means that I am fighting the colour battle again. Blonde is beckoning....... maybe just some highlights?? Probably just a trim. It's getting long. When it's wet, it is mid back. That is CRAZY long for me. I think the longest it's been since I was in grade 3!!

I'm tired.

My sweatpants are calling my name.

Oh yeah! Mary- I dreamed about you last night!! We were in some forested place, teaching at a music camp. We were finished teaching for the day and were catching up on each other's lives. It was dusk when we were suddenly surrounded by mountain lions/cougars (just 2 of them). Luckily there was a good climbing tree near us, and we scaled up the tree and into the back door of the building near us!!

meteorologist wannabe

I always love it when a weather warning is issued. Thunderstorms or snow storms, the crazier the better. Usually the warnings don't pan out, and the supposed 'awful' storm blows on by, leaving us with only a few drops of rain or what couldn't even be called a blanket of snow. And more importantly, leaving me waiting for the next exciting weather warning.

Last night a weather warning was issued for the Toronto area. 10 - 15 centimeters of snow, snow pellets and freezing rain was expected. I was ecstatic!! Our first real snow storm of the year. YAY!! I could hear the scratchy sound of snow pellets falling all night. I was thrilled. I even read the full out warning....... I have to share some of it with you. Who knew that someone at Environment Canada had a sense of humour?!! I guess in Canada you have to have one if you're in the weather field!!

Taken from
Environment Canada's Official Weather Warnings

Warnings
City of Toronto
3:50 PM EST Sunday 14 January 2007
Snowfall Warning
10-15 cm of heavy snow mixed with ice pellets. Overnight and Monday.

"...... Despite the lull, the battle between the mild air well to the south and the invading cold Arctic air of winter from the north is not over........ Winter will finally win this latest battle with the mild air as the storm center races off into New England by Monday evening. In it's wake, the coldest airmass so far this season will invade by Tuesday. Temperatures will plunge several degrees below normal as winter finally settles in, for the time being."

Battles, invasions, storms, racing off and more invasions. I think the person who wrote this secretly wants to write fantasy novels instead!!!

Alas, the warning has ended and all that is forecast now are a few pitiful flurries. And so, like usual, I am left to eagerly await the coveted, much anticipated, highly elusive perfect storm.

It's up

Just in case you want to read about our Christmas in Winnipeg, it's now up!! Just scroll down the page a bit.

Happy Birthday Natasha!

We haven't put her present in the mail yet...... but this is what will be arriving in a few days.

Epic Christmas Adventures Part 2, Winnipeg

We flew into Winnipeg on December 21st, and arrived just after midnight. It wasn't THAT cold.... But still cold enough for SNOW! YAY!!

After a day and a bit of lazing around, Jeremy and I, along with his sisters, Tamara and Natasha, ventured out to see a movie. We had decided beforehand that we'd see Night at the Museum together, and we weren't disappointed! It was entertaining and we had a great time!!

Feeling the lack of any physical activity combined with indulging too many holiday treats, Jeremy and I decided to go for a walk when we got home from the movie. There was a pretty fantastic house not too far from his that we wanted to get a picture of.
This picture doesn't quite do the insane, over the top, decorating justice- but I liked that you can see my frosty breath!! I also like the eerie effect the glowing red Santa creates in the upper right hand corner. I also have a fondness for Christmas light pictures that turn out like this:

On the way home we happened upon
an opportunity that I seldom find......

A chance to practice my slam dunk!!!





Christmas eve was a day of trains! We went for a nice walk in the afternoon, and happened upon these photo opportunities......

This was another fun picture....... (even though it's not really part of the train theme)

Christmas eve night we all piled into the car (3 in the front, 3 in the back) and made our way to where we were about to have THE COOLEST MINI TRAIN RIDE EVER!!!!!

With Christmas music playing in the background, we wandered through the forest- all lit up, and made our way to the ultimate toy train. We waited in line, and boarded our train (17 of us in total, sitting single file, and ALL ADULTS!! Hahaha- I think we were excited enough that we all looked like a bunch of kids!!

Here's one of Jeremy and I. Can you tell we're feeling just a bit nutty?!!

And here's one looking backwards on our train:

These are 2 that Natasha took during our train ride. Aren't they awesome?!

And last but not least, here's a bike on our way back to the car:

Christmas morning was nice and relaxing. We all enjoyed some good laughs while opening up gifts.

I had 2 stockings!!

(you also can't miss the hot pink, polar bear pj's...... a Christmas eve surprise from Jeremy!!!)
Jeremy got some sexy new sweat pants from Roots. This picture makes me laugh SO HARD!!! Especially with his kick ass (err, karate donkey) t-shirt..... Here's one of me opening a beautiful scarf from Tamara.
And here is perhaps one of the most important gifts Jeremy got. Because sometimes you just don't know what is really dangerous.........

It's filled with tons of valuable lessons like:

and,

The rest of our day was filled with family, food and fun, as was most of our time in Winnipeg. We laughed, we played (Pictionary, bingo, scattergories, and cribbage). We rode trains and walked in the park. And we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our Christmas in Winnipeg.

The End.

Epic Christmas Adventures Part 1, Toronto

When you live in an apartment the size of a garage, you have to learn to improvise. We (or more accurately, I) desperately wanted a Christmas tree this year- which obviously brings up the issue of space- of which we have very limited quantities. Desperate times require desperate measures, and to have a Christmas tree was of dire importance. So, with 5 minutes and a pack of markers, our first Christmas tree was created!

The only thing that would make this tree complete was presents- which arrived the same day! Packed not in a red, velvet bag, but instead in a gorgeous red suitcase, our presents arrived safe and sound from Calgary. I dove in, and discovered japanese mandarins and a delicious fruit cake packed in with care. YUM! All that was left was to put the gifts under our fantastic new tree. Luckily we only had to wait a few days before we were able to open all of the presents!!


I spent the day cleaning and shopping for a strand of lights. Do you know how hard it was to find Christmas lights a few days before Christmas?! I searched everywhere, and finally found a few packs at the Shoppers Drug Mart 2 minutes from our place!! A strand of fun snowflake lights lit up the couch, and some coloured bulbs provided cheery colour.





The Christmas lights were lit and the

stockings were filled and 'hung'. Now all we had to wait for was the highly anticipated phone call from Calgary!




The phone finally rang and Christmas in Toronto could officially begin. Jeremy and I, along with our good friend Christopher, all took turns talking with my Mom, Dad, Sister and her boyfriend, while we opened up the gifts!!

As you can already tell, much fun and laughter occurred during the course of our long-distance Christmas phone call extravaganza. If you have to spend Christmas away from your family, this is the way to do it!!!
After our long and wonderful conversation, Christmas wishes, and long distance kisses and hugs, it was time to say "Good-bye". I didn't want to.... I couldn't hang up.... I missed my family so much! It was so hard to let them go! I put the phone down on the receiver and could feel the emptiness and sadness closing in.... Something had to be done- and quick!!! The fantastic atmosphere couldn't turn sad now!!! There was only one thing that could save the evening......

CHRISTMAS FASHION SHOW!!!!!

Jeremy modeling his new shirt and tie from my parents
And now holding up my present to him- "Hotter than I should be" of which the $$ spent on it goes toward the WWF campaign for climate change!
saveourclimate.ca

A new fun scarf from my Mom and Dad

My favourite new comfy shirt and new grey sweat pants from Lululemon....

Thank You!!!

Jeremy playing with his new Henckel knife set
Thank you Santa!!!

Thank goodness that Jeremy gets the gift of 'Danger Knowledge' in Winnipeg!!

With a stylish hat and mitt combo like this, there's only one place to go.....


WINNIPEG


Read about our adventures in Winnipeg....
coming soon

A nice thought

As I was going to teach the other day, I noticed a sign with a message so nice that I wanted to share it with all of you as well.

The Past is behind us,
The Future is yet to come,
Today is a gift-
And that is why it is called the Present.

Mandarin Orange Memories

They're sweet, round, juicy, the perfect size and easy to peel. They are often found in the bottom of a Christmas stocking, tenderly packed in with the hope for some vitamins to be consumed along with all of the chocolate!! They are great for packed lunches (again, the easy to peel factor) and are a constant source of amusement for children of all ages who enjoy the challenge of peeling it off in one whole piece, or making various fun shapes- my personal favourite being the elephant!

The fancy box they arrive in herald the beginning of a new holiday season. It also reminds us that there are limited weekends left until fancy boxes of another type are due to be carefully wrapped and precisely placed under a glimmering Christmas tree. They are the perfect evening snack, delicately unwrapped and enjoyed in almost silence- serenaded only by the sounds of the Christmas tree lights blinking on and off. Under the perfect circumstances you can even hear the unmistakable sounds of ornaments clinking together announcing that someone (or something!!) is investigating certain shiny packages.

Sugary sweet, they're the obvious solution for an early morning snack while you wait for everyone to FINALLY wake up so the chaos of stockings and presents can begin. They're equally as fabulous when enjoyed as a mid-afternoon chocolate crash fix. Perhaps one of the best things about them is how easy it is to peel all of that icky white stuff off of them!!

Ah, the mandarin orange. So decadent, because really, how many other fruits are there that you get to unwrap before you even get to the peeling parts?







- a brief aside- Does anyone know if japanese mandarins are available anywhere in Toronto?? All I can ever find are the chinese mandarins, or clementines. Also- isn't it funny how peel and unpeel are both used to describe the same action??

Time for some vitamin c. and sleep.

It's raining, it's pouring, I wish that it was snowing

Well, December 1st and it is POURING rain outside. This weather is not condusive to grocery shopping, doing laundry (I have to go outside) or any other task that I really actually need to do. What it is good for is blogging, knitting, t.v. vegging, sleeping in until noon, and eating too many cookies. I would add practicing to my list, but I have quite the cold right now, so I am procrastinating practicing as well. Other things I could be doing inside include dishes, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom and dusting. But frankly, if I'm not practicing, those things probably aren't going to get done either!!!

Also, being the Alberta girl that I am, I have to say that December is for SNOW. NOT rain. I have new winter boots, that are waterproof, but I think snow waterproof and rain waterproof are two very different things, so I'm a bit nervous to wear them out in the pouring rain. I saw a fancy pair of rubber boots the other day- a nice charcoal grey on the foot part, with some brown/grey tweed material up the leg. Very nice. I never thought I would be considering investing in a pair of rubber boots in December.

Jeremy's Christmas List

Certain people are also wondering what to get Jeremy for Christmas.....

Here is his Christmas List!

Cd's

• Metallica (everyone needs a little Metallica)
  
• Daniel in the Lion's Den (with/by) Daniel Perantoni (this is a tuba CD)
• Mingus albums (jazz) except Ah Um and Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus (we already have those ones) (also, no compilations)
• Curtis Mayfield
  

Sweat pants from Roots (probably a size large, grey, and either with or without elastic at the bottom is fine).

Dress Shirts (The brand ENRO at Sears fits great. Size LT 16L - 16 1/2 L)

Fun socks (He really likes Michael Kors socks, which you can often find at Winners)

My Christmas List

There are a few people out there who might need some ideas for Christmas presents....

Here's a short list!

Books:

One Hundred Views of Edo, by Hiroshige (at Chapters)

Books by Alexander McCall Smith:
Love Over Scotland
Blue Shoes and Happiness
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies

Other ideas:

knee high argyle socks
gel pens

magazine subscription to Domino Magazine (dominomag.com)

29 sleeps to go.....

The perfect reason for a new pair of shoes...

I'm going to be a bridesmaid!
Time to start looking for the perfect pair of heels.......

YAY!!

More to come soon! I'm off to play a concert now!

The life of a Working Musician

Is busy, busy, busy. Very busy. Incredibly busy. Fun, always entertaining, hilarious, touching, and unbelievably rewarding are also words to describe it. Perks include being able to sleep in on a weekday, setting your own schedule (and vacation time!), and doing what you love and getting paid for it. Things that aren't so great are not being able to sleep in on Saturday's, vacation time- really- if you're a musician do you really have the luxury of "vacation time"??!!, and the feeling that you need to take on everything you get called for, because if you don't take it, someone else will!

Things here are pretty great.

I have a full day teaching at the studio on Saturday's, and then a private student coming to our place late Saturday afternoon. I wasn't sure about teaching at a studio....... But I have to say that I am really enjoying it. You can check out the studio and all of the great people I work with here. My students are all wonderful. There's not one that I am counting the time until the lesson is over with. That's amazing. I have a pretty gifted student- I thought he was in grade 12- maybe grade 11, but found out today that he is only in grade 10- Woohoo!! 2 more years to mold him into an amazing player.

My one private student that I wasn't sure about has blossomed into an excited, eager, interested student and all I have to say about that is YAY!!!

It's been a while since I last posted- so here's the Cole's notes edition of what's been happening at the coach house besides teaching, eating, cleaning and sleeping.

Went to my first Raptors game. Jeremy scored free tickets. They sucked. (The Raptors not the tickets!!) I'm not sure if that's why I wasn't really interested, or if I actually don't really care for basketball. We saw Borat last weekend- wow. It is really over the top. Anyone else have opinions??

I've had a few gigs- a bat mitzvah last night, and tomorrow I'm playing background music for an art show with a guitarist. I've been rehearsing with TWO for our concert next Monday, and this week I'll be rehearsing with the RCO and playing a concert with them on Friday night.

We've been out with a few friends for dinner, had some over for dinner and brunch, and been treated to a few great meals. There's hockey on the go for tonight, (on the t.v, not at the game) and finally a sleep in tomorrow.

My sister rescued 2 new cats- and they are SO CUTE- although I haven't seen any new pictures...... Hint, hint........

And that's about it!! It seemed like there was more to write about, and there probably is. Maybe next time!!

Clouseau, the Velveteen Rabbit, and an eat in kitchen

I am a lucky woman. Yesterday Jeremy decided that it would be nice for me to have some down time and go shopping, while he cleaned the house. I found some crazy deals at Club Monaco- t-shirts for $5 kind of great deals!! Feeling great about the fantastic purchases, I came home to find our kitchen furniture totally rearranged!! Our centre island is now serving as a room divider, and we now have an "eat in" kitchen! I love it!

Last night we went for dinner at our friends house, and on our way home decided to take some pictures of some graffiti we had noticed a few weeks ago:

When we first saw this one, it was one complete shadow portrait (minus the car dragging a gangsta). I think it is of the Velveteen Rabbit...... What do you think?

students, students, students

Thank goodness for the time change. I think that this is one of my favourite nights of the year. Last year we were in the process of moving into our little coach house, and we completely forgot about the time change, until we were on our way to pick up the u-haul. However, tonight the time change is part of the plans, and we plan to savour every second of the extra hour. Yay sleep!!

And sleep is totally needed. I got 2 calls this weekend for new students, so I am now up to 25 students!! 7 at SCS, 8 at the studio on Saturday's, and 10 private students. Sixteen of them are half an hour lessons, one is a 45 minute lesson (although he might move up to an hour after Christmas) and 8 of them are full hour lessons, and just one of those hour students are at the studio. It's good. It's busy, but I find teaching to be incredibly rewarding. And it is always challenging- plus you never know what kinds of stories the little kids are going to tell you!!! So far this year, I've learned about 25 different pet names, know more kids favourite foods than I ever thought I would, and am constantly hearing about various adventures- from trips to foreign places to school field trips. My time teaching is always interesting!!! Another thing I am enjoying this year is that I now have a few advanced students- working on Grade 8 RCM or above. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to teach MUSIC. As much as I totally love teaching the cute little beginners, it has been fantastic to have a variety of levels and repertoire to work on.

So, I feel like I'm officially making it as a musician. I am playing gigs, doing some sub work, and teaching up a storm. It's been over a year and a half since I had a non-music job, and I have to say it feels pretty good to start to be able to make ends meet doing something I love. Now if only we had a house (with a garden), with a separate music studio so Jeremy didn't have to hide out somewhere while I'm teaching........ well, a girl can dream can't she??!!

one of the perks of teaching...

Pictures* from People's

Ahh, you have to love People's. It's kind of hard to see, but they are actually waving at us (from the window on the right) for this picture! Also- the caution taping is Halloween decoration, just incase you were wondering!!

Our friends Melissa and Michael, and a semi view of the kitchen (to the right), and the bar seating (behind).

Jeremy and I, totally full. I like this picture, because it's hard to determine just exactly what Jeremy is thinking!! Is he full and content? Is he looking wistfully at the Jukebox wishing we'd brought some change? Or is he enjoying the feel of the cashmere sweater he bought me for my birthday??

*Pictures courtesy of my new and amazing digital camera!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Bowling, Boxes and Brunch!

I had a great birthday weekend. Saturday night was so fun- bowling was a riot!! The first ball I threw was a strike, and it stayed pretty similar until my arm got tired toward the end of the 2nd game. Who would have thought?!! I won the first game, and Jeremy won the 2nd game. After 2 hours of glow in the dark, black lighting and disco lighting we headed out to the pub by our place, where we celebrated with a few drinks, and some fun conversation.

We slept in, and then after presents and phone calls, we headed out to our old neighbourhood and had brunch at the best greasy spoon in Toronto- People's. Melissa stayed with us for the weekend, which was such a nice surprise and it was lovely to have her as our guest and to have brunch with her and Michael.

A luxurious nap in the afternoon was followed by a rehearsal last night with the Toronto Wind Orchestra, and I was again spoiled by my friend Laura who surprised me with cake (complete with flaming candles) and a bottle of scotch.

It was my best birthday since I moved to Toronto, and I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and cards and wishes. I love you and miss you!!

I like packages

For (I think) the first time since Jeremy and I moved into our coachhouse, we got packages delivered to our door!! In the past I have had to trek to the not so close post office to pick up parcels and such- but not today!! And thank goodness- because it is raining and grey outside.

So now I am faced with a predicament...... do I go crazy and tear with excitment into my packages right now? Or do I wait until Sunday...... crazy tearing or patience, crazy tearing..... Personally, I'm all for the craziness...... but maybe I should wait until my actual Birthday! 2 days to go.

It's been a busy month. I am doing a ton of teaching, and loving every minute. My students are a varied range of ages and levels- so it is always interesting and challenging. I just started teaching a 12 year old boy this week, (at his house- can you say PETS galore!! They have 2 dogs, and 4 cats!) and tomorrow I have 3 new students starting at the studio. So I'm up to 22 students now.

I had my shellfish allergy test a couple weeks ago- and was disappointed to find out that I am not a mutant freak, and am still severly allergic to shellfish. Boo. No busting out to Red Lobster in celebration- instead Jeremy got to toss the tempting shrimp ring in the trash. Believe me, there were tears shed.

There are exciting plans for my Birthday weekend!! For the past 2 years, I've had gigs for pretty much the entire day and evening, but this weekend I am free!! Tomorrow night we are going 10 pin glow bowling, which should be a riot. I'll bring the camera. Before that we're heading over to our great friends Matt and Michelle's to have pre-bowling dinner and drinks. After bowling we'll hang out with friends at the local pub. And then Sunday is free for breakfast and presents. And to top it off, I just found out last night that my friend Melissa is in town for the weekend, and will be staying with us!! YAY!

Time to tidy up and then get some groceries!! Must resist the tempation of the temptingly tempting packages........

Girl vs Treadmill

Okay- I know I'm supposed to be cleaning...... but I was just taking a quick break, browsing a few blogs- and found this. It gets funnier the more you watch it. I love the sounds..... I promise to write a real post soon......