tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16135710242744719492024-03-13T14:05:22.701-04:00Pocketfulsstories, ideas, and healthy recipes worth keeping in your pocketsLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.comBlogger544125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-74461447607472835432018-03-28T19:20:00.000-04:002018-03-28T19:20:41.981-04:00Time for Goodbyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our last move brought us back to the same neighbourhood we lived in when we were just a young family. In the first few months of living in our current home, I'd often walk down our old street and pause for a moment at our first Waterloo house, somehow (illogically) expecting it to be exactly the same as I remembered it. It startled me at first to notice how the slender stick of a linden tree we had planted in the backyard when Noah was only a baby was suddenly towering, full and green, over the faded boards of the fence we had built years before. Of course, this change was not really sudden; it had happened gradually while we were building our life elsewhere.<br />
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I'm sometimes caught off-guard by how much we, too, have grown and changed over these years. There are moments during the hectic, full stage of life we're in now where I look up, expecting (illogically) to still find two curious young boys playing Lego in a heap on the floor by my feet. But the teenaged boys who smile back at me don't play Lego anymore; they're eagerly building futures for themselves, ones that are filled with fascinating ideas and bright promise now that they're almost close enough to touch. It's strange that I feel surprised by all of this growing when it has happened right before my eyes.<br />
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We know time is always passing, causing continuous subtle shifts that eventually result in significant changes from how things once were. I suppose it takes an absence of some kind to be able to really see them. I know now, after being elsewhere for awhile in my writing life, that I've grown away from this blog. I kept thinking one day I would come back to it and it would all feel the same, that I'd just pick up writing about our lives and my thoughts again when I had time. But when I stop in here now, I feel more like a nostalgic visitor, peering through windows to catch a glimpse of a place that I loved, and that we all have moved on from.<br />
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As the boys have grown older, I've felt less and less that the stories that involve them are mine to tell. I've shifted my writing energy in recent years to focus on one of my earliest loves: children's books. I'm thrilled to have recently signed my first author's contract -- Kids Can Press is publishing a non-fiction book I've written for young people. I feel it's time to say goodbye to this blog, along with the sweet stage of our life that fit within it.<br />
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I'm glad for the many joys I've found here since Pocketfuls' beginning: a personal creative outlet and a way to grow in writing and recipe development, the chance to record moments in our family's life, the opportunity to help others, the sense of community that grew from people sharing their own experiences and thoughts in comments. Thank you for coming and reading. Though I won't write in this space any longer, I plan to keep the old posts here. They're a touching (sometimes embarrassing!) reminder of who and where we once were.<br />
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I hope people who are now living in the stages we've grown out of might still come and feel at home here.<br />
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xo LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-81087988284204447042017-04-03T12:00:00.000-04:002017-04-03T17:00:33.522-04:00Easter Basket Ideas for Teen BoysSigns of spring are everywhere this week. The grass is beginning to green up and tiny buds are bursting open on the trees in our neigbourhood. Kids are reappearing on the street in the light hours of the evening, on bicycles and skateboards and in front of driveway basketball nets. Matt and the boys and I are enjoying experiencing the season for the first time in this home, as there are always new surprises popping up before us: the spiky green shoots of spring bulbs in unexpected places, bunnies and chipmunks darting about the backyard, birds of all kinds flying in and out of the conservation area just behind us and stopping in our yard to visit for awhile.<br />
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Knowing that we have a busy month ahead of us (after several equally hectic ones behind us!), I've been doing some advance preparations for Easter weekend -- meal planning, treat making, and figuring out what the Easter Bunny might bring this year for the thirteen and fifteen year old boys in our house. (Our Bunny believes that even big kids still enjoy a few sweet and small surprises tucked into a basket on Easter morning!) I've noticed that many Pinterest users recently have been pinning my last year's post about <a href="http://www.pocketfuls.ca/2016/03/easter-basket-ideas-for-tweenteen-boys.html">Easter basket ideas for tween and teen boys</a>, so I thought I'd share a second collection of teen-approved suggestions for this year. These small-sized, useful, and fun items are all things that my boys do or would enjoy, but of course, any of them would be great Easter basket ideas for teen girls, too!<br />
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<i>First column</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.softmoc.com/ca/accessory/converse/accessories/key-chains/k10194/ct-key-chain-hi-black">Converse key chain</a>: Give them their favourite sneaker in miniature size, just right for holding a house or bike lock key or for attaching to a backpack. These key chains come in an assortment of colours.<br />
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<a href="https://www.deserres.ca/en/wallet-4-pitt-manga-drawing-set-black">Artist pens</a>: Teens who love to draw their own comics might appreciate this set of four black artist pens of different thicknesses (extra-superfine, superfine, fine, and broad).<br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/antsylabs/fidget-cube-a-vinyl-desk-toy">Fidget cube</a>: The unique sides of this small cube offer six different ways to fidget -- flipping, clicking, spinning, and more. It's a great little gadget for teens who like something for their hands to do while their mind is focused on school work or creative projects.<br />
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<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-science-of-why-answers/9781501144295-item.html?ikwid=science+of+why&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Science of Why book</a>: Teens will find fascinating, witty answers to thirty-nine questions in this science book for all ages, including why Tyrannosaurus Rex's arms were so short and whether or not we dream in colour.<br />
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<a href="https://well.ca/brand/swell.html?gclid=CILomoHDiNMCFQWQaQodZZYFYQ">S'well insulated water bottle</a>: Encourage your teens to stay healthily hydrated throughout the day with a practical and stylish bottle that keeps water cold for 24 hours.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/shop/en/easter/2361039-camino-dark-chocolate-easter-bunny-.html">Dark chocolate bunny</a>: An Easter basket favourite, this tasty version is made from organic, fair-trade dark chocolate, and is nut-free.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/GT3-4PK-A1-Reusable-3-Inch-Rubber-Assorted/dp/B004MMEHKG">Gear ties</a>: These three inch rubber twist ties are great for helping keep teens' many gadget cords organized and tangle-free.<br />
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<a href="https://eatingevolved.com/collections/coconut-butter-cups">Dark chocolate coconut butter cups</a>: Dark chocolate cups filled with coconut butter are a delicious treat for anyone. They come in four flavours: classic, banana cream, mint cream, and caramel + sea salt.<br />
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<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/electronics/whoosh-screen-shine-go-cleaner/837296000045-item.html?ikwid=whoosh&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Whoosh! screen shine</a>: A portable bottle of non-toxic screen cleaner and a cloth come in handy for keeping phone, tablet, and laptop screens smudge-free.<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/nike-ball-pump-0841529p.html">Nike ball pump</a>: This pocket-sized pump is a great choice for on-the-go teens who love a good pick-up basketball game.<br />
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<a href="https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5052-869/SpokeLit-LED-Wheel-Light-Disc-O-Select">SpokeLit wheel light</a>: Keep your bike-riding teens safe in the dark with these LED lights that attach easily to wheel spokes and increase the rider's visibility.<br />
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<a href="https://shop.herschelsupply.ca/collections/wallets">Herschel wallet</a>: These nicely designed, sturdy wallets have ample space for a teen boy's essentials, and they come in a variety of appealing styles and colours.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0177RN5VO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Clip-on camera lens kit</a>: If you have teens who are budding photographers, this set of 3-in-1 clip-on camera lenses would be a fun gift. The set comes with a fish-eye lens, a wide angle lens, and a macro lens, each of which clips easily onto a phone to capture different types of images. These lenses are compatible with a wide variety of phone types (Apple and Android).<br />
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We'll be spending most of our Easter weekend at a robotics competition (the high school team Noah and Will are part of made it to the Ontario District Championships - hooray!), but we'll be back just in time for the boys to find their Easter morning surprises. The first Easter in a new home makes for a whole new batch of extra-tricky hiding spots for the Bunny to choose from. Good luck, boys! :)<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-42778778466686706822017-02-01T18:40:00.001-05:002017-02-01T21:04:51.914-05:00The Kindness of Strangers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I lost one of my favourite mittens in the grocery store yesterday morning. I had the pair of them stuffed in my jacket pocket while I shopped, and when I reached the last store aisle, I looked down and noticed there was only one remaining there. The mittens were relatively new, having been a Christmas gift from Matt, and it upset me that I had somehow separated the pair. Even though I was pressed for time because I was supposed to pick up Noah at school, I backtracked through the entire store, pushing my heavy cart in front of me and scouring the floor and shelves for a hopeful sign of familiar chunky-knit gray and white wool with a jaunty stripe in red. My search turned up nothing useful, so I resignedly headed to the checkout counter and prepared to leave the store.<br />
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On my way out, I decided to pass by the customer service desk, hoping I could ask someone there if the store had a lost and found box where my mitten might have (luckily) ended up. But before I even reached the customer service person, I spotted my mitten lying right there in plain sight on the counter. Some thoughtful person had placed it there, hoping its owner might see it and retrieve it as she passed by. (My mitten was lying next to a random block of cheese, and I wondered if someone had lost that, too, and if so, I hoped they'd be reunited with it!) The little, but meaningful, good deed by a stranger completely made my day.<br />
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This morning I picked up Noah from his last exam and took him to the nearby Starbucks for a celebratory hot drink. While we were there, I noticed an elderly woman approach a middle-aged woman in the lineup and initiate a conversation, though it was clear that the two women didn't know each other. The elderly woman was asking for directions to a street that doesn't even exist in our city, and the other woman was kindly trying to clarify where exactly she wanted to go. When the elderly woman said she thought she might have a doctor's appointment on a certain street today and wasn't sure how to get there, the other woman offered to help her, first by having the elderly woman follow her in her car, and then, when she realized the elderly woman didn't have a car, by personally driving her there. The middle-aged woman found out the name of the doctor from the elderly woman and called that medical office, just to confirm that she was going to the right place. From what I could gather from the one-sided phone conversation, the elderly woman did not actually have an appointment there, and in fact, was not even a patient at that office. It was heartbreaking to realize the extent to which this elderly woman was confused.</div>
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After a little more chit chat, the elderly woman said goodbye, headed out of the coffee shop and began walking down the street. The middle-aged woman, still visibly concerned, decided to notify the police in an effort to ensure the elderly woman's safety. She wondered aloud afterwards whether she had done the right thing, but she felt that she had to help somehow. Noah and I were both touched to see such care shown to a complete stranger.</div>
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What is the point of telling small stories of lost mittens and Starbucks encounters? Because I think in our current climate of political upheaval, hurt, hatred, violence, division, and outrage, it's important to know that there are still good things happening around us. Fear and anger about the state of our world make us want to look away, to shut ourselves off from the constant stream of overwhelming news and focus only on the relative safety of ourselves and those close to us. But there is hope to be found in the tiny acts of kindness towards strangers that are still everywhere, if we're willing to keep our eyes and hearts open to experience them.</div>
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I think acknowledging and trying to understand the challenges, misfortunes, and suffering of others is necessary; it is empathy that often compels us to be our most loving and giving selves. But we also need to be heartened by continuing to notice the good, whether it be in small, local gestures or in grand ones happening on a more global scale. We need to notice, and then join our unique voices or hands or brains to the many others that are working, in their own positive ways, to crowd out cruelty, ignorance, indifference, and hatred. We need to keep believing that we each have it in us to make our shared spaces and experiences better for one another.</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-75780598995394262662017-01-26T15:04:00.001-05:002017-01-27T10:53:04.557-05:00Love Letters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I did a lot of rummaging and sorting through storage boxes when we were packing to move houses back in the fall. Many long forgotten keepsakes turned up in that process -- old photographs and small handmade articles of clothing, travel trinkets and stacks of eager school projects -- stirring poignant memories from the quiet inner corners where I'd tucked them away years earlier.<br />
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One found item was a letter I had handwritten and mailed to my Grandma Atkinson back when I was a university student at Queen's. (The letter came into my hands again years later when my aunt and I tenderly sorted and packed up my grandma's apartment for her move into a nursing home.) There was nothing out of the ordinary in this letter; it was one of many notes I had written to her to say hello and to share tidbits of my daily life as a student living far from home, at a time when the cost of long distance phone calls was prohibitive. But that letter, written in my tiny, even cursive, was a very physical reminder of a long ago self that has faded and fallen further beyond my current reach as the years have passed. Reading it again had a powerful emotional effect on me.<br />
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I don't remember exactly when I stopped regularly writing letters to people by hand. I'm assuming my letter writing activity, like many other people's, simply tapered off as email took over, and it became easier to connect with others by sending off a few quickly typed lines of text any time I wanted to. But I'm reminded every time I receive a piece of handwritten mail from a loved one of just how touching this kind of correspondence can be. My Grandma Deresti's cursive takes me back into her warm, familiar kitchen when she sends me a handwritten recipe in an envelope, and a note from my parents, faintly scented by my mom's handcream as she looped her pen along the page, allows me to be happily closer to them for a moment, even though they're an eight hour drive away. A handwritten message somehow reaches the brain and the heart in a different way, I think, than a text or an emoji sent from a keyboard can.<br />
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I was glad yesterday to read about <a href="http://incowrimo.org/">InCoWriMo</a>, a "vintage social media" movement that encourages people to handwrite and mail or deliver one letter, card, note, or postcard to someone each day for the month of February. I still send handwritten cards to family and friends for special occasions, but I love the idea of sending a non-typewritten letter or note to someone "just because". February can be a tough and lonely month for people, as the gray, cold days of winter drag on. It seems a perfect time to dust off the cute stationery that's been hiding on a shelf somewhere and use it to brighten someone's day (and maybe redevelop a lovely habit for the longer term). If the idea of writing a letter a day seems too much, perhaps InCoWriMo can inspire us to send off a cheerful, leisurely written note to someone even a couple of times next month. This would be a great little project to involve the kids in, too -- who doesn't love receiving a few creatively spelled words scrawled in crayon by a little one in their mailbox?<br />
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Will sometimes tells me I'm a dinosaur, because I'm often reluctant to embrace the latest tech trends and I still cling hopefully to my paper and pens. Call me a dinosaur if you like, but the act of slowing down for a few minutes and sending thoughtful messages to loved ones the old-fashioned way appeals to the sentimentalist in me. Some outdated practices just seem too nice to become extinct.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-26707917679812459802017-01-14T16:00:00.000-05:002017-01-16T08:36:45.573-05:00Winter WonderingWell hello, long-neglected blog space! Nice to see you again. I'm not even sure what I've come here to write about today (everything and nothing seems like a good topic when I've left so many gaps to fill in), but I was starting to feel like if I didn't come back soon, I just might never again, and so here I am. Happy January!<br />
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We had a lovely holiday season, Matt and the boys and I, one that was everything we always hope for when we have some time off together to celebrate and recharge: a couple of weeks filled with family, favourite foods, laughter, fun and relaxation, cozy moments spent at home, and lively moments spent outdoors enjoying Mother Nature's most beautiful seasonal displays. We hosted dinners and went to relatives' houses, decorated a gingerbread house, played board games and ping pong, read new books and magazines, did a giant puzzle, went walking in the nearby conservation area after a pretty snowfall, and went sledding down a deserted hill on the coldest night of the winter so far. (This was the boys' idea, and though Matt and I didn't really appreciate it at first suggestion, hearing the boys' laughter ring out as they flew down the hill under a starry winter's night sky later made the frozen toes and fingers feel worth it.)<br />
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The down time was very welcome; it was a good period of restfulness and togetherness before we headed into what now feels like the busiest season we've ever experienced.<br />
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Our family calendar is bursting right now, to the point of almost being ridiculous. Both Noah and Will are currently involved in an assortment of worthwhile, but demanding, activities. Noah coaches swimming at his old swim club four days a week and has meets to go to some weekends; he also practices a couple of days a week in the pool with his high school swim team. (He had a very successful season before Christmas and is moving on to the CWOSSA championships).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Noah made the local newspaper! :)</i></span></div>
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He has also kicked it into high gear with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/frc3683/">Team Dave</a>, the high school robotics team, which is in its hectic six-week build season right now. What this basically means is that Noah is at the school doing something related to robots any moment of the day/evening/weekend that he is not doing something else.<br />
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Will is gearing up for competitive dance season, with extra practices and events on top of his regular three days a week of training, and he made his school basketball team this season (something he was really proud of considering his relative height disadvantage!), so he has games now after school. His Lego robotics team made provincials at the qualifying tournament back in December, so he is still hard at work with his teammates several days a week, improving their robot, missions, and project in preparation for the next round, plus, he has also joined the high school robotics team that Noah is on (which means that he is also at the school doing something related to robots any moment of the day/evening/weekend that he is not doing something else.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK1CEJoXgkbOY7VjCVT8Thbm4YX9B0kMq67If698zDF6iiYuLz3fNgMPYZ3PAWWyTX1SurBR4DqlT_HRwHFxqhFSquo_Q6HMK0mFkc1PFep7S7RxjTZeUJ06ejOZxDLevLbNZxfokEehy/s1600/will+at+robotics+tournament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK1CEJoXgkbOY7VjCVT8Thbm4YX9B0kMq67If698zDF6iiYuLz3fNgMPYZ3PAWWyTX1SurBR4DqlT_HRwHFxqhFSquo_Q6HMK0mFkc1PFep7S7RxjTZeUJ06ejOZxDLevLbNZxfokEehy/s640/will+at+robotics+tournament.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It is really wonderful to see them both so happily engaged and learning in so many different areas, but it's also hard not to feel like my head is going to explode trying to keep all of their schedules straight and make sure they are fed well before we need to dash off to the next thing. I need to keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time, and to enjoy this richly full period of our lives, because like so many other phases of the boys' youth, it too will one day suddenly be behind us and I'll look back on it with a sense of wistfulness that it's over.<br />
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In the midst of all of the busyness of life with two very involved teen boys, I also need to remember to keep myself and my own interests front of mind. I've been thinking recently about where I want to direct my creative energies in the coming months. The process of moving houses, and then getting ready for Christmas, were the focus of almost all of my free time and attention throughout the fall and early winter, but now that I've spent a week wrapping my head around the new schedules and gathering new recipes that will work for healthy, hurried meals (see my personal <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lisa.betik">Facebook page</a> for a great collection of slow cooker recipe suggestions from friends!), I feel that if I put off starting a meaningful project of my own any longer, I'm just making excuses. I've missed writing; I can feel myself getting frustrated and antsy when I've been away from it too long, and each additional day away makes it easier and easier to keep procrastinating. As a means of getting back into a regular writing habit, I'm going to start using Lynda Barry's suggestions for keeping a <a href="https://chapmancommunityoutreach.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/lynda-barry-on-keeping-a-diary/">daily journal</a>. (Thanks to local writer <a href="http://carriesnyder.com/">Carrie Snyder</a> for introducing me to Barry's work.)<br />
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I hope the new year has been kind to all of you so far, and that you, too, are finding everyday life to be an adventure worth experiencing fully (even if it sometimes feels overwhelming). xoLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-7404759909541114762016-12-09T18:00:00.001-05:002016-12-09T18:00:53.774-05:00Holiday Treats: Seven Sweet Recipes Free of Gluten, Dairy, and EggsThese early weeks of December are some of my favourite weeks of the year. All of our preparations for Christmas seem to naturally bring the family together, especially on the afternoons when I start baking and the sweet smells draw everyone toward the warm, cozy kitchen. We chat and laugh as we mix and roll and decorate cookies, while Christmas music plays and tree lights twinkle cheerfully in the background. All four of us look forward to the evenings after our baking afternoons; we know we'll gather around our kitchen table for steaming mugs of tea and a few freshly baked treats before we tuck the rest of them away to share with family and friends over the holidays. I'm glad that even though my boys keep growing, they never seem to grow too old to have fun helping with this tradition.<br />
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Often during the weeks leading up to the holidays, people ask me about gluten-free or dairy-free baking ideas, because they'd like to be able make something for a family member or friend who has special dietary needs. Today seems like a good time, then, to post an updated collection of our family's favourite gluten, dairy, and egg-free holiday recipes, all made many times in our kitchen and given two thumbs up by expert resident taste testers. :) Most of these recipes have already appeared in some form on this blog before, but because I'm always tweaking recipes over the years to make them just a little bit better, these ones are all more current, improved versions.<br />
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<i>Clockwise from the top:</i></div>
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<b>Gingerbread Cookies</b></div>
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<b>Chocolate Coconut Triple Layer Bars</b></div>
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<b>Star Cookies</b></div>
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<b>Cashew Butter Balls</b></div>
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<b>Thumbprint Cookies</b></div>
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<b>Candy Cane Brownies</b></div>
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<b>Chocolate Hazelnut Snowballs</b></div>
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<b>Gingerbread Cookies </b></div>
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<i>(adapted from <a href="https://elanaspantry.com/gingerbread-men-cookies/">this recipe</a> from Elana's Pantry)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 cups blanched almond flour</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tbsp arrowroot flour</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tbsp coconut flour<br />1 tbsp cinnamon<br />2 tsp ground ginger<br />1/2 tsp ground cloves<br />1/2 tsp ground allspice<br />1/2 tsp sea salt<br />2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 cup grapeseed oil<br />1/2 cup pure maple syrup</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 tbsp water<br />1 tbsp vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">candy confetti for decorating<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, arrowroot flour, coconut flour, spices, salt and baking powder. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a smaller bowl, whisk together the grapeseed oil, maple syrup, water, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ones, and mix well until a uniform dough forms. Divide the dough into two parts. Form each part into a ball, flatten it slightly, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, to a quarter of an inch thick. Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and cut out cookies using gingerbread cookie cutters. Place the cut-outs on parchment paper lined baking sheets.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decorate the cut-outs with candy confetti. (We like to add faces and buttons to ours.) Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned. Cool and serve, or store in tightly sealed containers in the freezer for later.</span></span></div>
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<b>Chocolate Coconut Triple Layer Bars</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 400ml can of coconut milk</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup coconut sugar</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 1/4 cups blanched almond flour</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">3 tbsp melted coconut oil</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 tbsp pure maple syrup</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1 tsp vanilla</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 85g bars of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup cashew butter</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">To make your own dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, pour a can of coconut milk into a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar, and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Be sure to keep an eye on the pot, as the mixture could boil over very easily. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool while you're preparing the crust.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with two pieces of parchment paper, one going over the other in a perpendicular fashion, leaving some overhang all the way around. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and sea salt. Whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla in a smaller bowl, and then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until well-combined and crumbly. Press the almond flour mixture into the prepared baking pan, being sure to push down firmly so your crust will hold together well once it's baked.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Sprinkle the shredded coconut in an even layer over top of the almond flour crust. Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk over top of the whole coconut layer, and use a fork if necessary to help spread it out uniformly, pressing the coconut and milk mixture down onto the crust. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">During the last 5 minutes of baking time, melt the chopped dark chocolate and cashew butter together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. As soon as you remove the baking pan from the oven, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the hot coconut layer and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Let cool for about 30 minutes, and then place the pan in the freezer for a few hours to allow the baked goods to firm up.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Once they're firm, remove the baked goods from the pan by simply lifting up the parchment paper edges. Place the whole thing on a cutting board and slice into squares with a large, sharp knife. Let the squares thaw a little longer, then serve and enjoy (or freeze the squares to save them for a later date).</span></span></div>
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<b>Star Cookies</b></div>
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<i>(adapted from <a href="https://elanaspantry.com/star-cookies/">this recipe</a> from Elana's Pantry)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
5 cups blanched almond flour<br />
1 tbsp coconut flour<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted<br />
1/2 cup pure maple syrup<br />
1 tbsp vanilla extract<br />
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candy sprinkles for decorating<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, sea salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.<br />
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In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. (The dough will appear quite crumbly at first.)<br />
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Use your hands to further mix the dough, then divide it into two equal parts. Form each part into a ball and flatten it slightly. Wrap each part in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.<br />
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Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, to about a quarter of an inch thick. Cut out stars from the dough using a cookie cutter, and place the stars on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Scatter a pinch of candy sprinkles the top of each star. Bake stars in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.<br />
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Cool cookies completely and serve, or store them in tightly sealed containers in the freezer for later.</div>
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<b>Cashew Butter Balls</b></div>
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<i>(adapted from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/12/16/peanut-better-balls/">this recipe</a> from Oh She Glows)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 500g jar of natural cashew butter</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">5 tbsp pure maple syrup</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 tbsp coconut flour</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">a pinch of sea salt</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 85g bars of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1 tbsp coconut oil</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Scrape the contents of the jar of cashew butter into a mixing bowl, and stir it to blend in any oil that has separated. Add the maple syrup, coconut flour, and sea salt to the cashew butter and mix all ingredients well. The mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls, but not too dry looking.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Roll a spoonful of the mixture in your hands to form a ball that is about one inch in diameter. Place the ball on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and repeat this process until all of the nut butter mixture is rolled.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together, stirring often. Once the chocolate mixture is melted, remove it from the heat immediately, then coat the cashew butter balls in the chocolate by placing them on a fork one at a time and dipping them into the pot. Remove any excess chocolate by tapping the fork on the side of the pot, and then carefully place the dipped cashew butter balls back on the baking sheet.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Once all of the nut butter balls are dipped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. Remove the pan from the freezer, and decorate the top of each cashew butter ball by drizzling a little of the leftover melted chocolate across it using a small spoon or fork. Return the cashew butter balls to the freezer again to firm up the drizzled chocolate. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Serve at room temperature in holiday themed mini cupcake papers, or store the cashew butter balls in a tightly sealed container in the freezer for later.</span></span><br />
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<b>Thumbprint Cookies</b></div>
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<i>(adapted from <a href="https://elanaspantry.com/linzer-hearts/">this recipe</a> from Elana's Pantry)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 cups blanched almond flour<br />1/2 tsp sea salt<br />1/2 cup grapeseed oil<br />1/2 cup maple syrup<br />1 tbsp vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts<br />raspberry jam (I use Crofter's Organic Just Fruit Spread, with no added refined sugar)<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour and sea salt. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a smaller bowl, whisk together the grapeseed oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until well combined. Cover the dough and chill it in the freezer for 30 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Roll the chilled dough into 1 1/2 inch diameter balls and place them on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Flatten each ball to about a half inch thickness with the palm of your hand. Using a finger or thumb, make an indentation in the centre of each cookie. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sprinkle the top of each cookie with finely chopped walnuts, then c</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">arefully fill each indentation with a small spoonful of raspberry jam.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Cool and serve, or store them in a tightly sealed container in the freezer for later.</span></span></div>
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<b>Candy Cane Brownies</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">one 500g jar of natural cashew butter</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 tbsp ground chia seeds mixed with 6 tbsp water (stir and let stand for a minute to form a gel)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup pure maple syrup</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1 cup blanched almond flour</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup cocoa powder</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/3 cup chopped walnuts</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/3 cup unsweetened large flake coconut</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 candy canes, crushed (I use TruJoy Sweets ones, which have no artificial colours or flavours.)<br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with two pieces of parchment paper, one placed over the other in opposite directions.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: white;">Add the cashew butter, chia seed mixture, maple syrup, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and beat these ingredients with an electric mixer until they are well combined.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">In a smaller bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cashew butter mixture, beating with the electric mixer after each addition.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spoon to press it down and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, dark chocolate bits, and crushed candy canes on top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Let the brownies cool completely. Lift the edges of the parchment paper to remove the cooled brownies from the pan, place them on a large cutting board, and cut them into squares using a sharp knife. Serve, or store the brownies in a tightly sealed container in the freezer for later. </span></span></div>
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<b>Chocolate Hazelnut Snowballs</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 500g jar of natural hazelnut butter (or almond hazelnut butter)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">1/4 cup of honey</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup of cocoa powder</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tbsp coconut flour<br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 cup of finely chopped raw hazelnuts</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">unsweetened shredded coconut (for coating)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">In a bowl, stir together the nut butter, honey, cocoa powder, coconut flour, and chopped hazelnuts until well combined. Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, then roll each ball in shredded coconut to cover. Chill the snowballs before serving, and store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, or in the freezer to enjoy later.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">********</span></span></div>
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I hope having all of these yummy recipes in one place will make your holiday baking easier! </div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-17026613946798795582016-11-21T14:59:00.000-05:002016-11-21T14:59:19.494-05:00Everything Etsy: A Holiday Gift GuideWinter weather arrived suddenly this past weekend, and the chilly air had all four of us eager to embrace the cozy comforts of the winter season: warm socks and mitts, time spent sitting near the fireplace, homecooked meals that roasted all afternoon in a hot oven. The shift in seasons also has us looking forward now to the approaching holidays, when we'll have the chance to share time and favourite traditions with much loved family members and friends.<br />
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Every year around this time I get great enjoyment out of finding thoughtful gifts for the many wonderful people in my life. I've been turning again and again this month to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/">Etsy</a> to browse (from the quiet comfort of my own couch!) for unique and beautiful handmade items that seem just right for each of them. It's always a sweet feeling to see familiar eyes shine with delight over a one-of-a-kind gift that was made and chosen for them with heart.<br />
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Today I'm sharing with you an Etsy Holiday Gift Guide that features some of the many lovely items I've come across in my own browsing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or some cheerful holiday decor to warm up your home, you'll find plenty of creative options here. For even more holiday inspiration, take a look at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/featured?ref=hpsm">these gift guides</a> created by the Etsy editors.<br />
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<b>For the Home</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/460245002/snowflakes-mini-rolling-pin-embossing">Snowflake Embossing Rolling Pin</a> from Rolling Pin Collection</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/117/0/13222796/il_570xN.1029439232_megi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/117/0/13222796/il_570xN.1029439232_megi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/471685544/christmas-stocking-faux-fur-stockings">Monogrammed Faux Fur Christmas Stockings</a> from Davie and Chiyo 607</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/153/1/8753243/il_570xN.1069803664_mos3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/153/1/8753243/il_570xN.1069803664_mos3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/203770739/deer-head-wall-mount-decor-the-xl-alfred">White and Gold Deer Decor</a> from White Faux Taxidermy</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/2/6774395/il_570xN.726610378_m6ta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/2/6774395/il_570xN.726610378_m6ta.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/253539808/lantern-light-lantern-night-light">Red Lantern Lamp</a> from The Slumber Jack Baby</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/138/1/11125252/il_570xN.1058244555_r55g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/138/1/11125252/il_570xN.1058244555_r55g.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>For Her</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/179584744/red-plaid-scarf-extra-long-scarf-flannel">Red Plaid Flannel Scarf</a> from Janny's Girl</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/154/1/5599574/il_570xN.1063883466_16ie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/154/1/5599574/il_570xN.1063883466_16ie.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/167253357/silver-branch-initial-necklace">Silver Branch Initial Necklace</a> from Kate Szabone</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBl-gGk-BjFVu0WFefey30_oQr7N0rtywsWC9HdC7zFr3vx1n1BeMKFd1Gt-LO9hqqczPMKEy_ztVBObXPaU8prsKLVbWxKqBo_LzK9kGNi571c7UzcRx9xXp35Raxv9qvtSaAQR5wQF8/s1600/branch+initial+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBl-gGk-BjFVu0WFefey30_oQr7N0rtywsWC9HdC7zFr3vx1n1BeMKFd1Gt-LO9hqqczPMKEy_ztVBObXPaU8prsKLVbWxKqBo_LzK9kGNi571c7UzcRx9xXp35Raxv9qvtSaAQR5wQF8/s640/branch+initial+necklace.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/176049485/crochet-women-slippers-adult-crochet">Crochet Flower Slippers</a> from Eva's Studio</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/112/0/6558491/il_570xN.890861623_5i1z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/112/0/6558491/il_570xN.890861623_5i1z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/448766136/christmas-gift-for-wife-gift-for-mom">Pebble Art Family Picture</a> from Juniper Avery Sea Glass</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/108/0/12314336/il_570xN.1108678975_gajh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/108/0/12314336/il_570xN.1108678975_gajh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>For Him</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/269912866/leather-travel-cord-organizer-cord">Leather Travel Cord Organizer</a> from INSIDE Gift</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/122/1/8936668/il_570xN.929208843_3ehy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/122/1/8936668/il_570xN.929208843_3ehy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/62559779/rocket-science-mens-necktie-apollo">Rocket Science Necktie</a> from Cyberoptix</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5131289/il_570xN.195358668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5131289/il_570xN.195358668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/224292321/only-the-best-dads-get-promoted-to-papa">Papa Mug</a> from Milk and Honey Luxuries</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/048/1/6546397/il_570xN.734212455_jjo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/048/1/6546397/il_570xN.734212455_jjo4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/292240395/lappad-laptop-table-portable-workstation">Laptop Table and Portable Workstation</a> from LapPad</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/108/1/12973205/il_570xN.968350814_tb6w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/108/1/12973205/il_570xN.968350814_tb6w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>For Teens and Tweens</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/191018031/lovely-handmade-fashionable-small-size">Felt Bag</a> from Green Sheep PL</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/030/0/6258580/il_570xN.607596410_1tl6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/030/0/6258580/il_570xN.607596410_1tl6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/209538219/bacon-periodic-table-of-elements-funny">Bacon Hoodie</a> from My Cool TShirt</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/030/0/6258580/il_570xN.607596410_1tl6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/9570731/il_570xN.676373713_thqy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/9570731/il_570xN.676373713_thqy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/464210156/custom-lumberjack-faux-fur-red-plaid">Lumberjack Faux Fur and Plaid Throw Blanket</a> from The Cozy Tot</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/105/0/13141180/il_570xN.1040378488_6bub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/105/0/13141180/il_570xN.1040378488_6bub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/169581437/crochet-cat-hat-cat-beanie-cat-ear-hat">Crochet Cat Beanie</a> from 2 Mice</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/132/0/6965872/il_570xN.852258302_73wt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/132/0/6965872/il_570xN.852258302_73wt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/463677614/support-hockey-medals">Hockey Medal Hanger</a> from AKRO Boutique</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/129/1/13584693/il_570xN.1038963416_6w5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/129/1/13584693/il_570xN.1038963416_6w5f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>For Little Ones</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/115018360/upcycled-newborn-christmas-hat-red-cable">Upcycled Newborn Hat</a> from Rowan's Tree House</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/118/0/6837630/il_570xN.1098346675_8kjs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/118/0/6837630/il_570xN.1098346675_8kjs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/161573849/baby-moccasins-toddler-moccasins-leather">Suede Moccasins</a> from Threads and Arrows</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/126/0/8527301/il_570xN.925247411_da65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/126/0/8527301/il_570xN.925247411_da65.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/216929726/toddler-apron-with-pockets-red-white">Toddler Apron</a> from Sable et Mer</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/124/0/7050797/il_570xN.1076131887_n9ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/124/0/7050797/il_570xN.1076131887_n9ee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/459005450/mini-hockey-stick-lumberjack">Lumberjack Mini Hockey Stick</a> from des Enfantillages</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/121/0/9747619/il_570xN.1072764441_peyp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/121/0/9747619/il_570xN.1072764441_peyp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Small Surprises for Anyone</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/242094447/lip-balm-kit-3-pack-all-natural-beeswax">Natural Lip Balms: Sweet Honey, Mint, and Morning Coffee</a> from LONE WOODS</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/131/0/10012019/il_570xN.1021046540_qyjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/131/0/10012019/il_570xN.1021046540_qyjo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/254595376/christmas-napkins-cloth-christmas">Linen Holiday Napkins</a> from Kitch Studios</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/137/0/6005574/il_570xN.861398233_grtv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/137/0/6005574/il_570xN.861398233_grtv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/217533245/harris-tweed-coin-purse-choice-of-red-or">Harris Tweed Coin Pouches</a> from Life Covers</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/116/0/5666744/il_570xN.862896190_5pjw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/116/0/5666744/il_570xN.862896190_5pjw.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/286863061/bear-fridge-magnets-gift-packaged-set-of">Bear Fridge Magnets</a> from Stoats and Weasels</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/135/0/7976822/il_570xN.991182549_4ppa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/135/0/7976822/il_570xN.991182549_4ppa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you live in Waterloo Region and would enjoy browsing beautiful handmade gifts from over 60 different local Etsy artisans in person, head on over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/536475639860930/?notif_t=event_aggregate&notif_id=1479744245551171">Holiday Market</a> being held this Saturday, November 26th, from 10am until 5pm at RIM Park. Parking and admission are free. I'm excited to take a peek myself -- maybe I'll see you there!<br />
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<i>Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this blog with your Etsy purchases.</i><br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-8707672018654586712016-11-17T12:46:00.000-05:002016-11-17T14:12:50.950-05:00Right at HomeThere are echoes everywhere when one moves houses. The obvious physical ones bounce off of empty walls, growing louder each day as the soft things that make a house a home get tucked away carefully in boxes and bins, erasing at least to the eye most traces of the family who has lived and loved there. They're jarring, these strange new sounds in a long familiar place, but it's the echoes created deep within the hearts of the home's inhabitants that are the most unsettling. Every tissue-wrapped treasure evokes a poignant memory; together they clamour of all the years lived and gone now, and there's an aching realization in the final days of packing that the typical, everyday occurences in that house are suddenly significant last ones. Even when a move is decided upon with joyful excitement, there is room among the echoes for doubt and nervousness, for questions about whether choosing a new home was a good decision, or whether the unknown can offer happiness, too.<br />
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Matt and the boys and I have been in our new house for just over six weeks now, and any doubt we felt in those packing weeks has quickly dissipated as we've settled in and made this place our home. The spaces all seem just right for the four of us; we're completely at ease as we move together through the bustling days of enthusiastic family life here. All of us are enjoying experiencing the things we knew we'd love about this place when we bought it, and we're also discovering unexpected and cheerful surprises as we get to know the house and yard and neighbourhood better. Changing schools has been a happy experience for Will; he's made new friends quickly and has joined all kinds of extra-curricular activities already. Noah's found joy in discovering new running routes in this quieter neighbourhood close to a conservation area, and in having space in the basement here to play the drums he bought this fall. It's been exciting for Matt and I to be able to create the home we've long envisioned but couldn't quite achieve due to limitations in our old house. We feel at peace here, among the thoughtfully chosen touches indoors and the beautiful trees outdoors that are a haven for welcome little critters.<br />
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It becomes easy, I think, as we get older and more settled, to resist big changes that will require us to upset the comfortable rhythms of our daily lives, even when those changes are wished for deep down. A move seemed to us like an enormous undertaking filled with unknowns (and I won't lie, it's been a huge amount of work!) I remember now, though, that sometimes it's well worth the effort and upheaval to experience the pleasure of seeing life from a brand new perspective. At this house the sun rises gracefully every morning, just as it has at all of the other houses in which we've lived. But having it rise on a different side of the building, where the glowing pink light streams in our kitchen window while we sip warm drinks and munch on toast, has made us stop and take notice of its beauty as if we're seeing it again for the very first time.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-90948683662960385442016-09-07T14:13:00.000-04:002016-09-07T14:13:22.698-04:00Found in Aunt Maisie's Apartment<i>This post is a piece of creative non-fiction I wrote for a CBC contest back in the winter. It didn't capture the attention of the judges, but I'm giving it a home here now because it's a meaningful story for my family, especially my mom and dad. Thinking of them and all the ways they give of themselves to bring brightness to others' lives.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Congratulations to the thirty-two excellent writers whose pieces were longlisted for the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/books/2016/08/32-writers-make-the-2016-cbc-creative-nonfiction-prize-longlist.html">CBC's 2016 Creative Non-Fiction Prize</a>.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">The phone rang shrilly three... four... five times, its
sudden clamour piercing the stuffy air in the otherwise quiet apartment.
Anxiety had often compelled her not to answer when random callers beckoned in
recent years, but this time it was not her mind preventing her from moving
toward the phone. She was a lonely prisoner in her own home, an old woman sprawled
despondently on the floor, having fallen two days </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">(or was it three now?)</i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">
earlier. Her shaky limbs were too weak to follow the commands her panicked mind
repeatedly barked out at them. As darkness slowly swallowed up the room once more,
she struggled to recall when exactly her body had turned such a traitor.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“My Aunt Maisie’s in the hospital.” Mom’s voice was tired
and sorrowful, the recent passing of her own mother weighing heavily on her
heart. She hadn’t seen Aunt Maisie in years, she told me, and Maisie had said
everything was fine on the occasions they had spoken on the phone. It was a
sixth sense, or love, or maybe a powerful message from a mom who was gone but somehow
still close by that told her to try the hospital when Mom’s repeated calls to
her mother’s closest sister went unanswered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Her superintendent finally let himself into the
apartment out of concern,” she explained. “Maisie will be moving into a nursing
home once she’s recovered from her fall; she can’t live alone any longer. She’s
giving me power of attorney and the keys to her apartment so I can take care of
everything.” I waited during an empathic pause on the other end of the line. “She
has no one else.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom didn’t realize then the enormity of the
responsibility she had just selflessly shouldered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seemed improbable that the weary old apartment was
capable of holding so much. Chaos spilled out from every corner and cupboard,
the accumulated treasures and debris of an abundant life nearly eight decades
long. It might have been a gold mine of sorts for someone without any personal
connection to the rooms or the woman who had lived in them for forty-four years,
someone who could seek out the physically valuable items and leave the rest
behind. For my parents, whose task it was to completely empty the place while
respecting Maisie’s wishes and feelings, it seemed an indomitable mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were cabinets full of tarnished silver and
smudgy crystal. Newspapers and years’ worth of mail sat stacked and unopened on
tables and beds. Dead plants drooped in pots and a vase held the remains of spring flowers that had withered months before. Bags of garbage were piled by the door,
and the fridge held shelves full of rotting food. Everywhere my parents looked
there were heaps of both precious and trivial possessions: new curtains and
bedding lying across the couch, an endless supply of Swiffer dusters that
nodded ironically at the inches of dust covering everything, a television
sitting on an empty cardboard box, smiling collectible figurines and faded photographs.
Mom walked the narrow pathway that led to the one empty bed in the apartment and
felt a suffocating wave of hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aunt Maisie had always been a meticulous woman, Mom
told me. I, too, remembered her spotless apartment from the few times I had visited
it as a child, and the flawless way she had always presented herself with
elegant hairstyles, clothing, jewellery, and make-up. It filled my mother with
despair to imagine how Maisie’s life had fallen into such a sad state of
disarray as her aging mind faltered. Scattered over many of the apartment’s
surfaces were notes written in Maisie’s shorthand, a skill honed during her
career as a legal secretary. My parents studied the cryptic scribbles intently,
hoping to understand some small part of them, but the messages offered no clues
about how they should proceed. There are no instructions for how to disperse
the earnest collections of a family member’s life once she’s grown too old to take
care of it herself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the three months that it took my parents to empty
the apartment, my mom found her own powerful memories resurfacing from the
jumble. Old photographs allowed her to feel once again the warmth of familiar
eyes and long-gone smiles; her mom’s pretty cursive flowed from cards and
letters mailed to Maisie in the years following their reconciliation after a
drawn-out, hurtful family dispute. She uncovered Maisie’s famous trifle recipe
and the bowl that had held the festive dessert at many happy family Christmas
celebrations long ago. Running her fingers along the surfaces of these intimate
objects brought tangible proof that what she had lived and remembered was real.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was at the apartment the day that Mom found a pretty
hat box way up high in a closet. We carefully removed the lid and stood for a
moment in reverent silence, staring at the small, ruffled dress and the love-worn
soft monkey laid carefully inside. These had belonged to Maisie’s only
daughter, who was stolen from her at the tender age of seven. A jealous river
had pulled the little girl through a crack in its frozen surface and smothered
her in its icy embrace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom sighed with sadness and gently placed the lid back
on the box. “I can’t make a decision about this. It’s not mine to say goodbye
to.” The box would be one of the items brought to Maisie’s new home at the
retirement residence, where she would build the last stages of her life from the
fragmented objects and memories that remained. I wondered if for Maisie it was
distressful, or a relief, to have family members free her of the weight of her
life’s possessions, and a failing memory sporadically release her from old
ghosts that might haunt her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the final days of sorting, clearing, and moving
things from the apartment, a key to an unexpected off-site storage locker revealed
well-remembered treasures from Mom’s grandmother’s house: a crystal bowl, a
silver teapot and a collection of dainty china cups, a small cat figurine that my
mom had wanted as a keepsake and that a then-bitter Maisie had denied her at my
great-grandma’s last garage sale. The contents of the apartment and locker
revived old heartaches and buried anger for my mom, but she let them go. She
passed on the pieces and stories she felt were worth keeping to younger family
members who would appreciate them, and with relief, she allowed everything else
to leave freely. “You forgive,” my mom would explain to me several months
later. “You don’t forget, but you forgive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aunt Maisie is never far from Mom’s mind now. She
visits her regularly, shops for what Maisie needs, takes her to medical
appointments, coaxes her to get dressed and leave her room when anxiety has
prevented her from doing either. It’s not easy, Mom tells me; she’s had to find
much patience and understanding within herself. On good days, she knows Aunt
Maisie appreciates her. Sometimes she just feels she’s being taken for granted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“I don’t want to end up like that, confused and in
pain.” </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Mom has shared these fears with me many times before. “I don’t want any
of you to have to take care of me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But this, too, is a part of life for many of us. We spend
years building and creating, then stand by helplessly in old age as some of it
crumbles or fades away. We make mistakes as we stumble through youth, then make
amends as time and perspective help us gain understanding. Eventually, many of
us will forget, leaving others who come after us to pick up the loose threads
and continue weaving a complex family history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There will likely come a time when it is my turn to
bring comfort and support to aging family members. I’m certain of what I will
remember then: the generosity and tenderness of my parents caring for an
elderly aunt when she needed them, a powerful image of unconditional love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
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<i><br /></i></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-81993143816467721392016-09-05T15:12:00.001-04:002016-09-07T14:21:08.122-04:00From Summer to September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The crickets chirp in earnest now from their secret spots in the backyard gardens. It's a steady, late summer song that carries us, somewhat reluctantly, from the long, leisurely days of the past couple of months to the bustle and hum of a fresh school year.<br />
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It's been a gorgeous summer. July and August gave us sunny skies and beautiful places for both quiet relaxation and lively fun with family and friends. We rented our friends' cottage on St. Joe's Island for two weeks again early in the summer, where we filled up our lungs with fresh northern air and our hearts with some of our very favourite people, landscapes, and family traditions. We spent a fun long weekend at Matt's parents' place on Lake Nosbonsing, where all of his siblings and their families gathered at once, including a brother who lives in Australia and who surprised us all with his visit. Later in August, Matt and the boys and I took a little overnight trip to Frankenmuth, MI, always an enjoyable getaway for shopping and sightseeing and famous chicken dinners. We also spent many mornings and afternoons this summer enjoying our own backyard together -- swimming in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, gardening, grilling, reading books and playing cards in the shade of the big, friendly trees. My brother and nephew and niece joined us for a few days in late summer and the yard echoed with the laughter of four kids who always have a wonderful time when they're together, despite the physical distance that separates them for most of the year.<br />
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The boys got up to some interesting things while they had an abundance of down time these past few months. They both volunteered as camp counsellors for a week, mentoring younger students in robotics and other STEM activities. Will mastered solving several new types of puzzle cubes and was invited to join an <a href="http://www.firstlegoleague.org/">FLL</a> team for the new season, which he's thrilled about. Noah spent much of the last couple of weeks at the <a href="https://www.communitech.ca/who-we-are/">Communitech</a> hub, working diligently with a friend on a special design and programming project that was an exciting and challenging learning opportunity for them.<br />
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This summer, Noah turned 15 (!?!), and we finally gave in to Iris the cat's whining to go outside and bought her a harness and leash, which is both ridiculous and fun. We watched the Olympics, and the Tragically Hip's poignant last tour concert, and we sat under dark skies in our pjs late at night and watched for shooting stars. Oh, and in between all of this, we bought a new house, and sold our current house, in a wild flurry of activity driven by a hot real estate market where everything worked out in our favour. (We move in early October, and Will starts at his new neighbourhood school tomorrow morning.)<br />
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As the sun sets this evening on the last long weekend of a truly wonderful summer holiday, we'll go to bed here feeling well-rested, well-fed, reconnected, grateful, and happy. Though I'm wistful over the passing of another summer of my boys' youth, I'm also eager for the new adventures that surely await us as the seasons change once again.</div>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-87739122707721745722016-07-04T16:39:00.001-04:002016-07-04T16:39:46.219-04:00Grilled Chicken, Veggie, and Pineapple Skewers with Orange Maple SauceMatt and the boys and I enjoyed the first long weekend of the summer by staying close to home and hanging out all together. There was lots of swimming and laughing, puttering and playing in the gardens and yard, a trip to the local farmers' market on Saturday morning, and tasty meals made easily and pleasantly with fresh ingredients and plenty of free time to enjoy the process. The start of summer holidays always comes with such an exhilarating feeling of lightness and spontaneity; we're all open to discovering new things in the wide open spaces (both the physical and the mental ones) that this relaxed, happy season often provides.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Saturday afternoon sun halo</i></span></div>
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One of our favourite meals from the weekend involved skewers threaded with chicken, peppers, zucchini, red onion, and pineapple, brushed with an orange maple sauce, and grilled nicely on the barbecue. I didn't plan for this meal to be part of a food post here, but the skewers looked and tasted so good when they came off the grill that I thought I'd share the recipe. (Luckily I have a patient family who was willing to wait to eat their dinner until I had snapped a few impromptu photos of it!)<br />
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<b>Chicken, Veggie, and Pineapple Skewers with Orange Maple Sauce</b><br />
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />
2 sweet bell peppers, any colour<br />
2 small zucchini<br />
1 small red onion<br />
half of a peeled and cored pineapple<br />
1/4 cup fresh orange juice<br />
2 tbsp pure maple syrup<br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin<br />
a pinch of sea salt<br />
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Preheat the barbecue to medium heat. Cut the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple into similarly sized pieces, about 1 1/2 inches each. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, maple syrup, olive oil, cumin, and sea salt.<br />
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Thread the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple onto skewers. (If you're using wooden ones, be sure to soak them in water for 20 minutes first.)<br />
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Place the skewers on the preheated grill and brush them with the orange maple sauce. Grill them for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, brushing the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple frequently with the remaining sauce, and turning the skewers 5 or 6 times during the cooking process.<br />
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Serve grilled skewers with a side of whole grain rice and enjoy a simple but delicious summer meal!<br />
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Oh, one more thing before I go: If you enjoy following my stories and recipes here, you can now also find me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisa_betik/?hl=en">Instagram</a>. Noah recently convinced me to actually try doing something with the account I had created there a long time ago, and I'm really enjoying its format for sharing photos and little snippets of life. I'm also still active on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pocketfuls/">Facebook page</a> -- stop by and say hello if you haven't yet visited! :)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-84189977871735500092016-06-27T16:24:00.000-04:002016-06-27T20:21:03.572-04:00A room makeover and other happy surprisesOne recent afternoon, Noah came home from school and found our main floor bathroom unexpectedly half-dismantled and out in the hallway, and me up to my elbows in paint and hardware.<br />
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Noah: Whoa! What is happening here?!<br />
Me: I got tired of this bathroom.<br />
Noah: Um, okaaayyy... Does Dad know about this?<br />
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I had to laugh at his reaction. In fact, his dad did not exactly know about my bathroom makeover plans. Matt and I had casually talked once or twice about doing a refresh in that room to tide us over until we're ready to do a major kitchen/main floor renovation. I had said that I should really paint the cabinet white, because it would look much better than the very 1980s wood grain that was currently there. And I had mentioned maybe changing up the dark brown wall colour I had chosen when we first moved in as a way to draw attention away from the uninviting and very limiting peachy-beige wall tile that a previous homeowner had installed two-thirds of the way up all of the bathroom walls. But I think I surprised even myself with how suddenly I decided to execute this plan.<br />
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(Okay, no, I actually didn't surprise myself.) I went out and got the paint on a whim at noon, and by the end of the day, in between various other commitments, I had the cabinet primed and painted white (SO much better!), new cabinet hardware installed, and the walls painted a striking deep shade of blue. All that was left to do was for Matt to install a new, more modern looking light fixture I had picked up, and help me hang a heavy new mirror, and then I should have been very happy.<br />
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Should have been....<br />
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As is often the case with home improvement projects, though, one thing tends to lead to another. After seeing the shiny new paint colours, I could not for one more second tolerate the now very dingy-looking peachy-beige wall tile everywhere. And so in a fit of perfectionism, I hauled out my paint brushes and cans again the next day and painted the ceramic tile white, too. I was a little scared about how that was going to work, but it turned out unpredictably well. And voila: a brighter, better-looking bathroom that happily surprised everyone! It's amazing sometimes what a big difference a few small changes can make.<br />
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We've been wrapping up more than quick bathroom makeovers this month. As the numbers on our chalkboard countdown-to-summer-holidays have grown smaller each week in June, so too have our outside commitments and responsibilities. Noah finished his volunteering at the swim club and his extra-curriculars at school for this season, and was recognized at his year end high school athletic banquet for his dedication and his accomplishments in sports and academics. I was so happy for him that his teachers and coaches see all the same amazing things in him that we do. He created an excellent first full year of high school for himself this year, devoting himself wholeheartedly to his courses and projects, his athletic and robotics teams and his volunteer work, and these awards were the icing on his cake.<br />
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Will performed wonderfully in his year end showcase for dance -- he and his friend Zach especially wowed the audience with their popping and locking duet. I wish I had a video of it to share here, as you'd have to actually see it to understand how impressive their striking unison with the music and each other was, and how vibrant their faces were as they told a very entertaining story through their movements. But the director of the studio told Will last week how many people had come to her and commented positively about that number after the show, and she has offered Will the opportunity to have a dance solo next season, which he is absolutely thrilled about!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXLjzst5JDM0VOBbzXEynWjt-VZC3pDsk82ogEZO_eBfI0kl7N46KTjKoNoIv_IhMK5ZnQU0kul8Ngvf4q-mSw-Ws68krCMnLhKGAIf4U5duYVHd3wrzTzwOkJkCQ4PxDQ8WFalVQTxov/s1600/Will%2527s+a+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXLjzst5JDM0VOBbzXEynWjt-VZC3pDsk82ogEZO_eBfI0kl7N46KTjKoNoIv_IhMK5ZnQU0kul8Ngvf4q-mSw-Ws68krCMnLhKGAIf4U5duYVHd3wrzTzwOkJkCQ4PxDQ8WFalVQTxov/s640/Will%2527s+a+star.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Noah wrote his last exam this morning -- he is officially on summer holidays now -- and Will will join him at the end of the last school day on Thursday afternoon. We're all eager for lazy summer days together by the pool, for cottage time and fun visits with family, for many free hours for wondering and tinkering and creating new things. Long live the lighthearted summer months!<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-24164588448299770152016-06-21T19:28:00.000-04:002016-06-21T22:17:47.468-04:00"You can't be looking at these hoes": An 8th Grade Relationship Contract<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9En3BepzMMbQLEt16u9pBz90b74hxqnylfA3DpSDQKnL3EfPTutkq2_Ne20zaquN1hi5F5PKTqdvnxKrj6KBS1wTrNWW3YTxdPT8ObWsIV7xchPyxvdiWJPVlqlkrMkGGHAJTxo3_QDo/s1600/books-1185628_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9En3BepzMMbQLEt16u9pBz90b74hxqnylfA3DpSDQKnL3EfPTutkq2_Ne20zaquN1hi5F5PKTqdvnxKrj6KBS1wTrNWW3YTxdPT8ObWsIV7xchPyxvdiWJPVlqlkrMkGGHAJTxo3_QDo/s640/books-1185628_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was an <a href="http://www.therecord.com/whatson-story/6732065-love-on-the-dotted-line/">article</a> in our local newspaper this morning about a <a href="https://twitter.com/maxlinsky/status/741298781979824128">relationship contract</a> drafted by an 8th grade girl and signed by an 8th grade boy, the written copy of which had been found on the floor of a classroom and then tweeted by Twitter user Max Linsky. Among the nine "terms and conditions" included in the contract were these clearly worded particulars:<br />
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"You can't talk hoes."<br />
"You can't hug these hoes."<br />
"You can't be looking at these hoes."<br />
"You can't break my heart because if you break my heart I will break your face."<br />
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The contract went viral on the internet earlier in June. This morning's article suggested that the document was written by a "super smart" and "confident" girl "who knows exactly what she wants", and that while the conditions are "comical and arguably extreme", they actually provide lessons for adult couples about important relationship issues such as respect, conflict, and communication.<br />
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I might be missing something (does the word "hoes" mean something different now than it did when I was a teenager?), but I don't find anything comical or especially enlightening about any of the terms set out by this young woman for her prospective partner. Her confidence seems to come from putting other young women down, and from positioning herself as having complete control in the relationship with the young man.<br />
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I don't have teenaged daughters to talk to about relationships, but if I did, I would tell them the exact same things I've been telling my teenaged sons: it is never okay to call someone a ho, or to threaten violence, even jokingly, when someone has a different opinion or feeling than they do. As a parent, I'm disappointed that a contract such as this one would go viral because people find it comical. I'm assuming that the "hoes" the 8th grader is referring to are her fellow female schoolmates -- how does the use of such a derogatory term by a young woman make people see her as strong and smart? What reaction would we have if a young man were to use the same term? Is the threat of breaking someone's face as retribution for heartbreak okay when it's uttered by a girl?<br />
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Recent distressing news events like the Stanford assault case and the Orlando shootings have made parents keenly aware that there are important, ongoing conversations we need to have with all of our children about respect for other human beings. We should want both our boys and our girls to understand that name-calling and threats of physical injury are not acceptable. Sharing a contract like this one, or any other offensive words or images, over and over again on social media because it's "funny" sends everyone the wrong message.<br />
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If my sons decide to date one day, would I like them to be in relationships with strong, smart, confident young women who know exactly what they want? Absolutely. I just hope that their girlfriends' confidence comes not from insulting other young women or thinking they have a right to break a boy's face, but from having a healthy, positive sense of self and knowing how to communicate their feelings and needs intelligently and respectfully. I want my boys to be treated with the same consideration with which I expect them to treat others.<br />
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If we want to widely circulate a lesson about relationships in the media, let's make it this one: there should be no double standard when it comes to courtesy in human interactions. Let's hold all of our young people, boys and girls, to the same high standards of kindness.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-91874564426937533752016-06-07T13:53:00.000-04:002016-06-07T14:13:35.805-04:00Mediterranean Pasta Salad I planted our vegetable garden mid-week last week, and by the weekend, there were already tiny, eager green shoots pushing their way through the soil towards the sun. I never stop being amazed by this process each spring, the sudden bursting forth of potential encouraged by the combined efforts of me and Mother Nature.<br />
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The warm months are my most favourite time of the year for food. Every week there is something new in the gardens or at the farmers' market for us to enjoy, and it seems almost effortless to put together meals that are full of appealing colours and flavours. Today I'm sharing a recipe for a simple, hearty pasta salad that I often make to serve a crowd during the fun-filled summer months.<br />
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<b>Mediterranean Pasta Salad </b><br />
<i>(adapted from <a href="http://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/world-cuisine-2/mediterranean-summer-pasta-salad/">this recipe</a> from Chatelaine magazine)</i><br />
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3 generous cups dry fusili pasta (I used a gluten-free brown rice version)<br />
1 540ml can romano beans, drained and rinsed<br />
half of each of a sweet red, yellow, and orange bell pepper, diced<br />
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved<br />
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley<br />
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3 tbsp olive oil<br />
2 tbsp red wine vinegar<br />
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice<br />
the zest of one small lemon<br />
1 clove of garlic, minced<br />
1/8 tsp sea salt<br />
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Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, and rinse under cold running water until cooled. Allow pasta to sit in the colander for a few minutes to drain well.<br />
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In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and salt. Add the cooked pasta, romano beans, sweet peppers, olives, and parsley to the bowl and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later.<br />
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This colourful salad is really easy to prepare and is perfect make-ahead side dish or main for all kinds of summer eating: potlucks, family barbecues, picnics, a quick and healthy lunch on the go. (Simply double the recipe for a larger crowd.) Enjoy the coming season of delicious food and happy times with family and friends!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-27667936661801379272016-06-02T19:14:00.001-04:002016-06-02T19:23:39.161-04:00Etsy: Summertime Favourites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will was six years old when I started this blog and decided to name it after his pocket stuffing habit. He and I and this space have all grown and changed in the six years since then, but I always find it reassuring to see that some things remain constant at their core, even as time passes. Here are some of the bits I've pulled out of Will's various pockets in recent days:</div>
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(I didn't include the pair of dirty socks that were all wadded up into little balls and stuffed in his shorts. You're welcome for that.)</div>
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I think many of us are collectors of some kind, no matter what our age. Tucked away in pockets, boxes, file folders, or drawers, we gather items that inspire us or make us remember, smile, or wonder.</div>
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Lately, I've been gathering up summery things in my "Items I Love" folder on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca">Etsy</a>. Here are some of my favourite handmade and vintage finds for warm weather adventures. <i>(Click on the highlighted text for more information about each item.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/155756813/pair-of-ice-cream-bowls-and-spoons">Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons</a> from PennySpoonerCeramics</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/015/0/5465228/il_570xN.457489276_84pf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/015/0/5465228/il_570xN.457489276_84pf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/236818776/english-oak-bird-seed-feeder">English Oak Bird Feeder</a> from LayerTree</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/111/0/8957672/il_570xN.896448820_fwbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/111/0/8957672/il_570xN.896448820_fwbs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/281365856/velveteen-ajustable-sleeping-eye-mask">Raccoon Sleep Mask</a> from JulienEmilyDesign</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/129/0/10128896/il_570xN.979809896_6afe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/129/0/10128896/il_570xN.979809896_6afe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/236317427/bring-a-ling-bicycle-bell">Bicycle Bell</a> from BringaLingBells</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/137/1/11234980/il_570xN.903039912_5209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/137/1/11234980/il_570xN.903039912_5209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/129826246/herb-garden-plant-markers-wood-engraved">Herb Garden Wooden Plant Markers</a> from MileNine</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/011/0/7794116/il_570xN.464819956_g8op.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/011/0/7794116/il_570xN.464819956_g8op.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/273448692/checked-recycled-wool-blanket-rug-picnic">Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket</a> from EllieEllieltd</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/117/1/11045091/il_570xN.991617313_caco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/117/1/11045091/il_570xN.991617313_caco.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/94438554/tiny-bunny-earring-studs-in-raw-brass">Tiny Brass Bunny Earrings</a> from saffronandsaege</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6352102/il_570xN.317381322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6352102/il_570xN.317381322.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/160965599/custom-cobalt-handmade-leather-keychain">Custom Leather Keychain</a> from madebyperri</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/047/2/8429744/il_570xN.708562020_kmcr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/047/2/8429744/il_570xN.708562020_kmcr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/174777011/up-north-smores-delicious-11-oz-highly">Toasted Marshmallow Soy Candle</a> from SmellsLikeCanada</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/121/0/8382297/il_570xN.956801480_rvfo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/121/0/8382297/il_570xN.956801480_rvfo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/253050333/yartizan-lawn-dice-outdoor-game-for">Lawn Dice Game</a> from ArtiZanGroup</div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/105/0/11653035/il_570xN.855370808_693q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/105/0/11653035/il_570xN.855370808_693q.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/270380822/ebony-maple-wood-frame-sunglasses">Ebony and Maple Wood Frame Sunglasses</a> from tmbrwood</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/121/0/6891378/il_570xN.931289561_kcf9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/121/0/6891378/il_570xN.931289561_kcf9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/288558473/farmhouse-chic-servingdecororganizing">Farmhouse Tray</a> from ChalkedBySam</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/124/0/12114405/il_570xN.998795967_1osa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/124/0/12114405/il_570xN.998795967_1osa.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/258721171/sagan-star-chart-navy">Sagan Star Chart in Navy</a> from wildwanderco</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/111/0/5962845/il_570xN.880736021_oq4i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/111/0/5962845/il_570xN.880736021_oq4i.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/167123824/funny-peas-the-tablecloth-house-free">Tablecloth Playhouse</a> from StripedCoast</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/261508786/agate-slice-coasters-set-of-4-blue-or">Blue Agate Slice Coasters</a> from BullCityGems</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/257493118/morse-code-necklace-secret-message">Morse Code Secret Message Necklace</a> from RusticBrand</div>
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If you live in the Waterloo area and are interested in doing some in-person shopping for handmade treasures, you can visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1000359033367482/">Etsy Local Market</a> at RIM Park this Saturday. There will be more than sixty creative and talented artisans displaying their handiwork there, and admission and parking are free. It's a good place to discover something new and lovely to add to your collection.<br />
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Have a wonderful June weekend!<br />
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<i>*Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for shopping Etsy through Pocketfuls.</i>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-21899089606983276842016-05-27T12:51:00.001-04:002016-05-27T15:46:40.756-04:00We were here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo Credit: <a href="http://saultonline.com/">SaultOnline.com</a></i></span></div>
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They're tearing down my old high school in Sault Ste. Marie. I've been following the process in bits and pieces over the last while, through news coverage shared by hometown friends and family members on social media. First, there was an auctioning off of the building's inside contents, then a poignant <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju4qYVZ-RN0">aerial video</a> of the empty building set to Simple Minds' <i>Don't You Forget About Me </i>(sniff, sniff), and finally, this week, <a href="http://saultonline.com/2016/05/decades-of-memories-come-crashing-down/">a photograph</a> of the south wing of the school, its heart now exposed to the elements through the force of heavy machinery. Watching the building near its end has been an emotional sucker punch for me, and apparently also for the many other former students who have left nostalgic comments under the news posts. I found my inner self frantically yelling, "Wait!" when I realized that the demolition process had already begun, and there was no way of going back.<br />
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I transferred to Sir James Dunn C&VS at the beginning of my grade eleven year. It took a lot of effort and some really sound arguments for me to convince my parents to allow me to switch from the all girls Catholic school I had attended in grades nine and ten; they wanted to be sure I wasn't transferring schools just because many of my closest friends were doing so. They held me to my initial decision to attend "the Dunn" even after all of my friends changed their minds last minute and transferred to the co-ed Catholic school instead. I arrived there knowing only a few fellow students, and feeling as though I had something important to prove.<br />
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At the Dunn, bolstered by a new-found confidence necessary for my situation, I stepped out of the shadows and flourished. My memories of the three years I spent there are rich ones, filled with warmth and positivity. There was the locker I shared with my aunt Christina, and the way we liked to surprise our teachers with our unusual family story when we ended up in classes together. A quirky French teacher who was so enthusiastic about his subject he liked to jump on desks sometimes, and an English teacher who tried jovially all semester to stump me by finding a word I couldn't spell. (He couldn't.) Hours spent happily engaged with other enthusiastic students to plan and deliver a leadership conference for teens in our region. Parking my Dad's trusty silver truck along the school's back lane when he kindly let me borrow it on cold or rainy days. Lunch breaks spent sitting in the sunny catwalk, talking and laughing with friends, and cheerful spares passed doing Calculus homework in the library in a small, close-knit group. Most affecting of all, mourning the sudden loss of a smart, vibrant, wonderful friend who died after an accident in our OAC year, and the very moving honour of being presented with an award in her memory by her father (my Chemistry teacher) at graduation. (I still keep in touch with him today.)<br />
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We all have our carefully kept stories from the days we spent in high school, our challenging and triumphant moments that were key to who and what we became during important growing up years. It should be irrelevant whether the building -- a simple collection of metal, concrete, wood, glass -- still stands or not if our memories remain. And yet, a physical building gives a comforting weight to those memories; it anchors our fleeting past to our present. A building is a place we can go back to for reassurance that what we remember from all those years ago was real. A building testifies, like the letters carved into a high school desk, that at a moment in time, <i>we were here.</i><br />
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I wish that I had known my old school was going to be demolished the last time I was home. I would have gone to peer in its windows one last time, to see if its rooms would have revealed any forgotten memories that I could have then tucked away more safely. I know I won't be alone in feeling a real sense of loss when that lot soon stands empty.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo Credit: <a href="http://saultonline.com/">SaultOnline.com</a></i></span></div>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-40434733737948672692016-05-17T14:12:00.000-04:002016-05-17T14:12:03.729-04:00May DaysI went out walking by the river yesterday morning, welcoming the warm sun on my face after a weekend of unseasonably chilly air and even a few snowflakes (!?). The whole area surrounding the trail was noisy and teeming with life; there were singing birds of every colour flitting and swooping above me, long grasses rustling under a brisk breeze, streams gurgling over mud and rocks. It was welcome noise, the gentle kind that feeds the heart and grows ideas, rather than the distracting and frustrating kind of too much going on at once.<br />
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We seem to have landed in a more balanced phase of life here this year. Some of our activities and schedules have changed, and while everyone is still very engaged in pursuits that interest them, our days feel pleasantly full, rather than frantic and overwhelming as they've often felt in previous years during the months of May and June. There seems to be time for some of everything this spring, and we're all happy and thriving as a result.<br />
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I've been doing a lot of writing recently, just not as often here on this blog. The shift of focus has given me a new energy; it's feeling really good to work hard at something new that is still a little beyond my reach. Several weeks ago, I submitted my first ever book proposal to a publisher (for a children's non-fiction book that I thoroughly enjoyed researching), and I'm currently working on a picture book manuscript (which is much more difficult to write than it sounds!) This is work I've had in me to do for years, combining my love of children and books and teaching, and the time feels right now to explore it heartily and see if anything wonderful comes of it.<br />
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Here's what else we've been up to around here lately:<br />
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We had the opportunity last week to watch Noah perform in two different ways, first as a drummer at Arts Night at his school (he was so good!) and then as a runner at our district high school track and field meet. For anyone who fears that kids today lack grit: go and watch some fourteen year olds race a 3000m. There's plenty of reassurance there that the kids are alright. This week we'll get a chance to watch Will dance at his studio during parent viewing week, a sneak peak of his performances for the upcoming showcase in June. These are proud moments for Matt and I as parents, when we see the delightful results that grow out of all of the boys' passions and hard work.<br />
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Will spent the weekend recovering from a nasty foot injury he suffered at school when another student accidentally ran over him with a heavy metal cart loaded with Chromebooks. (This is one of the lesser known risks of technology for youth, I guess!) He came home very upset on Friday about the state of his foot, which was cut and badly bruised in three places, but even more so about the fact that the child who hurt him didn't say he was sorry. A sensitive heart bruises just as easily as the skin does, I think. He's feeling better this week and is back to spending hours every day on his scooter.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Someone is excited about the new scooter parts he ordered with birthday money.</i></span></div>
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Matt and I have been working hard on the yard whenever the weather allows, mowing, weeding, edging, planting, mulching. It's always such a satisfying feeling to see our spring efforts combined with Mother Nature's to create an inviting outdoor space for all of the creatures who live in it. The robins nesting in our evergreen out front have been doing some work on the property, too. They seem to have a real flair for exterior home decor.<br />
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We're looking forward to a May long weekend with fun, good food, and a visit from family! It feels like summer is just around the corner now.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-39151291892043498752016-05-08T15:03:00.001-04:002016-05-08T15:14:07.156-04:00For the MamasThere are robins building a nest in the evergreen by our front door. I noticed long strands of straw-coloured grass and pretty blue string fluttering from the prickly ends of the branches near a small opening in the tree one day last week, and every now and then when I glance out the window I catch a glimpse of the mama bird flying into it with a beak full of soft mud, gathered from the backyard where we've recently laid some new sod. I always feel a tender sentimentality when the birds nest near our home in the spring. Watching the robin eggs hatch under their parents' care, seeing tiny pink birds grow into feathered fledglings who bravely spread their wings in such a short period of time makes me keenly aware of how quickly the years with my own two boys are passing.<br />
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My Facebook feed today is filled with lovely words of thanks and photos of beautiful moms of all ages, each of whom, in her own way, has created a safe haven for her children, nurtured them over the years, inspired them to sing, to spread their own wings and to fly. I've read them all and felt moved to know so many kind, strong women in my life. <span style="font-family: inherit;">We are unique in the ways we mother, each of us, <span style="line-height: 107%;">yet so many of our hearts beat
in the same powerful, singular rhythm:</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><i style="line-height: 107%;">we love</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><br />
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This pretty song, which I first heard on <a href="http://www.girlsgonechild.net/2016/03/269100.html">Rebecca Woolf's blog</a> several weeks ago, seems a fitting tune for today, for all of the mamas who give so much of themselves to the families they cherish.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day to the many wonderful mamas I know, and especially to my own beautiful Mom. Though we live far away from each other, I can always hear her sweet melodies in my heart; her love is the gentle breeze that lifts me as I encourage my own two birds to soar.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-46001218963282413882016-05-02T12:30:00.000-04:002016-05-02T22:23:27.036-04:00RobomaniaI'm settling back into regular life this morning after spending much of last week away with Noah and his robotics team. We left last Tuesday morning, travelling over thirteen hours on a bus headed to St. Louis, Missouri, where the <a href="http://www.firstchampionship.org/">FIRST Robotics World Championships</a> were being held. The four days that followed were an exciting and exhausting whirlwind of robots; there were more than 600 teams from around the world competing in the high energy event, and many thousands of people packed the stadium stands all day, each day to watch, cheer and marvel at the feats of engineering and the impressive performances of the machines and their teen builders and drivers, who had been guided throughout the season by helpful mentors. At the end of the competition on Saturday, our very tired team crawled back onto the bus and travelled another thirteen-plus hours through the night to arrive back home yesterday morning. As worn out as they were, I'm sure many of the kids spent yesterday wishing that their robotics season wasn't over yet. (I spent yesterday half comatose, trying to keep my eyes open and remember who and where I was!)<br />
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I had no idea before this year how exactly an <a href="http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc">FRC</a> team works, and I'm so glad I had an opportunity to learn and be a part of one as a parent this past season. Helping to plan the trip to Worlds and being able to travel with the team gave me an up-close look at the truly inspiring enthusiasm, dedication, and skill of these robotics kids and the people who support them. We were up before 5am each morning during the competition, as the kids were determined to get to the stadium early and camp out in front of the doors in the hopes of securing the best seats for scouting once they opened at 7am. The team spent a minimum of twelve hours each day at the stadium, playing in matches against other robots on the field, taking scouting notes as they observed other teams' machines at work, troubleshooting, cheering, and building connections with robotics kids from around the world. After a late team dinner each evening, the kids often met again until 11pm to discuss strategy and to share funny stories from their day. The passion I saw in the students at Worlds reflected the commitment of the team throughout the build and competition season; they live and breathe for their robot and for their ability to accomplish something meaningful and amazing together.</div>
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Noah's team had a very successful performance at Worlds. By Friday's end, they had finished the qualifications round ranked second out of 74 teams in their division, which was thrilling for all of us. They made it through the division quarter finals on Saturday, and then were edged out of the competition during the semis, when one of the other robots in their alliance broke down during a nail-biting tiebreaker match. We were all so proud of our kids and what they were able to achieve with the machine they built with their own brains and hands. </div>
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On a personal note, it was really nice to be able to travel with my oldest son on this trip, to catch a better glimpse of this world of robots he loves so much, to share in his excitement, to provide support for the hard work he and his team do by helping to feed them during the week. I appreciated the moments Noah spent enthusiastically explaining something to me about the various robots, or telling me how he was enjoying his experience. (I also really liked arriving home yesterday morning to a clean house, a batch of delicious made-from-scratch pancakes, and a vase of cheerful flowers, all courtesy of Matt and Will. It felt wonderful, in our worn-out state, to have such a loving support team waiting for us at home.)</div>
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I'm still feeling tired this morning, but like Noah and his teammates, that isn't stopping me from already looking forward to the next robotics season. I can't wait to see what these amazing kids will build next.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit: <a href="http://teamdave.ca/">Team Dave</a></i></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-69538844809532093952016-04-19T15:49:00.000-04:002016-04-19T15:59:44.258-04:00Solid Investments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier this year, Will started playing a <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/">stock market game</a> as a math enrichment activity for school and at home. It seemed a logical next step for the boy who had started studying baseball and hockey stats and trading cards as soon as he could read on his own, and who, at age nine, would pore eagerly over passed on Motley Fool Stock Advisor newsletters whenever his uncle was finished with them. We set up an account for him on the same stock simulator one of the local universities uses with its business students, and Will has been completely enthralled with the game ever since. <br />
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He's very, very good at it, too. He watches the stocks carefully, asks Matt questions about short selling and the difference between call and put options, reads investing tips from experts, and makes wise buying and selling choices. I don't know whether it's his highly developed ability to notice details and patterns, the advice he's absorbed from reading all those old newsletters, a stroke of good luck, or a combination of all of these that makes him so successful, but he's currently ranked eighteenth in the game, out of more than a thousand players of all ages from all around the world.<br />
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One morning last week, Noah sent Will an urgent text from the high school hallways asking for some quick advice before the bell rang for first class. Some of the older students on the robotics team had coincidentally signed up for a stock market game a couple of days earlier, as an opportunity for some friendly competition amongst team members, and Noah was joining in. Will thought for only a few seconds, then frantically typed in his stock buying suggestions before he had to leave for school himself. Noah followed his advice to the letter and catapulted into first place amongst the robotics team players by the end of that day.<br />
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Every school morning that followed included a similar exchange of texts between the two brothers; Noah would ask Will what he should buy that day, and Will would confidently type back his responses. One morning, though, Will decided it would just be easier to give his brother advice over the phone instead of typing everything, so he called him at school. Noah was in the hallway with some of the robotics team members at the time, and he had to put Will on speaker phone to convince them that it was actually his little brother he was getting tips from. His friends were certain he had a "fifty-two year old stock advisor cousin" who was helping him win. Will and I heard them all burst into incredulous laughter when they realized it really was a twelve-year old boy who was guiding Noah's stock choices (and I had to explain to a somewhat miffed Will that they weren't laughing <i>at</i> him, they were laughing in amazement over him.)<br />
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The hour after school every day has been filled with highly animated stock portfolio chatter between the two boys; I can barely get a word in. They are thrilled that there is a P.D. day this Friday, so they can spend their time together plotting the best strategy to make sure Noah will be in the winning position when the robotics team leaves for World Championships in St. Louis next Tuesday morning, the previously decided upon end point of the group's stock market game. There will be no complaints of "I'm bored!" around here on Friday, I'm sure of it.<br />
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I think Will's successes when playing such a difficult numbers game are pretty remarkable. But what makes me most proud is watching him and his brother get so much enjoyment out of spending time together, bonding over shared interests and a mutual respect for each other's strengths. This loving investment in a relationship will certainly bring each of them the very best returns throughout their lives.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-57045844293442331842016-04-11T15:19:00.001-04:002016-04-11T18:35:13.255-04:00A (VHS) Window to the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The summer I was fourteen, I travelled to Asia for a couple of weeks with my dance teammates as part of a cultural exchange program between Canada and Japan. We visited several different cities while we were there, staying in youth hostels and the homes of welcoming Japanese families, meeting local dancers in each location for social activities and to perform together in joint showcases, so that we would all have a chance to learn from one another and develop new friendships. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young, dedicated dancer like I was, and I still remember vividly many of my experiences during that trip.<br />
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While sorting through storage boxes in our garage last summer, I came across an old VHS tape with a recording of some of the Japan trip events, including dance performances, backstage footage, and the highlights of a few social gatherings. I didn't do anything with the tape just then, but I filed its existence away in a near part of my brain, to be easily accessed when the time felt right to remember it. This past Saturday, after spending an enjoyable afternoon watching Will perform in one of his dance competitions for this season, I felt a strong desire to get out that old video tape and watch it. I'm not sure what I wanted to find in it, other than maybe an opportunity to show my son what dancing was like when I was young like him, and maybe some pleasing proof that we were actually as good at performing as my nostalgia-laden memories had suggested we were back then.<br />
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Watching that video opened up a deep well of emotions in me, some of which are difficult to even put into words. (The least of these was utter disbelief that the nearly thirty-year-old VHS tape actually worked, and I was able to watch the entire thing!) I found it unsettling in a way, and powerfully touching, to really <i>see</i> my fourteen-year-old self in something other than a photograph, to watch my body language, to hear my own younger voice, and to suddenly remember with such clarity just what it <i>felt </i>like to be that tender age.<br />
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The footage showed scenes of shared laughter and comfortable friendships amongst our large group of girls and one boy, friendships created through so many hours of our lives spent learning and working hard together in the dance studio over the years. There were moments where we offered each other encouragement as we rehearsed in an unfamiliar place, weary from heat and jetlag, and there were glimpses of us girls helping each other backstage, pinning an umpteenth bobby pin to secure each other's French braids while our restless feet tapped out rhythms on the tile floor, the older girls helping the younger ones with stage makeup. It surprised me to realize how many of the steps I somehow still knew as the songs for each of my own routines played and I watched our group perform in perfect unison, and how strongly I could still feel the exhilaration of our well-executed leaps and turns, as if I was actually doing them again myself at that very moment. I was pleased, too, to realize that we really were as good at dancing as I had pictured in my carefully guarded memories.<br />
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But the video recording opened up another, less rosy set of recollections and feelings, too. I looked at my tiny, fourteen-year-old frame on the screen and remembered that there were moments then when I actually believed I was fat and needed to lose weight to be a better dancer. I felt once again the pressure of competition between individual classmates, and the sting of hurtful whispers and insensitive giggles amongst teenage girls who could be someone's most exuberant supporters one minute and her harshest critics the next. For me, at least, those awkward early adolescent years at the dance studio were full of insecurities and shifting friendships as I tried to figure out who I was and with what values I wanted to align myself, while still seeking acceptance from others.<br />
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Re-living a small part of this pivotal time in my life made me keenly mindful of my two boys, who are now very close to the age I was in the video. It made me hope for just a moment that their early teenage years might be a little kinder, a little gentler for them than I remember mine being. At the same time, I recognized that it was finding my own way through the challenges, disappointments, and hurts of that time, with the always present love of my family, that were likely the most powerful building blocks of my true character, and allowed me to grow into the adult version of myself that I am and appreciate today.<br />
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In the end, the lingering feeling I'm left with after watching that old video is one of gratitude for the experiences of that trip and that particular time in my life, both the wonderful and the difficult moments, and all that I gained from them. I wouldn't want to be fourteen again, but I'm thinking fondly this week of the many unique dancers with whom I shared time, space, and valuable learning opportunities back then, as we were each growing into our own person. I sincerely hope that wherever all of these women and one man are now, they're well and living lives that make each of their hearts dance joyfully.<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-82095296798017973822016-04-06T14:32:00.001-04:002016-04-06T19:21:10.060-04:00Dreaming of Classes and Busses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a high school student on my first day of classes, and in my hand I hold a timetable, the details of which I cannot completely make out. I am scheduled to attend a class located in a building that is far away from the one where my last class just ended, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why things have been set up this way, when there are just five minutes between classes to get from one place to the next. The realization that I'm going to be late, due to circumstances that are no fault of my own, upsets me. I have no directions to get to this other building, so I walk, briskly, anxiously, down a path that twists and turns and always ends up at a place other than the one I am supposed to find.<br />
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Somehow I keep ending up back at the beginning again, walking a different path that leads to a different building that is still not, is never, the correct one.<br />
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On one attempt, I finally find the building where my class is, but the class is not the one I signed up for. It's a cooking class, and everything I try to produce in that kitchen fails miserably. I make lame excuses to my teacher for my ineptitude, explaining that I'm used to baking gluten-free and that the recipes just don't make sense to me, that they're not what I'm familiar with. It seems to matter a great deal to me that my teacher understands this, and doesn't think me useless.<br />
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I am in a bus in an unfamiliar foreign city, trying to get somewhere, though precisely where I can't remember. I do not have a good understanding of the city's layout or the bus routes; I chose the bus based only on my best guess, and I have no idea where it's actually going. The bus driver is no help; he seems angry with me for asking too many questions. At one point along the way, I somehow suddenly know that the bus is not going where I want it to take me, so I ring the bell to stop it, and when the bus slows and then comes to a halt, I leave it. I stand alone in the middle of a strange sidewalk, looking this way and that as the noisy traffic rushes by, trying to figure out how I'm going to get back to where I started and try a different bus instead. I ride many buses after that one, but the destination I'm supposed to find remains ever elusive.</div>
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Last month I watched a fascinating CBC's <i>The Nature of Things </i>documentary about sleep and dreaming. One segment highlighted the work of a psychologist who sees a continuation between what happens during our waking hours and what goes on in our dreams, and it made me think about the meaning of these two dreams I had on two recent consecutive nights. Where in my life am I trying to go that is unfamiliar and challenging to get to? Why do I care so much about what other people think of me along the way?</div>
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The truth is, the fear of failure or of disapproval from others has been a recurring theme in my unrealistically perfectionistic waking life for as long as I can remember. It has often held me back from trying exciting-scary things that might encourage mistake making, or might see me ending up somewhere other than where I had carefully planned to go. </div>
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Something has shifted for me this year, though, and I am both thrilled and pleasantly terrified about a big project I've been working on. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, but I never felt I knew enough or was good enough to actually pursue it. In some moment of enlightenment (delusion?), some part of me finally decided that whether I know enough or am good enough right now isn't the point; the point is to discover the things I don't know, and to see how much better I can become as I explore the unfamiliar. </div>
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I've found myself often in recent weeks feeling as though I really am wandering that twisty path to the hard-to-find class, or riding a bus that goes to confusing places. I can only give a best guess as to what I'm supposed to do in this new endeavour, and the old fears about people mocking my insufficiencies resurface frequently. Just as often, though, I've felt an uplifting sense of accomplishment, pride, and palpable enjoyment as I've found my own way to each next small step. It feels good to realize that I'm more capable than I allowed myself to believe, even if I don't actually get to where I hope this particular project takes me.</div>
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Next stop: who knows, really? Wherever it is, though, I know that I will have gone somewhere in a positive direction, and there's something to be said for that.</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-90589026042914397062016-03-29T14:24:00.001-04:002016-03-29T14:24:43.744-04:00Easter Weekend AwayWe took a road trip to Ottawa over Easter weekend to spend time with family. Mother Nature was kind enough to get her freezing rain storm out of the way on Thursday (and to give the boys an extra, extra long weekend with the resulting school closures that day), so we were still able to make the drive on Friday as planned. The weekend was everything we'd been looking forward to: a chance to reconnect with loved ones, play, eat good food, and give our minds a change of pace and scenery as we begin to shake off winter and look to the promises of spring.<br />
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We put together an entire 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle whose pieces were spread out on the kitchen table when we arrived at my sister-in-law's house, inviting us to accept a challenge. (Well, actually, it was Matt, with his patience and calm, steadfast nature, who put together most of the puzzle; the rest of us helped here and there, adding pieces sporadically while we all chatted animatedly together.) We all went to cheer on my nephew at a hockey game he was playing in one morning, and I spent some time making Shrinky Dink jewellery with my niece and reading her bedtime stories, a favourite activity that I hadn't even realized how much I'd missed since our boys outgrew it. The kids played a lively game of baseball in a park one sunny afternoon, and we adults shared details about the worries and glad moments of our separate day-to-day lives. We helped the kids colour real Easter eggs, and watched them race around the house finding filled plastic ones and baskets stuffed with cheerful surprises. There was delicious chocolate, and scrumptious shared meals, and we spent a beautiful Easter Sunday afternoon walking on a trail in the woods, where the chickadees came and ate birdseed right out of the kids' hands.<br />
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As we rolled down the highway back towards Waterloo yesterday, Matt and the boys and I all agreed we were very glad we had made the long trip. It was a wonderful weekend. There are few things better than driving for hours and landing in a place where you still feel so much at home.<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-15645113179002742852016-03-18T00:30:00.000-04:002016-03-18T00:30:14.280-04:00March Muffin Madness: Nut Butter, Banana and Jam Muffins (gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free)Today I'm sharing a recipe as part of a <a href="http://glutenfreeeasily.com/gluten-free-muffin-recipes-march-muffin-madness/">March Muffin Madness</a> event that kicked off earlier this week and is hosted by my friend Shirley of <a href="http://glutenfreeeasily.com/">Gluten Free Easily</a>. Every day through April 5th, Shirley will be highlighting a delicious new gluten-free muffin recipe created by one of the twenty-two participating bloggers. (That's a lot of new muffin recipes for those of you who love muffins or who have kids who love them as much as mine do!) In addition, she's rounded up an amazing collection of prizes to send out to some lucky winners, both through daily giveaways and in a grand prize giveaway at the end of the event.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Find out more about March Muffin Madness <a href="http://glutenfreeeasily.%20com/gluten-free-muffin-%20recipes-march-muffin-madness/">here</a>.</i><br />
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This was a perfect week for me to work on a new muffin recipe, as my boys have been home every day for the March Break, looking for things to do and things to eat! Will put his creative energy to good use and came up with the concept for the nut butter, banana and jam muffins featured here -- he thought the combination of his favourite breakfast flavours would make a great anytime snack. I agreed with him, and all four of us were super happy with the scrumptious muffins that resulted when I turned his idea into a recipe. These nutritious gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free muffins are versatile, too: they can be made with any kind of jam or nut butter to suit different preferences.<br />
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<b>Nut Butter, Banana and Jam Muffins</b><br />
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<i>For the jam:</i><br />
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2 cups fresh or frozen berries (I used a combination of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and dark sweet cherries)<br />
1 tsp coconut palm sugar<br />
1 tbsp ground chia seeds<br />
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<i>For the muffins:</i><br />
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2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour<br />
1/2 cup certified pure oats, ground<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
1/4 cup natural nut butter, melted (I used cashew butter)<br />
2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk<br />
2 tbsp pure maple syrup<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 tbsp ground chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water (stir and let stand for a minute or two to form a gel)<br />
2 medium sized ripe bananas, mashed<br />
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<i>For the crumble topping:</i><br />
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1/4 cup certified pure oats<br />
1/3 cup chopped nuts (I used cashews)<br />
1 tsp coconut palm sugar<br />
a pinch of sea salt<br />
1 tbsp natural nut butter, melted (I used cashew butter)<br />
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To make the jam, pulse the fresh or frozen berries in a food processor until they break down into small pieces. Spoon the berries into a saucepan and add the coconut palm sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the berries for about 10 minutes, stirring often. Gradually stir the ground chia seeds into the hot berry mixture. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for another 10 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. Remove the thickened mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, then spoon the jam into a lidded glass container and place it in the fridge to continue to cool and set.<br />
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If you're pressed for time and would rather not make your own jam, you can use a good store-bought version instead. The homemade jam makes these muffins especially delicious, though!<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 F, and fill a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. To make the muffins, combine the almond flour, ground oats, baking powder, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the melted nut butter, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a smaller bowl. Add this mixture, the chia seed gel, and the mashed bananas to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.<br />
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Spoon muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin so that each paper cup is just under half full. The batter will be thick, so press it down a little with the spoon so that it fully covers the bottom of each paper cup. Add a spoonful of the jam in the centre of each muffin.<br />
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Divide the remaining muffin batter between the twelve cups, using a spoon to spread out the batter so that the jam is covered.<br />
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To make the crumble topping, combine the oats, chopped nuts, coconut sugar, and sea salt in a bowl. Drizzle the melted nut butter over this mixture, and use a fork to mix the nut butter evenly into the other ingredients. Spoon the crumble topping over the tops of the muffins. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.<br />
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Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool.<br />
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These nut butter, banana and jam muffins are sure to be enjoyed by anyone who wants to try a long-time favourite flavour combination in a new form.<br />
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Here's something else I think people will like: the grand prize giveway for March Muffin Madness has some exciting prizes for the lucky winners, including a half-<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="yiv0798255991" id="yiv0798255991yui_3_16_0_1_1457753427390_165196" style="background-color: white;">gallon of Hidden Springs Vermont organic maple syrup, a 5-lb bag of Honeyville almond flour, a USA Bakeware 12-cup muffin pan, a Cuisinart ice cream maker, a Paderno World Cuisine vegetable slicer/spiralizer, a Crockpot casserole slow cooker, and an Instant Pot pressure cooker. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="yiv0798255991" id="yiv0798255991yui_3_16_0_1_1457753427390_165222" style="background-color: white;">The super grand prize is a Blendtec Designer 625 with Wildside+ and Twister jars! Take a look at all of the prizes and enter using the Rafflecopter box below for your chance to win -- you can enter daily. </span></span>You can also earn additional entries for the grand prize giveaway by leaving a comment on any of the participating posts during the event. (There is a maximum of one comment entry per person per post.)<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="cd7203cb10" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cd7203cb10/" id="rcwidget_hiba9j5q" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecoptergiveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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Lastly, head on over to <a href="http://glutenfreeeasily.com/">Gluten Free Easily</a> every day from now until April 5th to discover a yummy new muffin recipe and to enter the daily giveaways for cookbooks, resource books, subscriptions, and meal plans. March Muffin Madness indeed!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1613571024274471949.post-54097330602005194922016-03-13T19:07:00.003-04:002016-03-13T19:31:50.008-04:00Sunday afternoon hurdlesIt was a pretty ordinary Sunday afternoon around here. I was in the kitchen testing out a new muffin recipe I'd developed, while Matt was upstairs assembling a vanity for the bathroom that's currently under renovation. Noah was building a prototype of an electric car out of Arduino, Lego EV3 parts, wires, nuts, bolts, and string, and Will was sprawled out nearby him on the living room floor, dreaming up ideas and mentally problem solving for the game he's programming using Scratch. At one point, Matt called out, "Hey, who wants to see some track and field implements for cats?!" He was holding up two small hurdle-looking structures made out of wooden slats and plastic supports, meant to be used as dividers in the new vanity drawer.<br />
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The next thing I knew, this was happening:<br />
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Yep, just an ordinary Sunday afternoon around here!<br />
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May your kids' March Break be filled with fun adventures, big or small. :)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081765635682817940noreply@blogger.com1