Merry Wishes!

Well...I couldn't not write anything for Christmas. I've been a bit preoccupied and also left my computer charger in Victoria so no pix as I'm using G's work computer. (at the time we thought we'd be back there within a coupla days so it wasn't a biggie) But...We're pretty much snowed in here on Walden Street. It sure is beautiful. I believe this is a record snowfall - most snow E.V.E.R.!!! The day has been filled with shoveling, pushing cars out of the snow, visiting neighbours, packing up the kitchen of all non-essentials and now - waiting for the roasting chicken and sweet potatoes to be ready so we can eat.
I feel very blessed in my life - good food, good friends, warm home, a life filled with love! I wish all good things for you and yours as we end this year and begin a new one. Merry Christmas, warmest wishes, my friends!

Countdown to Christmas and our Big Move...

I'm sorry I haven't been updating. It's been a bit of a crazy time full of reflection, memories, boxes, hours of phone calls coordinating phones/tv/hydro/movers, dreaming of our new space, facing fears of this huge change, early family holiday celebrations and tomorrow, a funeral service for our friend, Sanjay. I'm sure there's never a good time of year for this kind of event but doesn't it just put all else into perspective, right now?

I wish you all a love-filled holiday season.

In Memory...

We had a call from G's mom two nights ago to tell us that our old friend, Sanjay Ablak, had been killed in Victoria. He was 42 years old and the father of two. About 19 years ago, George and Sanjay went off to India with several of their Indian friends. Some of them had gone to get married and George attended several weddings during his 6 month stay. Sanjay did not marry during that trip but did spend much of his time hosting George in his home country. I've heard so many great stories about that trip that I feel like I was there. Sanjay eventually married my very good friend and had a son - who is now 15. Unfortunately, that relationship did not last. He has since remarried and has a young daughter. We hadn't seen Sanjay in several years (it was harder to keep in touch after moving to Vancouver) but his presence was always felt and now the memories are flooding in.
Sanjay was an integral part of G & I's courtship. He was there on the night we officially decided to become a couple. He danced with us (Indian style) in my living room late into the night and taught me the moves. He helped decorate my Christmas tree - while sitting on George's shoulders - in my studio apartment on Moss Street. He covered his ears when he bowled which made us all laugh hysterically!
There seems to be a lot of questions surrounding his death and I'm sure that will get settled in time. The overwhelming factor tho', is that Sanjay was well loved - and isn't that the most important thing? We all struggle in this life and some have more demons to conquer than others but - hopefully - we leave behind some goodness. Whether that's through our children, our relationships or the people we've affected along the way. Rest in Peace, Sanjay Ablak. You will be missed!

Yay to the Vancouver Sun!

We so love it when the local media supports local business! Check out this article that will run in tomorrow's paper - and remember to support your local, independent businesses:)

Fa la la la la...Come Join Us...

If you live anywhere nearby, we'd love to have you join us for our 3rd Annual Walden Street Caroling Evening! If you don't live close, maybe you could join us in spirit and hum a few bars. If you'd like to start a caroling evening in your area, I'd be happy to email you my songsheets.
Deets...
Come join us for our 3rd annual caroling evening on and around the 4500 block of Walden Street. We'll provide hot cider and song sheets. Please bring your good cheer, a mug for drinks, a candle or flashlight and a friend, if you like.
Thursday, December 18th
Meet @ 7pm (our house)
We'll probably go 'til around 9ish.

See my facebook page to rsvp...

Making TV and Making Merry

Georges' Barb and her hubby Al We spent about 3 hours yesterday morning filming at the store for a CBC program called Living Vancouver (I tried to post their link but it's not working at the moment). It will be a 3 1/2 minute segment to run in the second week of January. Barb, Bonnie and I modeled our clothes, and we got to talk a lot about our philosphy, loving your body, celebrating your curves, etc. I think it went extremely well. Funny how exhausting that can be. The "being on" and trying to say the right thing in the right way. At least they have plenty of material to work with. It's always nice when the reporters or media people 'get' our concept and help us get it across in the right way. Fun!
Last night was G's annual staff Christmas party at the Sequoia Grill in Stanley Park. Beautiful setting, fun night - too much wine! Will I ever learn? I think G. and I were feeling particularly celebratory with the new house and all!
Today was an all day pj day - movies, blog surfing, hanging out with my G. Also nice. Hope you're all having a great weekend! More pix here...

G. in his utilikilt!

It's a done deal -

cheers to you all!

The Season Begins...

Every year I drive out to Chilliwack early in December to decorate my mom's Christmas tree with her. Tuesday was the day. It's become one of the few traditions that we actually share consistently and it's always a really nice day. We put on all her favourite Christmas songs like "Six White Boomers!", pour ourselves a bailey's and coffee and set to work. Her tree is filled with festivity - more is good - and it always looks so pretty. This year she's added a nodding?, twinkling reindeer to her yard amongst all the other lights. Did I mention that more is good? Sometimes, if I'm lucky, she'll have a pot of borsht cooking and her delicious homemade buns. I was not to be disappointed this year. And there was enough to bring home for my George! Let the festivities begin!!!
Today is the day we put the deposit down for the house which means it will be officially a done deal - OMG! Possession date - December 19th.

Yep, I'm officially addicted to shoes!

I got the red ones...

these ones are for G's Christmas party this Friday night - very comfy - and pretty too! all on sale at aerosoles.

A Weekend Rendezvous...

This past weekend, G. and I snuck away to Seattle for our annual pre-Christmas getaway. Lots of walking, talking, re-connecting, wine sampling and yummy food. It's funny, we choose to go on one of the biggest US shopping weekends of the year and then we avoid the crowds once we're there. In years past, we've watched the lighting of the tree, bands, parades, etc. but it seems, these days, we much prefer to go in the opposite direction of the hoards of people making merry. Here are some pix...

our room (comfy bed & soaker tub!)

wine tasting at The Tasting Room in Post Alley

we didn't ship any wine home but...a display at Anthropologie (I love that store!!!) The skirt is made out of wood

I bought this teacup for our new house!lunch at Maximillians - Pike Place

All in all, a fantastic little getaway. Lots of laughs, lots of dreaming about our future and lots of just walking hand in hand enjoying each other's company!
Oh yeah, we also did a bit of shopping;)
Will show you the other shoes tomorrow!