tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74513441854457902242024-03-18T23:30:28.599-04:00PinkSheepTOJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-68748768732415597612012-04-27T14:48:00.000-04:002012-04-29T07:57:20.018-04:00Say Cheese-Rewind to JanuaryI haven't posted any Iphone picurtures in a while.<br />
Like I said, I've been <a href="http://pinksheepto.blogspot.ca/2012/04/its-been-while.html">busy</a>.<br />
I thought I would go back to the beginning of the year and share some of my favourite pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmeOVsDskJrdrQrtgY8oYrvN0uZcS8YzVj8m13GsoHJC5eLkILbUMkNXJo3gXtaPZTbcsclJTrLxDg3B2upLY5dkj0BR7jLchvvqXirWWJd9IHy5z_OHcuOZCfTNRmNhJ_tQRx8Mgq5o/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmeOVsDskJrdrQrtgY8oYrvN0uZcS8YzVj8m13GsoHJC5eLkILbUMkNXJo3gXtaPZTbcsclJTrLxDg3B2upLY5dkj0BR7jLchvvqXirWWJd9IHy5z_OHcuOZCfTNRmNhJ_tQRx8Mgq5o/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" width="239" /></a></div> Visiting with the Evans girls in Oakville. Going for a walk in the park so you gotta bring your babies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-grM6FvkXTILRfyw0FGmoz8XN7gYse23ayrLC1AGIjJACUTFmrMAXcDSXdokzHKDPGfbxLf-gK7niPa3naTgvuT_hMovv85IY8ItFTd3KVbY2t8lKBebRukO5QYe7Lw4BaSDJ0dQM5Y/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-grM6FvkXTILRfyw0FGmoz8XN7gYse23ayrLC1AGIjJACUTFmrMAXcDSXdokzHKDPGfbxLf-gK7niPa3naTgvuT_hMovv85IY8ItFTd3KVbY2t8lKBebRukO5QYe7Lw4BaSDJ0dQM5Y/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" width="239" /></a></div> I always get so excited when I see the food drive baskets in our local Starbucks stores!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnquh5ZMc-vi7MnLLA65YKWDrb1wupEYoUeqQk2uhCaFhxuvIcVuXQSmiS6VlK6ITBP8gy_VvigEw-v9dMeRLrAvsxP4DVswT-cGebiigFWiiIWMwW87cI8PLKVH2xhyphenhyphenkmbP8umS2GZg/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnquh5ZMc-vi7MnLLA65YKWDrb1wupEYoUeqQk2uhCaFhxuvIcVuXQSmiS6VlK6ITBP8gy_VvigEw-v9dMeRLrAvsxP4DVswT-cGebiigFWiiIWMwW87cI8PLKVH2xhyphenhyphenkmbP8umS2GZg/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Picking a new winter hat. Option #1. (Winner)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyJUZ8b0cSaV3CbFL3c9W4Z6GQMoUw_aRSf8oJEPOpmY6XAAQssU7R7I6Jinn8F1uyhIVRqOAilXvtYTs63VGFOm3aLbrAprLdx0Wxv-Wu0qX6PWg8uNn9ACybd4tYPSmHIQ2nre8xMU/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyJUZ8b0cSaV3CbFL3c9W4Z6GQMoUw_aRSf8oJEPOpmY6XAAQssU7R7I6Jinn8F1uyhIVRqOAilXvtYTs63VGFOm3aLbrAprLdx0Wxv-Wu0qX6PWg8uNn9ACybd4tYPSmHIQ2nre8xMU/s320/IMG_0139.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Option #2.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsdAv8x_PxuKD5nni6AaNLhtj9xK8vC67Tm7GebgZVYrxQ6Q3Ick4Jgc9rH2rNNGaqo5Wy_9PNB6oCrMyI2R-4DhXT4ExTJtQRdIIPu2B9abHqqBJEWGp46Lx5A5_akO_jz2_Z0SlDTw/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsdAv8x_PxuKD5nni6AaNLhtj9xK8vC67Tm7GebgZVYrxQ6Q3Ick4Jgc9rH2rNNGaqo5Wy_9PNB6oCrMyI2R-4DhXT4ExTJtQRdIIPu2B9abHqqBJEWGp46Lx5A5_akO_jz2_Z0SlDTw/s320/IMG_0142.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Me and Flowie in NY to celebrate Grammie's 90th birthday. We got in big trouble for driving in a snow storm. Heh heh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xzmZm3tSyAvPOsGujiiNmIc5Ws61WjjYyKyw2d58lMfS2Y_fX_DP2FPQ7pM70dB3MFbVYLRD5lDUDCAIl4ga1sE5SqqFl5WGtFMMRXhk9qKczGRMZKJo-2Xm2_NWr3BALK_ykb9lyaY/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xzmZm3tSyAvPOsGujiiNmIc5Ws61WjjYyKyw2d58lMfS2Y_fX_DP2FPQ7pM70dB3MFbVYLRD5lDUDCAIl4ga1sE5SqqFl5WGtFMMRXhk9qKczGRMZKJo-2Xm2_NWr3BALK_ykb9lyaY/s320/IMG_0145.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Ice fishing with the cousins on Pleasant Lake. My favourite place in the whole world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjjs8ZxpPssdsdvuxWRWepYou-8DBJ8m4y7S6PRHGS6PbfME2XcHnVd0BXcrVwmJ3KMbwMNNqqNOBAkMwCUk1u3Qz2ty0mXk0rzB6Z-bX5m-K5unixvcl-L6xCJwmqMgYt6KFR0IqzYM/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjjs8ZxpPssdsdvuxWRWepYou-8DBJ8m4y7S6PRHGS6PbfME2XcHnVd0BXcrVwmJ3KMbwMNNqqNOBAkMwCUk1u3Qz2ty0mXk0rzB6Z-bX5m-K5unixvcl-L6xCJwmqMgYt6KFR0IqzYM/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> All suited up for a big YSM event. Ready to take over the world!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUceXu59HHtdfM5lkQ5pYfcHimlUcbCo_Om6_1e-axthgXwjfjJTSYXsitTvco8GYd5_GQZy-bFiCbD4Z2bX3Yrh2qjRA0-5YOF8S-L3-MVGdylclm4faFovhuY5qESmj8tn9c3F2pR0/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUceXu59HHtdfM5lkQ5pYfcHimlUcbCo_Om6_1e-axthgXwjfjJTSYXsitTvco8GYd5_GQZy-bFiCbD4Z2bX3Yrh2qjRA0-5YOF8S-L3-MVGdylclm4faFovhuY5qESmj8tn9c3F2pR0/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Meeting the amazing Gordon Pinsent at a YSM video shoot for Coldest Night of the Year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4sRqQaaQUQkjdodtn96UBJRmCuTo2KBQCyls9VeTxgGTuEvqMTNeAXzdLUFuLAJzmH02xaT3vAVB_MG-UW1zxN3k4nh7EC8CuCQywnymC9h51i8rUTbCeQ801KoKIvhM_3g3wSRbAY/s1600/IMG_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4sRqQaaQUQkjdodtn96UBJRmCuTo2KBQCyls9VeTxgGTuEvqMTNeAXzdLUFuLAJzmH02xaT3vAVB_MG-UW1zxN3k4nh7EC8CuCQywnymC9h51i8rUTbCeQ801KoKIvhM_3g3wSRbAY/s320/IMG_0172.JPG" width="239" /></a></div> Toronto Actor, Ennis Esmer lends his talent to our cause. He's one funny guy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgmrtDKdjKZfpyGSRLvn2ze6W7z3h1R52CTvX__4tQSIVX1MrdYqD4KrnxfKI7LTQh3QfQVneO_RF1V33YE_5ZvQBdBlrFE3p7yiKUd1JlHXgSvzhnoOSb3CpeY5YHkwJ52BfbhyaIR4/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgmrtDKdjKZfpyGSRLvn2ze6W7z3h1R52CTvX__4tQSIVX1MrdYqD4KrnxfKI7LTQh3QfQVneO_RF1V33YE_5ZvQBdBlrFE3p7yiKUd1JlHXgSvzhnoOSb3CpeY5YHkwJ52BfbhyaIR4/s320/IMG_0173.JPG" width="239" /></a></div> The first flowers Mr.Wonderful gave me! So beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi356syq6SND3nqV-mLQgXxlr0ozzityuJ7USCy3qqQiNVlvMYtLS0lTrdDficeg7LJzrGB0Deob-sbEHiyq3JXX3tYjGXBu4_8_vnBEDJ-grf4HWMC82fowrET1x9E3C7sPyVweGe4NGo/s1600/IMG_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi356syq6SND3nqV-mLQgXxlr0ozzityuJ7USCy3qqQiNVlvMYtLS0lTrdDficeg7LJzrGB0Deob-sbEHiyq3JXX3tYjGXBu4_8_vnBEDJ-grf4HWMC82fowrET1x9E3C7sPyVweGe4NGo/s320/IMG_0214.JPG" width="239" /></a></div> The second flowers Mr.Wonderful gave me. A dozen pink roses delivered to my office.<br />
Is he a keeper or what? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gLzNq-gfbEBdrvmuchvZITR-TYE6zXef1wowN0CTxoI6-MTfCTF2425vndbvR2Jg_Qkrtd7hHyQ0v0ATWkcq5WrIZiKQDpNmvR6xQhtI1U_9ZgvA-tED1TQyrHfwOlOCzMt-caPXljk/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gLzNq-gfbEBdrvmuchvZITR-TYE6zXef1wowN0CTxoI6-MTfCTF2425vndbvR2Jg_Qkrtd7hHyQ0v0ATWkcq5WrIZiKQDpNmvR6xQhtI1U_9ZgvA-tED1TQyrHfwOlOCzMt-caPXljk/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Meeting Mr.Wonderful's family for the first time at a Chinese banquet. Complete with Chinese Karaoke. Wow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_mIKOFqp38NdYf4tG_toww0OSQqd0ef-_pe3niV9Q91CUzakRuj_mioQREqP1DrHd0E0Um9C50IyP7FxTzpHNEFC-2dk8JkWrdqil2frm0WDYNWNiy309_iZ-PtEOJy9LXwI-1Ik3vs/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_mIKOFqp38NdYf4tG_toww0OSQqd0ef-_pe3niV9Q91CUzakRuj_mioQREqP1DrHd0E0Um9C50IyP7FxTzpHNEFC-2dk8JkWrdqil2frm0WDYNWNiy309_iZ-PtEOJy9LXwI-1Ik3vs/s320/IMG_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> On the radio promoting Coldest Night of the Year. Mom always said I had a face for radio!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNpx4in0vj1a_0M_9R0LO5LPR2WV3uo6lawZ874-pdX8ivrrJkd1XeGIuNOy68G5wEEkSIh5Lw_eUjd-AJ9aliCDhKdmGwmglNlIffD1O5roK7HtZJkcTH4ps_LBBjVJnZXmboWDzjyQ/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNpx4in0vj1a_0M_9R0LO5LPR2WV3uo6lawZ874-pdX8ivrrJkd1XeGIuNOy68G5wEEkSIh5Lw_eUjd-AJ9aliCDhKdmGwmglNlIffD1O5roK7HtZJkcTH4ps_LBBjVJnZXmboWDzjyQ/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div> Super cute sweater that I got from the <a href="http://www.nathalie-roze.com/">Nathalie-Roze & Co.</a> Uber-Swap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB35PU1Jm_HVaLmHsKB1fQrA1j5_OFs1xCVcEAz123Q3-rwdrdZU697YdCaicACtZmu_-oEc57l1JraMGh3cmCXWb-biPyjnO8SRqvZBUwodT1Xs5lZwTJM8qS7CfRusSt9RNEe1VEBI/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB35PU1Jm_HVaLmHsKB1fQrA1j5_OFs1xCVcEAz123Q3-rwdrdZU697YdCaicACtZmu_-oEc57l1JraMGh3cmCXWb-biPyjnO8SRqvZBUwodT1Xs5lZwTJM8qS7CfRusSt9RNEe1VEBI/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Starbucks. All in a day's work in the land of Julia!<br />
<br />
Julia<br />
<br />
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-6665069230605015472012-04-27T14:18:00.002-04:002012-05-02T10:47:48.468-04:00Timing is everything.If you haven't already read the beginning of this story stop right now!<br />
Go <a href="http://pinksheepto.blogspot.ca/2012/04/its-been-while.html">here</a>.<br />
Read that part first and then come back.<br />
<br />
As I reflect on new years eve I wonder to myself what it was about that night that made me see Mr.Wonderful in a new light.<br />
Something had changed for me. But what?<br />
There was a definite shift from friend to the potential for more. But why then. Why that night?<br />
Was it the conversation I had with <a href="http://www.thelovelocksband.com/">Ali Raney</a> the day before? <br />
I don't really know how or why it happened then. Why it wasn't a year ago or a year from now.<br />
But as I "say" that out loud I realize that I do know why.<br />
<br />
It was part of God's plan.<br />
<br />
It was the perfect time where we were both ready and willing to take a huge leap of faith and put ourselves out there.<br />
To risk.<br />
To try.<br />
To be bold.<br />
I'm so glad that we did.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more details. <br />
<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-15464273627375105242012-04-27T14:03:00.000-04:002012-04-27T14:03:11.068-04:00It's been a whileIt's been a while since I posted.<br />
Bad blog etiquette I know.<br />
I apologize.<br />
I've missed you and I know you've missed me.<br />
But I have a valid excuse, I've been a busy girl.<br />
A very busy girl falling in love!<br />
<br />
To say that my life has changed in the past four months would be the understatement of the century. My world has been turned upside down in the most wonderful and unexpected way ever.<br />
<br />
Let me start from the beginning. <br />
On new years eve 2011 I started hanging out with a guy, let's call him Mr.Wonderful.<br />
I'd known him for a few years. I guess you could have called us friends. We had hung out a few times in group settings but nothing more than that.<br />
So I knew that he was a nice guy.<br />
I could see that he was handsome.<br />
It was obvious that he was the kind of guy that everyone likes because he is so kind, giving, caring and fun.<br />
I was intrigued.<br />
There was something about him that night that made me want to get to know him better.<br />
I think he felt the same. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleoELmgZdvVe-kz0jP8Vjvc10zwlmU_hVPqg7Tlp-zh9rIj9nIZBo4OwkS-DfYKH5wXFDAPe38mHj1gOC1a7j_L3Yif5zrihkMcHAcJotr3qglcV99W3phHLtbCNuSVKHqohzg1xjwow/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleoELmgZdvVe-kz0jP8Vjvc10zwlmU_hVPqg7Tlp-zh9rIj9nIZBo4OwkS-DfYKH5wXFDAPe38mHj1gOC1a7j_L3Yif5zrihkMcHAcJotr3qglcV99W3phHLtbCNuSVKHqohzg1xjwow/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This is where it all began. The first picture of us together.<br />
Stay tuned for more of the story. It's a good one, trust me!<br />
Julia<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-33515802642805185762011-12-08T19:21:00.000-05:002011-12-08T21:49:31.853-05:00You're so granola<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have found my breakfast love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Granola, yogurt and some kind of fruit.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It's the best breakfast because it's delicious, keeps you full for most of the morning and is good for you.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Actually it's not only good for breakfast. I ate it for lunch today. Yum! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I used to buy my granola from the grocery store but I would always cringe because it's so stinking expensive for a half full box.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A few years ago my amazing friend <a href="http://www.minedrecreations.com/home.cfm">Joanne Jones</a> brought a huge jar of homemade granola when she came to stay with me for the One of A Kind show.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Side note: Joanne is an amazing artist who makes beautiful purses and bags out of recycled clothing, check out her company, <a href="http://www.minedrecreations.com/home.cfm">Mined Recreations</a> but she lives outside of the city so my house has become the unofficial B&B of Mined Recreations for the OOAK in Toronto!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I had know idea how easy and inexpensive it was to make your own. Joanne shared her recipe with me then and today I've adapted it a bit and make it for myself all of the time.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Check out the recipe and step by step instructions below for you to make it for your family to enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">6 Cups-Oats</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/4 Cup-Unsweetened shaved or flaked coconut</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/4 Cup-Pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/4 Cup-Pecans or walnuts, chopped</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/4 Cup-Almonds, chopped</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">2 Tbls-Sesame seeds</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1 Tbls-Coca Powder (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/2 Tbls-Nutmeg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">Pinch of salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/2 Cup-Canola or Vegetable oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1/4 Cup-Molasses (Optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">1 Cup-Apricots, chopped (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">Instructions:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">Preheat oven to 350 F.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">In a large bowl mix the first 12 ingredients.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;"><br /><br />Pour mixture onto two cookie sheets and bake for 30
minutes or until granola is golden brown stiring very often, at least 3 times
during the cooking. Stay close to monitor progress as you may need to lower the
temperature of your oven if the granola begins to burn.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;"><br /><br />Once cooked remove from oven and leave to cool on cookie sheets
for about 10 minutes. When the granola has cooled slightly transfer to a large
clean bowl and add the dried fruit and leave to cool fully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;"><br /><br />Once cooled transfer to an airtight container. Granola keeps for
over two weeks, if it lasts that long!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuutvXwnytvYsUTKW_YyZP3l1eIwRRoc5HfzY9iMAJNCuuJgpZFSIG-NyB0H614sCRM4wuUnkDQIqbuc18gIM5TvzlPLgvXI1zQaKXV5ODOJ1iftWCdwvIEg1J5Gg3KPxNJcP9w8-Y3go/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuutvXwnytvYsUTKW_YyZP3l1eIwRRoc5HfzY9iMAJNCuuJgpZFSIG-NyB0H614sCRM4wuUnkDQIqbuc18gIM5TvzlPLgvXI1zQaKXV5ODOJ1iftWCdwvIEg1J5Gg3KPxNJcP9w8-Y3go/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />How delicious does that look? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;">Let me know how your granola turns out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444;"><br />Julia</span></span></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-69681498641574951692011-11-29T23:13:00.001-05:002011-11-29T23:14:44.824-05:00What does that even mean?So yesterday I went to see the gastroenterologist to get this pancreatitis thing figured out.<br />
I'm so thankful that she was able to fit me in so quickly. She has a 6 month waiting list.<br />
We chatted about how I was feeling, my medical history and all that good stuff. Seemed to go pretty well...until she told me that I need to go on a no-fat diet until it gets cleared up.<br />
"You basically can't eat anything you didn't make yourself," is how she broke it down.<br />
No fat?<br />
What does that even mean?<br />
Doesn't everything have fat in it?<br />
I've been processing this for the past 24 hours and I am sad and excited by the challenge all at the same time.<br />
Food is such a huge part of my life. <br />
I cook when I'm happy and when I'm sad. The idea of not being able to cook the food I love makes me really sad.<br />
But the new ideas are a brewing in this head of mine. Maybe some great will come out!<br />
The other part is that most of the social things I do revolve around food. Not so much anymore.<br />
I don't want to miss out on the fun because I can't eat out right now.<br />
Guess its time to start thinking outside of the box friends!<br />
All this to say I'm super glad to be on the path to recovery so I will do my best to stick to it and put a smile on my face.<br />
And I guess if I lose a few pounds in the process that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world :)<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-61532049646178061702011-11-28T17:10:00.001-05:002011-11-28T17:11:47.397-05:00Oh the horror!I'm sitting in the waiting area at Women's College Hospital waiting to see the gastroenterologist.<br />
It's not pretty in here.<br />
Sort of looks like the beginning of a bad horror movie.<br />
Big empty hall ways.<br />
No one around.<br />
A rattling sound in the distance.<br />
If the fluorescent lights start flickering in so out of here.<br />
Man I wish I knew how to kill zombies.<br />
Julia<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9_hhUL2LwbtcQAkpNCBMo_z4StyB7WQHr41mfbWdcqtkZcJTp5raqJnLQLoRM1Zh8vpSFjj_ZhY6WmJLHovpUzHKDC4AwyVluny8Xh5ZE9e-9dseK8XkJpBKIB29Of7Yvxs_dhzpevw/s640/blogger-image--307172929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9_hhUL2LwbtcQAkpNCBMo_z4StyB7WQHr41mfbWdcqtkZcJTp5raqJnLQLoRM1Zh8vpSFjj_ZhY6WmJLHovpUzHKDC4AwyVluny8Xh5ZE9e-9dseK8XkJpBKIB29Of7Yvxs_dhzpevw/s640/blogger-image--307172929.jpg" /></a></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-19275910789375658212011-11-26T17:35:00.001-05:002011-11-26T19:12:19.467-05:00Fare il brodoIn Italian the words <i>fare il brodo</i> mean <i>make broth</i>. And boy do the Italians like their broth. They make it often for things like tortellini in brodo, pastina, soups and many other things.<br />
<br />
When I lived in Italy I made my fare share of brodo for The Nonna. She sure did like her pasta in brodo. I always felt strange making such a simple dish for the woman who used to make the most amazing food for our family and restaurant back in the day.<br />
Remember when I told you about Nonna's amazing talent <a href="http://pinksheepto.blogspot.com/2011/02/recipe-is-in-my-blood.html">here</a>?<br />
But pasta in brodo was what she wanted, so I made it.<br />
My Dad taught me how to make broth when I first arrived and my Italian wasn't perfect yet.<br />
I'll never forget the first time I went to the <i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">macellaio </span></span></i>or butcher<i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"> </span></span></i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">by our house</span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"> to buy the </span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">stuff to make it. I asked the butcher, he knew me at this point because I had been in a lot with my dad, for a piece of chicken to make broth. "Chicken?" he said, "your Dad always buys <i>gallina</i> or hen". I was super confused because I thought a hen was a chicken but I guess in the world of the butcher it is different, I told him that I'd take whatever my Dad usually gets and I was on my way. The broth turned out great then, the many times after that when I made it in Italy and now I make it here at home.</span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Sure it's easier to buy some OXO cubes and throw it into your recipe but there is nothing like the taste of homemade broth.</span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">This morning I went to the</span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><a href="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/"> St Lawrence Market</a> and was inspired by all of the beautiful root vegetables in the north market to make stew. Well stew needs lots of delicious brodo so I decided to make some this afternoon. I had a few beef bones in the freezer from another stew I made a few weeks earlier so all I needed was some chicken or hen, oh who knows. I went to</span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"> <a href="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/shopping/vendors/uppercut.html">Upper Cut Meats</a>
and almost asked for gallina hoping that the the lovely young man who helped me would know what I was talking about. I asked for </span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">asked for chicken to make broth instead and he </span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">totally hooked me up with a bag of 3 chicken carcasses for only $1, score. I learned later that he did speak Italian so he totally would have know what I was talking about. We spoke a little Italian, I got nervous, said something dumb, blushed and said <i>ci vediamo dopo</i>, but that's another story for another time!!!. :) Lost of butchers keep bones and such for that very reason so be sure to ask.</span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">I wanted to share the recipe with you with step by step instructions so you can make it too.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">I really hope you like it and use it in lots of different ways over our long cold winter.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"> If it ever actually gets cold!</span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A large piece of chicken (or hen) with bones</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A large piece of beef on a bone</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A few large carrots</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A few pieces of celery & tops</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A large cooking onion</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A few cloves of garlic</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Bay leaves</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Peppercorns</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Salt</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Instructions:</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Put bones into a large pot.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q14q7_6CUrP3c8o2TJTnYqHENduvA0G4ayPu2fwdLKDUwSD7tsgC7i06erQ52_CtzZVaaeAfUJd2DgO8mYcMg00QQE9gE1RJqf_8DSwhgO0_BhqiElmj3DflSORyndic6DB1l1pufII/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q14q7_6CUrP3c8o2TJTnYqHENduvA0G4ayPu2fwdLKDUwSD7tsgC7i06erQ52_CtzZVaaeAfUJd2DgO8mYcMg00QQE9gE1RJqf_8DSwhgO0_BhqiElmj3DflSORyndic6DB1l1pufII/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Wash and cut up vegetables into large pieces.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Make sure you use the tops of the celery with the leaves, they have lots of flavour!</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">These vegetables are going to be discarded after cooking so you don't have to get too picky about sizes etc.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ1AjaSVe6gcuKeAo-Ec_bQYv5p6SLEQYR8u7j8cazrEgTVgN1Gb2wJbwH6oVA5La9iWQYEpVV4sIsXwMjkLxvGSvPW9J4iSSjImMchw_yoNYeMReJU0ROB51RUhEtcqVq3vP7E0Kc4g/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ1AjaSVe6gcuKeAo-Ec_bQYv5p6SLEQYR8u7j8cazrEgTVgN1Gb2wJbwH6oVA5La9iWQYEpVV4sIsXwMjkLxvGSvPW9J4iSSjImMchw_yoNYeMReJU0ROB51RUhEtcqVq3vP7E0Kc4g/s320/IMG_1370.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Put the veggies into the pot with the meat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO5egW-o7_i5tsmSyn6vRyQ8-GPwQZDOfnFzGxGvM1bs5pzW2aqKT3FzbQ4PoHA5b-tkMm9ODVqiAygboQYXlCJnaPKOzZD0c4mrjj4oYDU8CkwZjZZBNWQQkQD0t8FfPyhDnfFP1QPI/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO5egW-o7_i5tsmSyn6vRyQ8-GPwQZDOfnFzGxGvM1bs5pzW2aqKT3FzbQ4PoHA5b-tkMm9ODVqiAygboQYXlCJnaPKOzZD0c4mrjj4oYDU8CkwZjZZBNWQQkQD0t8FfPyhDnfFP1QPI/s320/IMG_1371.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Add the bay leaves, peppercorns and salt.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsreBimgSzVloAHzKyCoxFZn6zw5QyQP7YQhOet3ZjSG9y_Bxyn3Qux_gIn9I7ngfsb4rEbo8GKoqXMVRxD1B-seu8izPcbTZ1SpYh8ifvjFC80VTvLt3-hsk3sqUc6P8vDHu24jZmfk/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsreBimgSzVloAHzKyCoxFZn6zw5QyQP7YQhOet3ZjSG9y_Bxyn3Qux_gIn9I7ngfsb4rEbo8GKoqXMVRxD1B-seu8izPcbTZ1SpYh8ifvjFC80VTvLt3-hsk3sqUc6P8vDHu24jZmfk/s320/IMG_1372.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Fill the pot with cold water and turn the heat on to high.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhIE_t9lmjooBSRoZRIkqpJUYkHdMlXEiAhMV786mHLaPpzwe4UFTCJ104vmH2okNv9rBxHZ7s9Zt0LTascQQ7325m24kpS50wNgiLsz2SWXhCWV7YyIqSdJ9dT0eASUbsDZrqvf2R2w/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhIE_t9lmjooBSRoZRIkqpJUYkHdMlXEiAhMV786mHLaPpzwe4UFTCJ104vmH2okNv9rBxHZ7s9Zt0LTascQQ7325m24kpS50wNgiLsz2SWXhCWV7YyIqSdJ9dT0eASUbsDZrqvf2R2w/s320/IMG_1373.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Bring the liquid to a boil and then turn it down to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc4RmRdHAyW2O9hxUa8bwP-jn6GmMxGUccOwhP85bmhjxO6WcEFkC25C67mkDsKspwiWUxAC65EE8TvuJ07zwgXKxUx1mac4F917Q_bvc4w0LpmdaASnCDLrwIChuCq5_1YgH-ZXRquI/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc4RmRdHAyW2O9hxUa8bwP-jn6GmMxGUccOwhP85bmhjxO6WcEFkC25C67mkDsKspwiWUxAC65EE8TvuJ07zwgXKxUx1mac4F917Q_bvc4w0LpmdaASnCDLrwIChuCq5_1YgH-ZXRquI/s320/IMG_1378.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You may need to skim the sludge (there may be a more technical word for it but I don't know what it is) off the top while it is cooking because it will make your broth cloudy and kind of yucky (another technical term!).</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt3_laNF9LP8Emmw3-G2IJ12BS6Z_OTSd3pwvHUm4Kc5ThGIRpmKzClf88M9hl9lZHYhCISnIn72U1YvWHcfveBI1q0xfQ1B_8zuE_fMmh0Zi068whTiOjiAGwz54wY4dkelARM6m2Ac/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt3_laNF9LP8Emmw3-G2IJ12BS6Z_OTSd3pwvHUm4Kc5ThGIRpmKzClf88M9hl9lZHYhCISnIn72U1YvWHcfveBI1q0xfQ1B_8zuE_fMmh0Zi068whTiOjiAGwz54wY4dkelARM6m2Ac/s320/IMG_1379.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After a few hours your broth should look like this!</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">You will know that it is done when it smells delicious and all of the meat and bones are falling apart.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBQ7RNIzxmeFVoqzloOCP-JLCOD6Sg3QpxY2OgGk9Ub5aJ1vi4cXs50xIZ-aSzNCxyIiTgKwzgnGP7ytHZN8Po3wRq_IQxTbdJgYDmi5CgX0-hVCMtyx0uJrks7qcXsO97Zfi3hst7KA/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBQ7RNIzxmeFVoqzloOCP-JLCOD6Sg3QpxY2OgGk9Ub5aJ1vi4cXs50xIZ-aSzNCxyIiTgKwzgnGP7ytHZN8Po3wRq_IQxTbdJgYDmi5CgX0-hVCMtyx0uJrks7qcXsO97Zfi3hst7KA/s320/IMG_1397.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Take the big pieces out and put them in a large colander over a bowl to drain.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Once they have dripped off all of the delicious broth discard the vegetables and bones.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">You can pick apart the meat and reserve it to put into whatever you are making later but it will be very dry and flavourless.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlUd_gWbPRmpFdK82SN1dJWpK_ulGj-k1irhbMlMdZAOI6R9zunj9IDu0XyfVhdNwgfqr9SnDRzOtcc5Sa01u88cutYuVPATluLgzVvrhntNQrB3i28bGmGImk35GjnFW-tDjIkV-Tew/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlUd_gWbPRmpFdK82SN1dJWpK_ulGj-k1irhbMlMdZAOI6R9zunj9IDu0XyfVhdNwgfqr9SnDRzOtcc5Sa01u88cutYuVPATluLgzVvrhntNQrB3i28bGmGImk35GjnFW-tDjIkV-Tew/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pass all of the liquid through a fine colander or even cheese cloth if you have it.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">The fewer particles the clearer your broth will be.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MM4UA-1m1IPtbF_XZgJxjbzLuYFr_5FQUv4A13W4Gh-vwQYea7_X_eT1dTf8GjzUD-6z8CiLcyVwYq8ovl6s1Khvm7mlGWEt4YUSzZz6rCZhuoTImEoyXh7_3cBMrq6HZuDi9jYBzmQ/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MM4UA-1m1IPtbF_XZgJxjbzLuYFr_5FQUv4A13W4Gh-vwQYea7_X_eT1dTf8GjzUD-6z8CiLcyVwYq8ovl6s1Khvm7mlGWEt4YUSzZz6rCZhuoTImEoyXh7_3cBMrq6HZuDi9jYBzmQ/s320/IMG_1400.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Put your broth in a container for refrigeration or freezing.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">The broth will last for about a week in the fridge and about 6 months in the freezer.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLVEKCLG7D4aT8TM2jh3Xw-ZHKkg7vwUR_oHxh52YBX9foVbwHA6ZEI51Mi8A1R4tuA7cA_GzgRNNtFmwI-MoKBgYctjcnFHbYaRVUhoVonsdXcBvvNNDzkRvmpJtrmg486mvK6SuM7Q/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLVEKCLG7D4aT8TM2jh3Xw-ZHKkg7vwUR_oHxh52YBX9foVbwHA6ZEI51Mi8A1R4tuA7cA_GzgRNNtFmwI-MoKBgYctjcnFHbYaRVUhoVonsdXcBvvNNDzkRvmpJtrmg486mvK6SuM7Q/s320/IMG_1401.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That's it! You made broth. You are so good!</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">A few tips:</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">-When you take it out of the fridge or freezer to use it there may be a layer of fat on top. You can easily remove it while the broth is still cold by skimming it off with a spoon.</span></span><br />
<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">-You can freeze broth in an ice cube tray and then transfer the froze broth cubes into a freezer bag. The broth cubes will add tons of flavour to pasta sauces and other dishes and will melt super quickly.</span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Let me know how your broth turns out.</span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="it"><span class="hps">Julia</span></span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-49217484129791813072011-11-15T17:12:00.001-05:002011-11-15T17:46:41.936-05:00Apparently I drink too much.I haven't been feeling well for the past few weeks.<br />
Nothing huge.<br />
Just a constant nauseous feeling.<br />
Not fun.<br />
No, I'm not pregnant.<br />
Or hungover.<br />
Thanks though.<br />
Anyway, few weeks ago I visited my family doc to get it checked out.<br />
She took blood and said to take some antacids. No big deal.<br />
But then her office called me three days later to come in right away. <br />
<insert freak-out here><br />
I couldn't get in until Monday so I spent the weekend with the fear of something huge in the back of my mind.<br />
<em>I'm sure that the "C" word is something that everyone worries about but when you experience it first hand with your Mother it feels like it could happen to you at any time.</em><br />
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As luck would have it (I doubt it was luck, I'm pretty sure it was a God thing) my Mom had an appointment with our doctor at the same time that day so we sat together as I waited to hear what I was sure what a death sentence.<br />
<em>I never said I wasn't dramatic.</em><br />
When I finally got to see the doctor she explained that my blood test came back with some abnormalities. My pancreas enzyme was elevated which made her think that I had gall stones and she wanted me to have an ultrasound to check it out.<br />
The next day at the ultrasound I studied that technician's face to see if she had any reaction.<br />
She didn't.<br />
She should play poker.<br />
When I left the ultrasound place I was really sad. I wanted to be there for a happy reason like a pregnancy not a potential illness.<br />
Fast forward a few days and I get a phone call from the dr's office asking me to come in right away.<br />
Like that same day.<br />
<insert freak-out here><br />
I go. Expecting the worst, praying for the best and know that whatever it is God will get us through it.<br />
But it wasn't the worst.<br />
I have pancreatitis from a viral infection.<br />
She couldn't really tell me how I got it but it felt good to know what was going on.<br />
What is pancreatitis you ask?<br />
Good question because I really didn't know either.<br />
Basically it is an inflammation of the pancreas.<br />
You can read more about it on WebMD <a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/pancreatitis-topic-overview">here</a>.<br />
Most people get it from excessive drinking.<br />
Hilarious right?<br />
Of all of the people in the world to get a condition that is linked to excessive drinking!<br />
So basically I just have to take it easy for a few weeks and watch what I eat and it should run it's course.<br />
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If you want to come over to eat bland soup and watch movies in our sweat-pants just let me know!<br />
<br />
Julia<br />
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-80459436154922559102011-11-02T22:28:00.000-04:002011-11-02T22:29:13.564-04:00Have you met...GiancarloThis is my brother Giancarlo.<br />
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Well this was him about 28 year ago.<br />
Wasn't he cute?<br />
I guess he's still pretty cute.<br />
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His name is pronounced John-Car-Lo.<br />
Sometimes I call him Brasha.<br />
He calls me Shishta.<br />
We're just silly like that.<br />
<span id="goog_527278671"></span><span id="goog_527278672"></span> Ginacarlo lives in Italy.<br />
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<br />
He moved there in 2006.<br />
We lived there together for almost a year.<br />
We shared a room at Nonna's house.<br />
That was exciting.<br />
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He is one of my favourite people in the world.<br />
He's kind and generous.<br />
Sometimes to a fault but that may be in his genes. <br />
He loves people and Jesus with a passion that is enviable.<br />
He's an amazing teacher and loves working with kids and youth.<br />
I think it's probably because he's just a big kid himself!<br />
He has seen me at my worst and best but still loves me just the same.<br />
This summer he told me I was the best big sister ever.<br />
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That meant a lot to me.<br />
I miss him so much everyday.<br />
I know that he has a life in Italy and I have my life here but I wish we could do everyday life together.<br />
I know you're thinking "yeah, so they can fight everyday".<br />
But that's just how we roll.<br />
Through thick and thin we stick together.<br />
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Just wanted you to meet my Brasha so you'd know how great he is.<br />
Julia<br />
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-20700229358758695722011-10-24T21:22:00.000-04:002011-10-24T21:23:49.957-04:00Yoda, my cat she is.Have you met Roxy?<br />
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She's my new friend.<br />
She's been living with me for a few months now.<br />
I adopted her from Brian & Ali Raney, you can read about their search for a new home for her <a href="http://nothipenoughtoblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-home.html">here</a>.<br />
Adjusting to having a pet has not been easy.<br />
Can you guess what the hardest thing for me is?<br />
Not being in total control.<br />
If you know me you know that I keep my apartment super clean.<br />
Like really clean.<br />
We are talking OCD here people.<br />
I just like it that way.<br />
I am a control freak, I admit it.<br />
Is it possible that God sent me Roxy to help me get over that?<br />
To show me that there is so much more to life than having a super clean apartment?<br />
That when I give up the control I gain so much more?<br />
Snuggles from this furball are pretty great.<br />
As I type this she is doing the "oh I'm upside down and all cute and you love me" pose.<br />
Having another living thing in my life makes me smile.<br />
So what if I step on kitty litter in the hallway or go to work with cat hair all over my pants.<br />
Oh yeah, I'm that girl now.<br />
I try to control so much of my life that I leave very little room for God to do his work.<br />
Maybe Yoda kitty is here to teach me to let go.<br />
One.<br />
Meow.<br />
At.<br />
A.<br />
Time.<br />
<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-89100551848022422752011-10-16T22:00:00.002-04:002011-10-16T22:05:12.845-04:00Cheer LeaderIf you live in Toronto chances are your life was disrupted today by the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, get over it already would you?<br />
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I had the privilege of working at YSM's cheer station at Eastern and Carlaw with my co-worker, Starbucks Partners and a whole pile of teenagers from North York all day. Despite the chilly weather and looming rain it was a really great day.<br />
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I did my usual things.<br />
Take pictures.<br />
Tweet.<br />
Drink Starbucks.<br />
Facebook.<br />
Boss people around ;)<br />
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But I have to say the part I loved the most was cheering on the marathon runners. It was so easy to get into the spirit and encourage everyone one.<br />
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Now I'm not a runner by any stretch of the imagination but I have done a 5km race in my life and I know how much work went into that so I can't imagine the commitment it took to get to today. But you could see it on their faces.<br />
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I watched in awe as each runner passed me. I even got a little emotional at times, sniff.<br />
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I even tried to read names on their bibs to give them each a personal shout out.<br />
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For hours things like "Good job Joe, you are doing amazing", "You've got this Bill, you rock" and "Nice work Sarah, you go girl" came bellowing out of my mouth. Ok so I got a few dirty looks but I was there to cheer baby!<br />
<br />
It totally made my day when people would look at me and give me a thumbs up or say "thank you", as if I was doing a good job.<br />
Hello, you're the ones running a marathon I'm just yelling like a fool over here. <br />
<br />
I was most excited when I saw my friend Bruce, hence the jumping up and down screaming "Go Bruce. I love Bruce. Bruce is awesome." It was quite the spectacle all for the man who once sang me a song about corn in my salsa. That's true friendship people.<br />
<br />
By the end of the day phrases like "You're running a freakin' marathon people, what's up with that?" were coming from no where. That's when I knew it was time to call it a day.<br />
<br />
So to everyone who ran today or runs any day for that matter, good on you.<br />
Your dedication and drive are things I strive for in my life.<br />
Just not as a runner.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Not going to happen.<br />
Never.<br />
No way.<br />
Nope.<br />
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Not sure that I'll have a voice for work tomorrow.<br />
That was all part of your plan wasn't it?<br />
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JulesJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-82603139119603411852011-10-06T22:23:00.000-04:002011-10-07T10:29:29.422-04:00Honest to blogDid you get that movie reference?<br />
No?<br />
What kind of Canadian are you?<br />
Come over to my house and we'll have a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0SKf0K3bxg">Juno</a> viewing party.<br />
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I'll greet you at the door with "Yo yo yiggity yo".<br />
That's how I answer the phone sometimes.<br />
Because I'm cool like that.<br />
Although today I was called a nerd, geek and granola.<br />
Who says those things aren't cool?<br />
Not me.<br />
Moving on.<br />
<br />
I'm so excited to be back on the blog wagon that I wanted to introduce you to some of the blogs that I read and am inspired by.<br />
Read on my friend, read on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nothipenoughtoblog.blogspot.com/">Not Hip Enough to Blog</a> By Ali Raney<br />
Ali's blog is a beautiful mix of fantastic stories about her growing music career as a brilliant fiddler (I know she plays other instruments but I don't know what they are), life as a Christian woman, wife, daughter and friend living in Toronto and totally random stuff that I don't know how to categorize. You will be thoroughly entertained and moved by what you read. Trust me!<br />
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<a href="http://curvycanadian.blogspot.com/">Curvy Canadian</a> By Karen Ward<br />
I'm not sure how I came across this blog a few months ago but I'm sure glad that I did. Karen writes for every plus-sized Canadian girl. Her blog is full of great tips on where to shop, products she's tried, contests and daily outfits modeled by Karen herself! It is such an empowering read for any woman who has felt outside of the norm of what our society considers beautiful. Karen's recent post <a href="http://curvycanadian.blogspot.com/2011/10/six-take-no-h8.html">Six Take: No H8</a> really hit home for me as someone who was teased as a teenager because of my weight. <i>Thanks Jenny Craig for having such a catchy jingle that even 12 year old boys could remember it and sing it to me. Sorry. Deep breaths</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://ecoparent.blogspot.com/">Eco-Parenting</a> By Kathy Mo<br />
Kathy's blog is pretty much exactly what the title says. A great resource for parents who want to take care of the planet while they take care of their kids. It is full of great tips on products and services to help make it easier to do. She even has a great store called <a href="http://www.mylilsweetpea.ca/">My Lil Sweet Pea</a> where she sells lots of great products. The cloth diapers were so cute I wanted to buy them. But my cat wouldn't like it if I put diapers on her. She's a free spirit.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_741553303"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://frontporchrevolution.wordpress.com/">Front Porch Revolution</a> By Maryellen Boyes<br />
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Remember how I said someone called me "granola" today? Ahem. I blame this beauty and the inspiring ideas she puts out into cyber space for my new found passion for thinking outside of my plastic bag. Mare offers up great ideas and solutions to the challenges that those who want to leave the earth a better place than when we found it face every day. She is a supermom who bakes bread for her Boyes and encourages you to think about how you live everyday. I am changed for the better. <br />
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<a href="http://nadinebells.com/">On Her Toes</a> By Nadine Bells<br />
Nadine's blog is beyond brilliant! It is a fun read for anyone who loves pop culture, fashion, Jesus, beauty and honest accounts of what it means to be a women/daughter/sister/cousin/Sunday school teacher/fiancee/writer following a different path in this culture of "more is more". She will make you feel like you're listening to your bestie tell you about her day!<br />
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Your homework has been assigned.<br />
Let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
And if you have a blog I should be reading let me know about it!<br />
<br />
JulesJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-35267788818585159702011-10-06T11:30:00.000-04:002011-10-06T16:51:13.436-04:00Why did the chicken cross the road?A few weeks ago I bought a chicken. A whole chicken. I had big plans for that chicken and boy did he deliver. Oh I guess "she" delivered. This was my attempt to cook one thing on the weekend that I could make into a bunch of meals throughout the week.<br />
<br />
I'm a creative and frugal single girl oh yes I am!<br />
<br />
Now this wasn't your run of the mill grocery store chicken. No, my girl was an organic grain fed beauty. Cost me more than I've spent on all my groceries in total some weeks. But it is true what "they" say, you get what you pay for.<br />
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You see I've been inspired lately to think more about what I'm spending my money on and what I'm putting into my body. Some may say that this <a href="http://frontporchrevolution.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/better-meat-less-often/">lovely</a> may have something {most everything} to do with it but who can really say where a desire to change comes from.<br />
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I roasted said chicken on Sunday night. A little olive oil, some garlic {by some I mean a lot}, dried rosemary, salt and pepper and she was cooked and ready to fulfill her destiny, to feed the Jules.<br />
<br />
Feed me she did.<br />
<br />
Let's break this chicken down:<br />
-4 chicken sandwiches for lunch<br />
-4 chicken Cesar salads for dinner<br />
-1 chicken & pesto pasta for carbfest with Jess<br />
-1 large pot of chicken stew {number of meals yet to be determined because I made it tonight}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQLWnQHXiHtdhp2f5LUHfYKak_upCu-y_6cR9WarSiaCim0IxO7TZXLRITuX7TPPFxM2vdLnNma-zTeG5iYGzL0DwJpbYvOFQb-sytdMozIkFlZ-mKftFdIf6FfqFMqno68CcHZYIX9o/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQLWnQHXiHtdhp2f5LUHfYKak_upCu-y_6cR9WarSiaCim0IxO7TZXLRITuX7TPPFxM2vdLnNma-zTeG5iYGzL0DwJpbYvOFQb-sytdMozIkFlZ-mKftFdIf6FfqFMqno68CcHZYIX9o/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></div>Amazing right?<br />
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Gotta go do the dishes now because as you can see I got the bay leaf in my bowl. House rules - if you get the bay leaf you do the dishes.<br />
<br />
Jules<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-41798462024492224832011-10-05T22:37:00.002-04:002011-10-05T22:37:39.162-04:00Radio silence.I haven't blogged in a while.<br />
I think about it all of the time.<br />
But the task has felt really daunting lately.<br />
I've been doing a lot of thinking about everything and putting it down here feels scary.<br />
But I think I'm ready to share again.<br />
I've missed this outlet.<br />
Thanks for waiting for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuItDVWQCNY51V49-8g1xNwRnNsMj5L49KozZB3l5x1NCBO5KmUlcQjFLHTzLOlNeHg40MS6EsksB4Jzp0rI5-XgBlY1xz67_-_WPwKqs0ol_mYnMRYsFt1BVlLBZHppO5Wg-R1wRQIMs/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuItDVWQCNY51V49-8g1xNwRnNsMj5L49KozZB3l5x1NCBO5KmUlcQjFLHTzLOlNeHg40MS6EsksB4Jzp0rI5-XgBlY1xz67_-_WPwKqs0ol_mYnMRYsFt1BVlLBZHppO5Wg-R1wRQIMs/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Jules<br />
<br />
This picture was taken in my Mom's garden this summer. I was sad because I had to take Giancarlo {my brother who lives in Italy} to the airport that afternoon. A piece of my heart lives at Via Spallanzani No. 2.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-17090243157362838622011-07-14T18:20:00.000-04:002011-07-14T18:20:52.084-04:00Blogger fail.I just noticed that I haven't written anything since May 17th.<br />
Lame.<br />
I want to write. Really I do.<br />
I want to delight you all with the stories of my life often.<br />
But my life seems to get in the way.<br />
So know that I love you. I haven't forgotten about you. And I think about you often.<br />
Love,<br />
Julia<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvuebi7eZGujtBPJkaRQL8NT-JIPdwJFmfTPRpIjGxTV8rPzGdlkzodnAzBMEScRbbr3iuvN4N2Qogh4rPoivV0Gam9iPn4KDaDajiTfdY8etk9QVKhnhzb7yzb1JnoPBk_e37ry9UNU/s1600/IMG_0965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvuebi7eZGujtBPJkaRQL8NT-JIPdwJFmfTPRpIjGxTV8rPzGdlkzodnAzBMEScRbbr3iuvN4N2Qogh4rPoivV0Gam9iPn4KDaDajiTfdY8etk9QVKhnhzb7yzb1JnoPBk_e37ry9UNU/s320/IMG_0965.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-21104943199293338522011-05-17T08:56:00.000-04:002011-05-17T08:56:49.966-04:00Simply Put-Part 2<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Earlier this week I talked about how I've been working on living simply. </div>If you missed it you can read all about it <a href="http://pinksheepto.blogspot.com/2011/05/simply-put-part-1.html">here</a>.<br />
As promised here's how I've started to live it out practically in my life.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Please note; I realize that none of these ideas are revolutionary by any stretch. If my Nonna knew I was telling people about how excited I am to be cleaning with white vinegar she'd swatt my bum and call me shamo!</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLcSoQbUVh4TWoM7tMXtHUgwQzgSk9lYAqLUZF0dTDeaKwjmAkc73g6OzoISAeBkR9sZT_PMgt1Lt7wRW_RY6itTwPUGHXJWi2aYgEIFbH2bD3hptiH5gmw-Sn9GWHMxhPMoKUE0PZUw/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLcSoQbUVh4TWoM7tMXtHUgwQzgSk9lYAqLUZF0dTDeaKwjmAkc73g6OzoISAeBkR9sZT_PMgt1Lt7wRW_RY6itTwPUGHXJWi2aYgEIFbH2bD3hptiH5gmw-Sn9GWHMxhPMoKUE0PZUw/s320/IMG_0789.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cloth Napkins-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instead of continually spending money on paper napkins (which is not very enviro friendly) I got my hands on some FREE cloth napkins.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually they're fabric samples that Flowie gave me that are the perfect size and surged around the edges ready to go. There were so many I gave Maryellen her own set! Of course I ironed them after I washed them. The Nonna would be proud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7ZUMBZKTRdIqFHT_yOhG4l5SVr_6ha_Hg17f5AxxJWIe1pHIoiH3rFuYis-ZLgHpAcgCasq2xZaRyNiuitBst2zCqb0-rD3Ae84siLl1h3GUuWmrr6RRMfGWfu5ibJ6TFI2zP5QAy1M/s1600/061806-Nonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7ZUMBZKTRdIqFHT_yOhG4l5SVr_6ha_Hg17f5AxxJWIe1pHIoiH3rFuYis-ZLgHpAcgCasq2xZaRyNiuitBst2zCqb0-rD3Ae84siLl1h3GUuWmrr6RRMfGWfu5ibJ6TFI2zP5QAy1M/s320/061806-Nonna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's the Nonna. Just in case you haven't met her yet.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrThuc5m1ewwzG0gVGJoYr5wJJxC6Lw3hhjfCbu_XpgtYvgzI6gN6WVjxkRaAnbKMMw4NH5qxERmnEAPTEf_gZlY5_BhbYbtLrwMl5T176cpZLv67i5MH6HyrmH2G67j3uULjJTEQNxpc/s1600/IMG_0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrThuc5m1ewwzG0gVGJoYr5wJJxC6Lw3hhjfCbu_XpgtYvgzI6gN6WVjxkRaAnbKMMw4NH5qxERmnEAPTEf_gZlY5_BhbYbtLrwMl5T176cpZLv67i5MH6HyrmH2G67j3uULjJTEQNxpc/s320/IMG_0791.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Hankies-</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Instead of spending money on purse sized tissue I bought some hankies and rock them daily, Nonno styles.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Bonus: hankies don't crumble into little pieces that stick to your face for your entire commute to work when you wipe sweat from your brow on those hot summer days on the TTC.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzErqRKjKNymTqW1f3K7q4z22o6IvPx8DTWsIXJ9dFk1lVGPhLe99w13vVCqlK1Bg7P3P2Bgocim6SVZqZM3joRBc8AdOoaXXxw5p_xUBgbb4JAoHTErLWJ9h3lJZoR2F9cf9c_3XJlf4/s1600/IMG_0792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzErqRKjKNymTqW1f3K7q4z22o6IvPx8DTWsIXJ9dFk1lVGPhLe99w13vVCqlK1Bg7P3P2Bgocim6SVZqZM3joRBc8AdOoaXXxw5p_xUBgbb4JAoHTErLWJ9h3lJZoR2F9cf9c_3XJlf4/s320/IMG_0792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's the Nono's leg. He was a gigantic man as you can see from his large foot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's me in Italy circa 1980. Cute, no?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCkBRUp2IWXRv6s70gFpTlPGyvVEEINRxQVcz015XW3f8kTRIsZsUoWVTjzTVotynFcGNU6Muq78sRipRPNtpig8vn1KjISF3ugFqN7atSMmW_dXwR2_LoKVoJPBbLt-PvGc3yvv8FcA/s1600/IMG_0794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCkBRUp2IWXRv6s70gFpTlPGyvVEEINRxQVcz015XW3f8kTRIsZsUoWVTjzTVotynFcGNU6Muq78sRipRPNtpig8vn1KjISF3ugFqN7atSMmW_dXwR2_LoKVoJPBbLt-PvGc3yvv8FcA/s320/IMG_0794.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So cheap and so effective. The Nonna had it right all along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXPtYYrslU3Kgs945m67hGdgbY6y0c247odGx_8qlCMgUg5-Mjx1d4uAJmCH2NjK_QPHRhFZC1QYO9Bp115I0hzwquh1ux_SzLN-WbPyyqwcaYZtRhj4Ym-v-82-dwW_hH73PhNXuGU0/s1600/IMG_0790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXPtYYrslU3Kgs945m67hGdgbY6y0c247odGx_8qlCMgUg5-Mjx1d4uAJmCH2NjK_QPHRhFZC1QYO9Bp115I0hzwquh1ux_SzLN-WbPyyqwcaYZtRhj4Ym-v-82-dwW_hH73PhNXuGU0/s320/IMG_0790.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Second-hand Furniture and Recycled Linens-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This amazing arm chair came from Sarah's parents cottage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is the most beautiful and comfortable chair in my home and is frequently fought over by guests!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My couch came from <a href="http://www.ysm.ca/">Yonge Street Mission's</a> Double Take Store. It was a steal at $65. It is so beautiful and comfortable. Just ask all my house guests!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The throw pillow was purchased from <a href="http://www.preloved.ca/">Pre-Loved</a> a company that makes clothing and linens out of recycled clothing. I bought it on sale, like big time sale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The rest of these pictures are some of the people that I love.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To share with. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am thankful for.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Content to just be myself around.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCt6mgBZpWjgcfd80LhXUtg-li_nCKdXVEZcipMD3JWb2KJ97C8e6cAh6ipADje4LKluKm7kxKsnaloCE76JJWyDvv_-KzCOJBLOJgQ_TRo-AwDpAdfiBinkwr7EyreGzHoTHbHZAzaI/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCt6mgBZpWjgcfd80LhXUtg-li_nCKdXVEZcipMD3JWb2KJ97C8e6cAh6ipADje4LKluKm7kxKsnaloCE76JJWyDvv_-KzCOJBLOJgQ_TRo-AwDpAdfiBinkwr7EyreGzHoTHbHZAzaI/s320/IMG_0431.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mikey.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JyoMfJnRF0gyxPMWVml3rY7p23zM5IGdda4Cm_ODgoLohWAPDpvJPLVnzcMvoprS2mCkFa8OiYtnLvHSwIjp1f_f9he3SPCZ8dMxmGiy6mZcpNTqh59YMj6tiF14cCDYpQCNwDJuEbk/s1600/IMG_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JyoMfJnRF0gyxPMWVml3rY7p23zM5IGdda4Cm_ODgoLohWAPDpvJPLVnzcMvoprS2mCkFa8OiYtnLvHSwIjp1f_f9he3SPCZ8dMxmGiy6mZcpNTqh59YMj6tiF14cCDYpQCNwDJuEbk/s320/IMG_0162.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mom and Flowie.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRrxj29meCbZAhQGb4-NodwmOCGI8dq98WNE7sUWCechtIuIC6tPjq9ywrXjOOz3J1YveU8M1ihyphenhyphenyl18jkJkw_2HNRKSTueCNqlr1jTlpZP5c-Ybk79bERbNT7nKn7844M3VPdRDx3t4/s1600/IMG_0761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRrxj29meCbZAhQGb4-NodwmOCGI8dq98WNE7sUWCechtIuIC6tPjq9ywrXjOOz3J1YveU8M1ihyphenhyphenyl18jkJkw_2HNRKSTueCNqlr1jTlpZP5c-Ybk79bERbNT7nKn7844M3VPdRDx3t4/s320/IMG_0761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leanne and Lisa.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j5CQQdA03_r4ro7q_3idjX7QuZ7plqtDitsewa73alJmXYAij1sMfttHulxhzsgXgsSV-nYwsL-Mw06AMxqyiXe6D6UguLnRJExbilLTih0VF7U8PXHStJkfPWxH3PtFt5Dqz12YXNc/s1600/IMG_0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j5CQQdA03_r4ro7q_3idjX7QuZ7plqtDitsewa73alJmXYAij1sMfttHulxhzsgXgsSV-nYwsL-Mw06AMxqyiXe6D6UguLnRJExbilLTih0VF7U8PXHStJkfPWxH3PtFt5Dqz12YXNc/s320/IMG_0415.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emily.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdqaG9EfvsfGfBQdXeW93KcLvrbCImz4Jz0xHsg5pad8jDFcG4W3D1RbCZbHpxF-gVYd33oATtjtqYjMLrBB0EyRFm_9x_b-f9GfTVPNX1XFeDc75t3mB_vbj3cAyN_9VxD5nimpHcD4/s1600/IMG_0688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdqaG9EfvsfGfBQdXeW93KcLvrbCImz4Jz0xHsg5pad8jDFcG4W3D1RbCZbHpxF-gVYd33oATtjtqYjMLrBB0EyRFm_9x_b-f9GfTVPNX1XFeDc75t3mB_vbj3cAyN_9VxD5nimpHcD4/s320/IMG_0688.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Leslie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Kega8zgN1UF4GcBUbzr6YVQKZpeOuX2kXoQsWacD0yNtISU9qhk-is_rqvaHt85FwW4l2mRDVEWJ9X46PwyjBJeXCSN6qKuwPaIFJz_9soY2urHQu0KBbl87Eoo-v2pVmz6sanOoas4/s1600/IMG_0440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Kega8zgN1UF4GcBUbzr6YVQKZpeOuX2kXoQsWacD0yNtISU9qhk-is_rqvaHt85FwW4l2mRDVEWJ9X46PwyjBJeXCSN6qKuwPaIFJz_9soY2urHQu0KBbl87Eoo-v2pVmz6sanOoas4/s320/IMG_0440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arlyne and Noah.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Julia<br />
<br />
<em>P.S. If there isn't a picture of your here please don't be offended. Chances are I love you but don't have a recent picture or want to use your lovely face for something else!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-10551170033919223672011-05-15T21:13:00.000-04:002011-05-15T21:13:51.776-04:00Simply Put-Part 1Over the past few years I've been trying to figure out how to live my life more simply. I'm not really sure where the desire first came from. Could be the bible, necessity, friends, guilt, frugality or just plain good sense.<br />
You're probably wondering what "living simply" means to me? Well I'm glad you asked. I think it comes down to a few key things that I've learned from the people around me:<br />
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1. <em>Spend less to give more</em>. This idea comes out of the bible and is a cornerstone for Christian living amongst my friends at The Meeting House.<br />
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2. <em>Share.</em> Your life. Your stuff. Your money. You. Many of my friends live this out in their everyday lives especially Maryellen. It has been such an amazing gift for me to share a meal with the Boyes almost every week for the past year. <br />
<br />
3. <em>Be creative</em>. Being creative with the resources you have allows you to do so many things. My friend Nadine does an amazing job at this. This past year she didn't have a lot of work but she enjoyed her life to the fullest. She is an extreme example of being creative with what you have. For more on the adventures of Nadine click <a href="http://nadinebells.com/index.php/2011/05/penny-wise-wednesday-positively-poor/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
5. <em>Be content</em>. With what you have. With who you are. With where you are at. I'm not saying that you should be complacent at all. But if you hate it, change. It makes me sad when people don't live in the moment, always looking to what's next does not make for a content person. When I am content my perspective on my life is much brighter.<br />
<br />
4. <em>Be thankful</em>. Need I say more?<br />
<br />
Now I bet you want to know how this has all played out practically in my life.<br />
<br />
Guess you'll have to stay tuned to find out.<br />
<br />
Julia<br />
<br />
P.S. If I didn't mention your name and you live out these things please don't be offended.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-22568671717621044352011-05-09T22:44:00.000-04:002011-05-09T22:44:31.682-04:00Blow the dust off.Saturday was cleaning day!<br />
I love cleaning day.<br />
Don't judge.<br />
I love sucking up those dust bunnies with the vacuum and scrubbing away that soap scum in the bathtub.<br />
There are few things that evoke a stronger sense of accomplishment than a clean apartment.<br />
But there is one thing I don't love about cleaning day...dusting.<br />
Chances are I dislike dusting because I'm allergic to dust and end up with a really runny nose when I'm done.<br />
Over share?<br />
Sorry.<br />
But like cleaning toilets dusting must be done.<br />
While I was Swiffering my way around the apartment I thought about dusting.<br />
Instead of thinking of the objects as stuff that needed to be dusted I began to reflect on the objects themselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6RcKXHLFqcK7NML7sjcB_9cj3VuRWRS_lYIIcBZpiQ4d2CtvGxJdplIdw2wuoxIIcv2466heuv8cyIrzeawrVnWcevnfXx92M7DKLB3h4SIArixWR_iv_p_ffnBzFQ0er-a5gJ7NafU/s1600/IMG_0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6RcKXHLFqcK7NML7sjcB_9cj3VuRWRS_lYIIcBZpiQ4d2CtvGxJdplIdw2wuoxIIcv2466heuv8cyIrzeawrVnWcevnfXx92M7DKLB3h4SIArixWR_iv_p_ffnBzFQ0er-a5gJ7NafU/s320/IMG_0751.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen and Jamie gave me this beautiful hurricane candle holder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a gift for my birthday years ago, before they were married parents of a toddler and a baby on the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was at a birthday bbq that Leslie threw for me at her house. All of our friends were there. Terry cooked the burgers and Sharon made a delicious strawberry shortcake.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTubHQI9h7dUWkG7SNWZ2khJmFWJAN1_TTCOY9lhuZfBtnNAWQXkU2pHdyiInxwp5ZpWsvGBwEfnPUdOd_fUc9sEHh8Isq8LhZeqUvFhXY7oWk4Q-cuNo2W6iChwlN8kDIDT65n3PfeY/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTubHQI9h7dUWkG7SNWZ2khJmFWJAN1_TTCOY9lhuZfBtnNAWQXkU2pHdyiInxwp5ZpWsvGBwEfnPUdOd_fUc9sEHh8Isq8LhZeqUvFhXY7oWk4Q-cuNo2W6iChwlN8kDIDT65n3PfeY/s320/IMG_0750.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> That is an onion and that's garlic. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone who thinks otherwise of the ceramic wall hangings I bought for my Dad at the one-of-a-kind show over 10 years ago with Sarah has a dirty mind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahem, Leslie.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVLkoz638qwoT1zM6yHlG-l7oeLnQc1RDdLQ8bSM4WVQLr5-i2C4zqlaVFxCdSHUcptLhTMfgpfyC0ianand2nJYESFl7HZk7C1GLADZ73WuunGwGbuD_Zg15zeyUhKA3RihC68ltq1U/s1600/IMG_0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVLkoz638qwoT1zM6yHlG-l7oeLnQc1RDdLQ8bSM4WVQLr5-i2C4zqlaVFxCdSHUcptLhTMfgpfyC0ianand2nJYESFl7HZk7C1GLADZ73WuunGwGbuD_Zg15zeyUhKA3RihC68ltq1U/s320/IMG_0748.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That glowing orb is from Ikea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As is 75% of the furniture in my home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sister bought it for me as a housewarming gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sister has amazing style and flair for home decorating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a little bit country and she's a little bit rock and roll.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love my sister in a way I can't put to words.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7cZByXf52KUpRp4t5_3DqWdhiRporbWESwj8fUuRO5GhhoZKZqfS_IoLEUJZU0dFJYIhFQD8Zh-LE22RdgaIlUvQ5XF5KfntHNrChLuSqfQhgDvhmwvXzf3dytuqIhPfVryFCdCOf4Q/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7cZByXf52KUpRp4t5_3DqWdhiRporbWESwj8fUuRO5GhhoZKZqfS_IoLEUJZU0dFJYIhFQD8Zh-LE22RdgaIlUvQ5XF5KfntHNrChLuSqfQhgDvhmwvXzf3dytuqIhPfVryFCdCOf4Q/s320/IMG_0747.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is my favourite picture in the whole world.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My brothers are my favourite people in the world.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were supposed to be taking a "nice" picture for Nonna on Christmas eve 2009.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is really who we are.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my brothers more than I can explain.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpaWW9BkoZdeEfMIVmmMlOBb093vyXVrkd6YiV4Nfu7dZTlGrd9_64RzJVeTegqVPyaoxi2DdM53Qf-KZINrUS9KtiRXw2FZP4KkUnqLqC2YvX8du2Jv6x0IrvIXocjAk914mirNWYd4/s1600/IMG_0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpaWW9BkoZdeEfMIVmmMlOBb093vyXVrkd6YiV4Nfu7dZTlGrd9_64RzJVeTegqVPyaoxi2DdM53Qf-KZINrUS9KtiRXw2FZP4KkUnqLqC2YvX8du2Jv6x0IrvIXocjAk914mirNWYd4/s320/IMG_0745.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is the only piece of art that I own.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Michelle, the artist gave it to me because it was cracked.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So beautiful, even if it is damaged.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kinda like people, no?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySiTrMMelYPWSR-pvQA_NX8IS9ZKgErJRYFG8N83cFNASh3Sa1aKprxZVKzGAbVIDBylLxLhVgLxYLFsjYduTCge55-ON8XzXVQhqCvM_y3QwIzhTuUpGUR59DCuuKAA6OaOW1UC2aNs/s1600/IMG_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySiTrMMelYPWSR-pvQA_NX8IS9ZKgErJRYFG8N83cFNASh3Sa1aKprxZVKzGAbVIDBylLxLhVgLxYLFsjYduTCge55-ON8XzXVQhqCvM_y3QwIzhTuUpGUR59DCuuKAA6OaOW1UC2aNs/s320/IMG_0744.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCLVsfG4hfuufXzm0iVGxL1y9wAVVu-Ei27dFl6WVpFrKMgEAi1pm3gLg_nHM6zXKfcCdCkfuZfqmIbq6SnFjUx82RTZx3hv78ElZCkcA8aBEc7eyBD1c3w_8lxpJycwKx3SEOuwAVQw/s1600/IMG_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCLVsfG4hfuufXzm0iVGxL1y9wAVVu-Ei27dFl6WVpFrKMgEAi1pm3gLg_nHM6zXKfcCdCkfuZfqmIbq6SnFjUx82RTZx3hv78ElZCkcA8aBEc7eyBD1c3w_8lxpJycwKx3SEOuwAVQw/s320/IMG_0743.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These pictures are of me and my parents at my college graduation.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love them because you can see how proud my parents are to be there beside me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cried that day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I wasn't sad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so happy that they got to be a part of me succeeding in that way.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy-bQcBp69tZGOF_8iG7OnHot57eignEvYtK6HPI6mHXSySc815tnVb1lllUVg8nREY3_pJNGaKGROdJrTIKbjYH0e3vn5iSS-UrYw4IwS9ysc6q5TGhyphenhyphen2FB2_NopSg9v8ly65WLpU44/s1600/IMG_0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy-bQcBp69tZGOF_8iG7OnHot57eignEvYtK6HPI6mHXSySc815tnVb1lllUVg8nREY3_pJNGaKGROdJrTIKbjYH0e3vn5iSS-UrYw4IwS9ysc6q5TGhyphenhyphen2FB2_NopSg9v8ly65WLpU44/s320/IMG_0742.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pink frame=Sharon's gift before I left for Italy. Kept it in my room right beside my bed for the entire year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture=Me and Rebecca, love that girl so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Candles=A gift from Rebecca before I left for Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Animals=Who knows where those came from. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tell one person you like pigs and all of sudden you have a collection. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really do like pigs though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you guess why?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9jcyXh9ImC7gG9F2TTcMpJbhTYwjCiB6fZffbIpvVEJAYe8kqehSJJYnFTh0psBdWVJ_UqLaeo7KDic-nBZDYdfJYrx8cOwAgEoSCE6s3MuJfShRvEtNozM9YpWnaMB7qEW9pVTpzkI/s1600/IMG_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9jcyXh9ImC7gG9F2TTcMpJbhTYwjCiB6fZffbIpvVEJAYe8kqehSJJYnFTh0psBdWVJ_UqLaeo7KDic-nBZDYdfJYrx8cOwAgEoSCE6s3MuJfShRvEtNozM9YpWnaMB7qEW9pVTpzkI/s320/IMG_0746.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This wooden bowl is from Malawi.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a gift from Matt a few years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It sits in the middle of my "mantel".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To remind me of my friend who is so far away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To remind me to pray for his ministry, one I am so invested in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To remind me of hope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To remind me of being called.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I realize that all of these things are just "stuff".<br />
But I love the stories, love and passion behind them.<br />
As I've gotten older I've realized the value in a handful of very special things over a lot of meaningless stuff.<br />
These are the artifacts of my life that tell my story.<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-32097842215198136302011-04-29T15:22:00.000-04:002011-04-29T15:22:13.291-04:00Short week=rough week.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This week was brutal.</div>So much stuff happened that I let make me cranky.<br />
I didn't freak out on anyone.<br />
But maybe if I had I would have felt better.<br />
But probably lost my job.<br />
So then I would have felt worse.<br />
Oops did I just let on that work was making me cranky?<br />
Anyway...<br />
Maybe this week just couldn't live up to the brilliant Easter weekend I had.<br />
You think?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUTP0LdhgVeVKA3o6AbR3gHOcaPzgi2xVCNbdDkvDNp_hEhNdwZpyzid2nLP6AHTmlCb_VIuIeBbH8kgDBrc40SimeZUUZcDILKnHIgdzDP6FJWqi2vJ_jRx6tUtZKTL3O4kD3nlKFOY/s1600/IMG_0707%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUTP0LdhgVeVKA3o6AbR3gHOcaPzgi2xVCNbdDkvDNp_hEhNdwZpyzid2nLP6AHTmlCb_VIuIeBbH8kgDBrc40SimeZUUZcDILKnHIgdzDP6FJWqi2vJ_jRx6tUtZKTL3O4kD3nlKFOY/s320/IMG_0707%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Thursday night-chilling on my couch watching TV with this lovely new friend!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_1AVDBjNpF5ixwOduHbRIROhp0ysxDK2dXC9NkyNSNRjCCVS0dU0Oi2CbNdgQLoVT9vKqvnRrZtgGfZosKQGTRQMZLKgAX7JvPdbrDFtwGzXcGzCHhWSiT1ZSxfMfAtkyqWe_R9aaro/s1600/IMG_0709%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_1AVDBjNpF5ixwOduHbRIROhp0ysxDK2dXC9NkyNSNRjCCVS0dU0Oi2CbNdgQLoVT9vKqvnRrZtgGfZosKQGTRQMZLKgAX7JvPdbrDFtwGzXcGzCHhWSiT1ZSxfMfAtkyqWe_R9aaro/s320/IMG_0709%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Good Friday-Service at CATM. Very beautiful and emotional. To quote my friend Maryellen "this day makes us uncomfortable", so true my friend. To quote Tony Campolo "it's Friday, but Sunday's coming", thank God for that.<br />
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Saturday-Spinning with Alli and Mike. There are no pictures of this because it is not pretty. Trust. Me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApbDZu5DESwb_y_IuRYTiiQn5BbOfL7d1MK2YpWZa6Fd55d-aS5XE56KKYGGHAU6vtu7zoLcSXPC82i79SQRpgrki6h3I1Q81nCa8lC96LlMdjGIMLzR6tCEtPKIMkLiEq12DoInve7I/s1600/IMG_0710%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApbDZu5DESwb_y_IuRYTiiQn5BbOfL7d1MK2YpWZa6Fd55d-aS5XE56KKYGGHAU6vtu7zoLcSXPC82i79SQRpgrki6h3I1Q81nCa8lC96LlMdjGIMLzR6tCEtPKIMkLiEq12DoInve7I/s320/IMG_0710%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Easter Sunday-Sunrise service at Yonge and Dundas square with Maryellen and Josh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83jyvQqtascSyNDQO09iKv0Zeg3fgTDWdPkRninMVkLCNmL5WMx2N2PozxtuFM_BkHC8JwuS6fBNTjZRuMgXufrXoVaFDH5SYdSHnTF1GBYOPFP4YczCGWaiS-A52azia9ew9fH1iJJA/s1600/IMG_0717%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83jyvQqtascSyNDQO09iKv0Zeg3fgTDWdPkRninMVkLCNmL5WMx2N2PozxtuFM_BkHC8JwuS6fBNTjZRuMgXufrXoVaFDH5SYdSHnTF1GBYOPFP4YczCGWaiS-A52azia9ew9fH1iJJA/s320/IMG_0717%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Easter Sunday-Easter service at the Anglican church with Mom, Flowie and some great old friends. Being a part of the rituals that I grew up with really spoke to my heart. Made me feel so at home and grounded in my faith.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhUrFo9j3gs5Vi5lRzCvmKr-o6ZoEslAWVbhUnAX8Kz7zch0-iep664U6wPgp4cTpudTdgqeA6a49oWagchvCNgD7ZK-PuJ3WmOBzLQeiaKmehlDfOCw1KQT64YCKoPox2ZGqA0azV4A/s1600/IMG_0718%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhUrFo9j3gs5Vi5lRzCvmKr-o6ZoEslAWVbhUnAX8Kz7zch0-iep664U6wPgp4cTpudTdgqeA6a49oWagchvCNgD7ZK-PuJ3WmOBzLQeiaKmehlDfOCw1KQT64YCKoPox2ZGqA0azV4A/s320/IMG_0718%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Easter Sunday-"In my Easter bonnet", OK not quite but looking springy waiting for Flowie at church.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBinNte-Hu8nNR4-U9hfgrIMxkM7XaOpBru2UxuBzMeVYluKRFmkwHqv6Rl1JXBiJzF1u0vZSOypO5W7Skqv5ZKEtyL64mOokanlqqyNQQV65LPX24hetIE3SNeWTTsuWOkDkSd8_T04/s1600/IMG_0719%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBinNte-Hu8nNR4-U9hfgrIMxkM7XaOpBru2UxuBzMeVYluKRFmkwHqv6Rl1JXBiJzF1u0vZSOypO5W7Skqv5ZKEtyL64mOokanlqqyNQQV65LPX24hetIE3SNeWTTsuWOkDkSd8_T04/s320/IMG_0719%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Easter Sunday-This is where I will finally get to sit down after "helping" and by "helping" I mean entirely cooking our Easter Sunday lunch. And Mikey gets to sit beside me. He's excited...as excited as Mikey gets!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZewdZxSIsMrZYBP1FI33860XPSdQDWMQJhkz_Umt6hewbvs_E6nQohgaKB-Ncdmh60I2Ao9ng0sUysRMEYHb9ZZgP6a3Ek1Cr4u7B6sT6BfV9yv_Ie8rNFk4Y03N_kltHdtyvgLZRrw/s1600/IMG_0720%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZewdZxSIsMrZYBP1FI33860XPSdQDWMQJhkz_Umt6hewbvs_E6nQohgaKB-Ncdmh60I2Ao9ng0sUysRMEYHb9ZZgP6a3Ek1Cr4u7B6sT6BfV9yv_Ie8rNFk4Y03N_kltHdtyvgLZRrw/s320/IMG_0720%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Easter Sunday-Flowie's beautiful Easter table. So much colour, pink!<br />
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Here's to next week not being so lame.<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-27043655965936288862011-04-17T21:18:00.002-04:002011-04-17T21:33:44.562-04:00Pretty Good...Recently I've been a little hooked on <a href="http://ca.eonline.com/">E!</a> channel. I can't help but get sucked in to being a voyeur into the lives of celebrities and people with whacked out issues. Could be some sick way to make me feel good about my issues but that's another discussion for another time.<br />
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This week as I was getting ready to watch <em>Khloe and Lamar</em> (don't judge me) there was a preview for a show called <em>Pretty Wild</em>. It's a show about three young sisters who live in LA with no rules. They basically go hog wild while the cameras catch every minute of it.<br />
Exciting, hey?<br />
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<em>Pretty Wild</em> got me thinking.<br />
Why do we watch shows that glorify behaviour like that?<br />
Why are we so mesmerized by the lives of bad-ass celebrities?<br />
Why do we pay cursing musicians more than doctors and teachers?<br />
Are these the role models we want our kids to look up to?<br />
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I'm going to pitch a show to E! called <em>Pretty Good</em>.<br />
<em>Pretty Good</em><br />
Beautiful woman<br />
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Works for a non-profit<br />
Volunteers<br />
Kisses babies<br />
Bakes cheesecake<br />
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You'd watch that wouldn't you?<br />
Huh. Maybe not.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><a href="http://www.ctstv.com/">CTS</a></em> might be more open to my pitch.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pretty Good,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Julia</div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-66099937307018986652011-04-13T22:23:00.000-04:002011-04-13T22:23:30.142-04:00Can you picture it? Episode #1Life through my "eye"Phone, vacation style.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf4inx_rwvshSU3p72Rm4Ry7NmtGLMm-00LiqjFm5md7K4FrXaL_teCxW6pC-OXPhgeRAswsFXk0otDldK7xJNqmE4Gr04keA2OcYq4OZlr5bKVx0-VIFOTCIiLVCH8ej3ImnV8CpafY/s1600/IMG_0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf4inx_rwvshSU3p72Rm4Ry7NmtGLMm-00LiqjFm5md7K4FrXaL_teCxW6pC-OXPhgeRAswsFXk0otDldK7xJNqmE4Gr04keA2OcYq4OZlr5bKVx0-VIFOTCIiLVCH8ej3ImnV8CpafY/s320/IMG_0647.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1-Driving down International Drive, windows down, sun shining, music blasting in my awesome mini-van!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4kwczA7VILKovZwQwMo-VG-U1klpJ-HyORZAf-r_NXMWTnGw1wiNV5eWj4jG95htnBmR7CWbBAluW3jKM5ETsUYtOzJa-No0SS3ZDproi8gulcTPSTq1b2Nhf4ynhQjD7Wnhx5Dl1JI/s1600/IMG_0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4kwczA7VILKovZwQwMo-VG-U1klpJ-HyORZAf-r_NXMWTnGw1wiNV5eWj4jG95htnBmR7CWbBAluW3jKM5ETsUYtOzJa-No0SS3ZDproi8gulcTPSTq1b2Nhf4ynhQjD7Wnhx5Dl1JI/s320/IMG_0652.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First date with my Florida boyfriends, Ben and Jerry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMMOtdwLvtpryccslBWb78DY_MLW9dxWIoEX3vSfVf_YDgYswCATdA7kvvD5r6TNQi_9TCi5dl3BXkYf560FZCfq5t6IYC0ouW-9RpFHqohIU-fTErRSUXKM5HjNyXHN8FtZVzjA8kPc/s1600/IMG_0653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMMOtdwLvtpryccslBWb78DY_MLW9dxWIoEX3vSfVf_YDgYswCATdA7kvvD5r6TNQi_9TCi5dl3BXkYf560FZCfq5t6IYC0ouW-9RpFHqohIU-fTErRSUXKM5HjNyXHN8FtZVzjA8kPc/s320/IMG_0653.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date two with my boyfriends, we are working on Whirled Peace here! Doesn't it kind of look like Flowie is in my ice cream? What would that flavour be called? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfFEPW3v9H0hPko1iR5KWV8PPPIIRmqP7mSY5CYUj4C-FqdssEuG5T2seXNuFsEEzri5VJbh8OOjSjl59wHyHy-rFib2lWTpvPDYlTx3gHmeY2MGzODytyoHGgAYK5ZtZhGZOkmgXbX8/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfFEPW3v9H0hPko1iR5KWV8PPPIIRmqP7mSY5CYUj4C-FqdssEuG5T2seXNuFsEEzri5VJbh8OOjSjl59wHyHy-rFib2lWTpvPDYlTx3gHmeY2MGzODytyoHGgAYK5ZtZhGZOkmgXbX8/s320/IMG_0654.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hola Amigo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhanf_URea94MEwZCm_kmks7B6EpOn2beM6nqTYkPpPmF5wYRi1pvIdkt58_z1RCPojuhmf4elYUiyWRhhcU8d0Okrbz_VIZhty3jcBSycOzKmVMotuJMSOs9ALZUFkn7T4dNEtpxlEBY/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhanf_URea94MEwZCm_kmks7B6EpOn2beM6nqTYkPpPmF5wYRi1pvIdkt58_z1RCPojuhmf4elYUiyWRhhcU8d0Okrbz_VIZhty3jcBSycOzKmVMotuJMSOs9ALZUFkn7T4dNEtpxlEBY/s320/IMG_0657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like Flamingos, they are pink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwlShY2v49XUIvhSI59RHCGw4O9ihnR4mxptj8mzuHTWglOKxKYQCEtqZVYMaZt5vpDx94P1CvoPBxj-8k1jJ-Vy91-eFUktXKwNa5mxOnltYTGV2Yx4J_ooooRlE34DuAyK1bp211-E/s1600/IMG_0659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwlShY2v49XUIvhSI59RHCGw4O9ihnR4mxptj8mzuHTWglOKxKYQCEtqZVYMaZt5vpDx94P1CvoPBxj-8k1jJ-Vy91-eFUktXKwNa5mxOnltYTGV2Yx4J_ooooRlE34DuAyK1bp211-E/s320/IMG_0659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colours, I heart the underwater world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNILhWVOkJfvIM_EjCMrKmF3jUJe8ooFtpJDqe7ybaYBL7dXC9ePerMPP3jbmRU3xx6VkSA93UpKHrurkpQOhkQrDWIkkCA7KS8vlVJ3lEueYcMk-TIzKeZ8vTSXHTFeHisHDhijeWDk/s1600/IMG_0667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNILhWVOkJfvIM_EjCMrKmF3jUJe8ooFtpJDqe7ybaYBL7dXC9ePerMPP3jbmRU3xx6VkSA93UpKHrurkpQOhkQrDWIkkCA7KS8vlVJ3lEueYcMk-TIzKeZ8vTSXHTFeHisHDhijeWDk/s320/IMG_0667.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara Manitee, you're the one for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblAfiaDAoFZKZqLT5aGVA03O2zW8KuJw9qwIvbUBhwLAzibsI4qju4VlIdCn96D4iWXDvarQJzR6SMFlpOLF3aSNJUFWFfFPyHOXHYFbR6iKTDLjZFgm0nEo6AU8IhqyRcVzPT9VmHX8/s1600/IMG_0669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblAfiaDAoFZKZqLT5aGVA03O2zW8KuJw9qwIvbUBhwLAzibsI4qju4VlIdCn96D4iWXDvarQJzR6SMFlpOLF3aSNJUFWFfFPyHOXHYFbR6iKTDLjZFgm0nEo6AU8IhqyRcVzPT9VmHX8/s320/IMG_0669.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This game is called corn hole, no really, I'm not making it up. Margaritaville style.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-sXrVcAXfisATy1uHaOymi_FqqeJQRsFZAB5z2XPjfDrPoMwKETBZWgy9rpU9ckBf5ThAAlDsxWzja1lNR4Tr9qdOQiBnIsEJvX5aEFYlexkWMQ0fFf1WJC9edIC0fC2Yo0Dk7DkOyc/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-sXrVcAXfisATy1uHaOymi_FqqeJQRsFZAB5z2XPjfDrPoMwKETBZWgy9rpU9ckBf5ThAAlDsxWzja1lNR4Tr9qdOQiBnIsEJvX5aEFYlexkWMQ0fFf1WJC9edIC0fC2Yo0Dk7DkOyc/s320/IMG_0671.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a great world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-huWh1ErwfPRl3JjhfyrjYVLoV1iQdvXENVUZ05oRJgRf-OAFYPsTzv9VPvbYciyhVLcPWtqExgn5TeoO_5YlQemO1jkEM8Zl61BmvINYG_miXu9qRGy6fu1mhJDwR29vsK9vmt3icVA/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-huWh1ErwfPRl3JjhfyrjYVLoV1iQdvXENVUZ05oRJgRf-OAFYPsTzv9VPvbYciyhVLcPWtqExgn5TeoO_5YlQemO1jkEM8Zl61BmvINYG_miXu9qRGy6fu1mhJDwR29vsK9vmt3icVA/s320/IMG_0673.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Last day of vacation , relaxing by the pool on cabana duty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEe7ic2m6gnYKv1ggSGOXFPCu4pEt6ct6KvhBrQYb_PlXNrM1V3B2D300CNX3ZCk_eezkrxGp50O-T_qg_qqiDL53dzhC1ipWZWgRULe5uaPrDyRYL8bKktztKWMzBGn8vWi-wP1NHTqw/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEe7ic2m6gnYKv1ggSGOXFPCu4pEt6ct6KvhBrQYb_PlXNrM1V3B2D300CNX3ZCk_eezkrxGp50O-T_qg_qqiDL53dzhC1ipWZWgRULe5uaPrDyRYL8bKktztKWMzBGn8vWi-wP1NHTqw/s320/IMG_0674.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love bacon, but really, come on America.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I like having a camera attached to my hand.<br />
Enjoy,<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-85857522390124602252011-03-25T14:56:00.000-04:002011-03-25T14:56:24.001-04:00Gimmie a break...Yesterday I was walking home from the subway pretty late for a school night.<br />
It was only 10:30pm but that's late for me.<br />
Don't judge.<br />
I like my sleep.<br />
And you like me better when I'm well rested. Trust me.<br />
<br />
As I was walking I was thinking about how I didn't get to the gym once this week.<br />
And I didn't get to clean my apartment before I go away.<br />
And I don't know if I have enough cash to go to Florida.<br />
I think you can see the pattern.<br />
<br />
So I began to wonder.<br />
Wonder why I defaulted to the negative things about my week instead of the positive.<br />
Putting in an honest week of work at an organization that helps thousands of people living with poverty every year.<br />
And having food to eat.<br />
And spending two separate nights with friends talking about our lives.<br />
And having a washer and dryer in my house to do laundry.<br />
And sharing homemade quiche for dinner on Wednesday with Landlady Curly and the Redheads.<br />
And in less than 48 hours leaving for a vacation in Florida to celebrate kicking cancer in the you-know-whats with my Mom and Aunties.<br />
And having warm boots when we got slammed with a spring snow storm.<br />
And so on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I hate that I defaulted to negativity and worry.<br />
Why?<br />
I really need to give myself a break.<br />
Guess a week in the sun is just what the doctor ordered.<br />
<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-74381789910491230102011-03-24T15:25:00.002-04:002011-03-24T15:27:07.731-04:00Crying on the subwayOn Monday morning I was standing on the subway annoyed by the backpack of a fellow commuter sticking into my ribs when I saw <a href="http://www.fightback.ca/Daffodil%20Month/SHARONPIN.pdf">this</a> poster.<br />
I should have known better than to read a Canadian Cancer Society poster after the year we have had.<br />
But I read it any way.<br />
And then I cried.<br />
I would fight to the death for my Mom.<br />
I kind of feel like we did.<br />
We won.<br />
Tak that cancer.<br />
<br />
JuliaJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-13840910741277254742011-03-07T16:10:00.000-05:002011-03-07T16:10:25.453-05:00It's the gift that keeps on giving...grief.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt the need to dust my desk this morning when I got to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't ask me why.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I'm nesting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I'm just tired of sneezing at work all of the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who knows?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not the point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The point is that I found something on my desk that made me think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A gift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A gift from someone that I used to call my friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first instinct was to throw it away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or give it away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I like it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a thoughtful gift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something I am known to collect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it evokes hurt feelings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I probably shouldn't keep it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is still sitting on my desk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trying to convince me that it shouldn't be punished for the choices of others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not convinced...yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julia</span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451344185445790224.post-52012173361136437422011-02-23T22:10:00.001-05:002011-05-16T23:27:52.966-04:00It is a beautiful thing.I think I have an addictive personality.<br />
When I like something, I REALLY like it.<br />
When I dislike, something I REALLY dislike it.<br />
<em>Snakes, they are a good example of something I REALLY dislike. Actually they fit more into the HATE category. But more about that later...</em><br />
<br />
...Back to the point, a few weeks ago I was online reading blogs and such when I came across a really great article on <a href="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/">The Worship Community</a> about a band called <a href="http://www.gungormusic.com/">Gungor</a> and their song called <a href="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/review-beautiful-things-by-gungor/">Beautiful Things</a>. I was so intrigued by the article that I bought the song on Itunes and have been listening to it on repeat ever since.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqy1a_Gz0zQ">song</a> is so beautiful and haunting.<br />
The vocals and music are amazing.<br />
But the lyrics speak the loudest. To my heart anyway.<br />
As a woman that struggles with so many issues from self-worth to self-image and everything in between how can I not be affected by a song that reminds me over and over again that my God makes beautiful things?<br />
Out of the pain.<br />
Out of the dust.<br />
Out of us.<br />
<br />
Julia<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Beautiful Things</em> </strong><em>All this pain<br />
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way<br />
I wonder if my life could really change at all<br />
All this earth<br />
Could all that is lost ever be found<br />
Could a garden come up from this ground at all<br />
<br />
You make beautiful things<br />
You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />
You make beautiful things<br />
You make beautiful things out of us<br />
<br />
All around<br />
Hope is springing up from this old ground<br />
Out of chaos life is being found in You<br />
<br />
You make me new, You are making me new</em>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09053292384968446346noreply@blogger.com2