Family Tree

Trees, for some inexplicable reason, tend to carry an emotional attachment. There is something about seeing the same towering branches, season after season that is somewhat comforting.

When a tree is part of your history, it has even more meaning. This large maple tree has been the property where my parents live for many years. It was there when I was growing up, and it was there when my dad was growing up. Its roots are entwined with our roots.

I can remember sitting under it with a book, waiting for the bus and collecting beautiful coloured leaves from under it in the fall.

When my family gathered at Thanksgiving this year, we were told the tree had to be cut down. It was dead for the most part and this year while other trees flaunted their fall colours, this tree looked rather barren. My brother John suggested we get some photos with the tree as the next time we gather as a family, it will be gone.

I was a little sad to hear this news, but it provided a great impromptu photo shoot for the family. It will be strange to drive down that country road an see an empty spot where it once stood.

Baby Bump

In the words of Anne of Green Gables, Karla Ann is my kindred spirit. We met as teenagers and instantly were inseparable. As time passes and we live our lives in different cities with different paths, we don't see each other often anymore. However, true friends are always together in spirit.

Karla called me in the summer to let me in on a very special secret. She had just found out they are having a baby! This weekend was the first time I witnessed the baby bump for myself. I was caught off guard when I was overcome with emotion. I couldn't believe it...my bestest friend is going to have a baby! How exciting!

I know Karla will make an amazing mom. It's just part of her make-up. She is the perfect blend of nurturing, loving, patience, understanding and domestic diva.

Strange Days Indeed

Sometimes you see some pretty strange things just by keeping your eyes open. Just last week, while driving home at midnight, I saw someone rollerskating up a hill. Yes...I said rollerSKATING...not blading. That was a bit bizarre.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw coming towards me yesterday though. It was a humungous bike! I'm talking a really TALL bike. Like someone on stilts...but on a bike. I've never seen anything like it before. And then I googled it and there it was. Crazy times. How do you keep your balance on such a thing?

Kaelyn's Big Day

As is tradition, my niece Kaelyn had her special day with Auntie Janice for her birthday last weekend. We decided this year it would be fun to go to the corn maze. I had no idea what fun we would have! The weather was absolutely perfect with the sun shining, blue skies and we had to take our jackets off as it was so warm!

We went to Leaping Deere Legends near Ingersoll and I would definitely recommend it for anyone with kids. There was so much to do and so much fun to be had! The corn maze played a minor role in our day that also included pumpkins being shot from a cannon, pig races, a hay ride, petting zoo, mini golf and lots of things to climb on! Kaelyn had a blast...and so did I.

Every time I pulled the camera out, Kaelyn would flash me her adorable smile. She is just so sweet. We had spaghetti for dinner and watched Horton Hears a Who. Can't go wrong with Dr. Suess! The next day we headed home for an awesome Thanksgiving dinner with the family. I wish every weekend could be so great!

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My apologies for my un-presence on the web these days. School and work are keeping me busy. I will attempt to post something this weekend.

I also apologize for being out of touch with all my peeps. There is a light at the end of the tunnel when life will return to normal. Thanks for hanging in there!

~J.

It's all in the Aesthetics

Yesterday, while stopped at a red light, I looked over to see a Harley rumbling beside me. The man on the bike was decked out in full Harley leather and I thought... I wish that was me. Is it really about the Harley for me? Do I know anything about bikes? No. It's all about the aesthetics. The Harley just looks good.

Earlier that afternoon, I had driven past a certain house that always catches my eye. As I drove past it, I thought to myself how important the outside "look" of the house is for me and when I it comes down to it, that will play a big part in my purchase.

These thoughts collided as I was sitting at the lights, beside the Harley...it's all in the aesthetics for me. I am naturally drawn to thing (products) that have clean, defined lines, a nice use of space and generally look cool.

The car that I was sitting in...a beetle. Most recognizable lines/shape in automotive designs, I think. Do I love it because it is German engineered, has excellent safety ratings and is good on gas? No! While these things are great perks, let's face it...I bought it because it looks good. (better in yellow, but I digress...)

My laptop...same deal. Did I buy it because I love the operating system and all the technical capabilities? Heck no! That sleek and sexy design is what sold me.

When I look at a magazine, brochure or even an email, large blocks of text turn me off. There has to be lots of white space or it is a chore for me to read. What's worse is emails without paragraph breaks or even punctuation or CAPITAL LETTERS!!! Come on people. Not only is it proper grammar, it just makes it look nice!

So...that is my musing for the day. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the design.