Sweet Nostalgia

Do you ever hear something - or come across something accidentally - that brings you back to your childhood?  I had that moment today when, for no reason that I am aware of, Musicbox Dancer popped in my head.  Honestly, I have no idea why this song has sweet memories for me but it does.  Maybe I had a jewellery box that I don't remember and the ballerina twirled to this?  The thought of this song prompted me to remember a few other things and to go through pictures that are hidden in my computer.  I have so many wonderful memories, many of which were not captured on film.  Thankfully, they live strong in my mind and heart.

~ 4 months old ~

~ 3 years old ~

~ 5 years old ~

~ me & my Momma  ...xox... ~

 ~ 11 years old ~

~ Sweet 16 with my brother & sister ~

~ me & my Dad ...xox...  ~

~ Mellisa, Chris, Steph ... Xmas 2009 ~

~ Kevin & Mellisa ~

Life has been good.  Life has had many ups and many downs and even an almost rock bottom but it is good.  I am blessed with a loving family, a few great friends and a job I love.  It is because of these moments, and so many others, that my life is full ... almost. 

Thank you for taking this quick trip down memory lane with me.

i *HEART* photography

While I don't often take (or make) the time to go out and to take photos, I absolutely love the process.  Looking at other photographers really inspires me and makes me long to learn more about being behind the lense.  Capturing that perfect shot makes me smile inside.  Applying different photo editing elements to my picture challenges me.   It is definitely a deep seeded passion that I haven't allowed to grow and come out. 

Unlike my friend, Marlene, I definitely do not have the patience for wildlife. Sitting for an hour to get that one opportunity for a bird that you have been waiting to see or that butterfly to land ever so delicately on the flower petals.  Landscape photos are fun and I do enjoy them but it isn't what captures my heart.  Families and children .. everyday moments ... the freshness of a new baby ... the innocence found in a child's eyes.  These are what pulls at my heart strings. 

Two ladies I love to admire are Jeni Boisvert and Maggie Holmes.  I first began admiring Jeni's scrapbooking style on Bad Girls but quickly learned, after a few visits to her blog, that she is a photographer by profession.  Oh what a talent.  I am actually not sure how I found Maggie Holmes, to be honest.  It was likely a link that linked to the link that eventually linked me there.  From her blog, where she posts pictures, I discovered that she too was a professional photographer and had a blog dedicated to it.  These ladies are truly talented and, if I could aspire to take photos like anyone, it would be Jeni and Maggie.  From the initial capture to the photoshop touch up to the final product, their style and flair keeps drawing me back to look for more. 

I have so much in life to figure out.  While I know the passion I would have as a teacher, it's the long road ahead that is going to give me struggles.  I am enjoying school but is there what I want to do 2 nights a week for the next 7 or so years?  For years I toyed with esthetics as a side job.  Every now and again I think ìs photography something I would - no, could - do as a second career (without giving up my current profession).  I am, by no means, a stellar photographer but is that something that evolves over time and with the addition of knowledge and practice?  So many questions and so few answers.  Wouldn't life be so much easier if we were born with a fact sheet with included what your perfect career would be as an adult?  Dare to dream ....

Creatively Mine Playlist

In the beginning, it drove me crazy when music would blare out after a blog downloaded.  Eventually, I became "one of them."  I love knowing that music that I love to listen to is at my fingertips and I love that Tanya was able to put it front and center for me so that those who don't love it, can stop it asap.

In true "Mellisa" form, I have spent a couple of hours removing, replacing and adding songs to my playlist rather than doing homework.  From the 80's, 90's and 00's (seriously ... how do you say that?  the zero-zero's?  are we now in the 10's?), I have music from many genres.  Most importantly, many more Justin Timblerlake songs have been added *sigh* including my oh-so-favourite SNL skit. (note that this skit is not only the uncensored version, it also includes the follow up skit). If you listen to my playlist, enjoy the changes.  If you don't .... the pause button is ready for you!

Fun with Friends

I ventured out to hang out with Meg and Renee for a long overdue evening together.  What was supposed to be an afternoon/evening full of creating turned into a partial 6x6 done by Renee, a partial double 12x12 done by Meg and a bunch of quilt components pinned together for the next step by me.  Regardless of the lack of creating, the evening was great thanks to the wonderful company and the great conversation.  We capped our evening off with a trip to Starbucks before calling it a night.  Thank you, ladies.  I had a great time.  Much thanks to Renee's hubby for sharing his iPod touch and making me long for an iPhone even more and to her "Wee" for her adorableness. 

The trip home passed by quickly with a pitstop at the drugstore to pick up a few things.  Imagine my excitement when, whilst standing at the cash, I spotted the most incredibly delictable bin of chocolate waiting for me.  I am not a lover of chocolate but I do get a child-like excitement when I spot my first batch of Easter Cream Eggs of the year and have been known to let out an eye-turning *gasp* when I see them.  Honestly, I just can not help myself. 

Tomorrow (Sunday) will see me spending the day bunkered down in Starbucks with a very specific mission.  Operation: Homework.  I have some reading to do and really need to get started on my essay.  Doing it at home seems so much more logical than making the 30 min trek into the city but I am just not able to focus at home like I do when I am out.  Plus, there is just something soothing about sitting at Starbucks, laptop and books in hand, and enjoying a vanilla bean frappicino.  I seriously think that one of my three local towns really should consider in internet cafe with couches and comfy chairs.  I know I would be there all the time.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Friendship Rediscovered

Thank you for understanding.

Thank you for not giving up on me.

Thank you for being you.

I had a great afternoon talking and laughing and am so grateful to The Works for letting us spend 4 uninterrupted hours rekindling our friendship. 

a SPAtacular evening

What a great day to end off the week - great food at Le Caveau de Szechuan, a relaxing few hours at an outdoor spa, a night cap and all with a great friend. 

After realizing that we were both in dire need of a relaxing night out, Tanya and I planned our evening to the spa. I have been wanting to go to Le Nordik Spa for years but have never made it.  What a wonderful place.  So calm and relaxing.  It was wonderful.  The hot tubs were perfect, the cold tubs were freezing but felt good and the relaxation room was just that.  Having always wanted to experience this in the winter, I and so happy we went ... but am not sure that I will again.  Fall or spring is now my ideal time.  No frozen towel, no soaking wet housecoat,  no ice coated flip flops and no wet hands sticking to the metal rails as you exit the bath.  Despite all of those little funny moments, it truly was a great night and I slept more soundly than I have in months.  Hopefully Tanya and her Mom (who joined us too) did too after their stressful two weeks.

{{{{{{{{  HUGS to you. }}}}}}}}  I had a fabulously wonderful time.

(photos borrowed from Le Nordik)

My One Little Word: Week 1

Today marks the end of my first week embracing my 2010 word - - CHANGE.  I have started by doing little things and have already noticed a difference, much to my surprise. 

• 
  
  Housekeeping is not my favourite thing (but is it anyones, really?).  With only K and I, it is easy to let the dishes go a day or two if we have had a small meal or leftovers or let the pile on the island may get bigger throughout the week rather than doing something with it ASAP.  This week I made a promise to myself to spend a minimum of 15 extra minutes a day doing something that I wouldn't normally do until a weekend clean where it takes me a few hours to get all I need to get done.  I havent perfected it yet (sometimes the fatigue wins and the 7 hours sleep in 2 days takes over)
  
• 
  
  I pay more attention to what is going on in the woodstove.  I hate the woodstove.  While it provides a great amount of heat, it is dirty and smelly and gross.  My to K's happiness, I spend more time making sure there is enough wood in there to keep it going ... and even bringing wood in from outside (okay - only sometimes and when I have no choice but at least I am doing it rather than letting the fire dwindle down.  That has to count for something, doesn't it??)
  
• 
  
  I am the worst when it comes to taking care of my skin. More specifically, my face. I often go to bed with make-up on and don't use the proper products to keep it healthy. Step 1 - pour shampoo in hand. Step 2 - lather hair. Step 3 - extend suds downward to wash face. Step 4 - all-in-one rinse. I moisturize when I get out of the shower but never through the day. Let's face it ... I am getting older. There, I said it! My 7th annual 29th birthday is around the corner and it's time to make sure I don't look years beyond my age so, every night before bed, I am now washing my face with proper face care products and moisturizing with a night cream.
  
• 
  
  I am using my creative side every day. Whether it be photoshop, photography or scrapbooking (which I did tonight for the first time since the last weekend of April 2009). It feels good. You-tube is my best friend. I am following photoshop tutorials to try new things. Thanks to the ~Artist 365~ challenge on Facebook, I have been motivated. Below is the cover to my "One Little Word" album. I have decided to do the whole thing out of 5x7 canvas, using one side per month to recap the journey. There are alot of the fine details lost in the photo (not to mention that is simply isn't the best photo out there) but it is done with the exception of a few minor tweaks I want to do.   That was my goal - done - now on to the next project.