The week

It's been a relatively quiet  and sad week. Little Stefan took a turn for the worse and had to return to ICU. We are all very worried about him. It is extremely serious. He was recovering well - on Monday Bronwyn and I saw him and Erin and he looked so relaxed; laying in his hospital bed and even smiling. Watching Bronwyn intently. On the way home Bronwyn said she wanted to invite Stefan to her birthday party. She wants to have a "Dog" birthday party and said that during the 4-legged race she would push Stefan in his wheelchair (Stefan has cerebral palsy). She knows if she was racing on all fours she would leave the other kids in the dust. It is wonderful how readily children accept differences. I would like to see that "4-legged" race more than anything else I can think of.

We dropped off a care package; an idea from a friend who had to spend a long time in hospital watching over her seriously ill husband. It is full of things that you might need if you were in that situation. I will write the list out in a future post in case anyone reading knows of someone who has to spend an extended time in hospital with their sick child or partner. Most parents of very sick children try to get what sleep they can in uncomfortable chairs or small cots. Often they cannot leave the ward; they can be up all night unable to even get a cup of coffee or a snack. This happens to partners too. I have in my mind to try to organize care packages for people who find themselves in those terrible situations. I need to look into the logistics; how to get donations/put them together/distribute etc.

But our thoughts are with Stefan and his family. There isn't much I can say - it is heartbreaking. Testing the limits of their endurance and they need all the love and support, and prayers, if you pray, that they can get. And we hope against all odds that he can pull through this and recover. Return home and be with his mum, dad and big brother. All together again.

Bronwyn and I are going camping for the weekend. Let's hope the weather holds and that by Sunday, when we get back, there is some good news.

Easter....again

It doesn't seem that long ago that we were making up clues and hiding eggs around the house. Time for a bit of honesty this year, I think. I confessed to Bronwyn that I don't believe in the Easter Bunny. There's just some things I can't lie about. A fat guy in a red suit who travels the whole world in one night using magic flying reindeer, delivering presents made by his helpers that look suspiciously store bought, I can do. But not the bunny. She asked me and I said, "No, I don't believe in the Easter Bunny". To support my opinion I added that it was highly unlikely, given what we know about rabbits, that a bunny would go around hiding chocolate eggs any time of the year. I felt some short-lived sense of relief. After a pause she said, "Well, you believe in the Easter fairy".
- Huh?  "What easter fairy?".
She then recalled an Easter "incident" from long ago (when she was about 3) and I was probably a little less jaded. We had bought her an Easter present and, it's true, I do remember saying it was from the Easter fairy. Why? I don't know. Although I actually have no problem believing in fairies (of the woodland variety). After all, there is photographic evidence. How can we forget the Cottingley Fairies...? Okay, the photographs may have been fake, but that doesn't mean they didn't see fairies.

Also there is a strange, fascinating, and beautifully illustrated book, "Faeries", by Brian Froud and Alan Lee, which is the definitive guide to fairies and fairy folklore (and not all faeries are nice). Anyway, I had totally forgotten about the fairy incident. I wasn't sure what to say and just ummed and erred until I could change the subject. I'll have to go through the Faeries book with her again...

But, as I've said before, I'm not big into Easter and it is very rare that I find anyone who shares my opinion. I get a distinct 'killjoy" vibe from other parents. Fortunately for me (but probably not for the kids) Mark is not a fan of Easter either. But we'll put an Easter egg hunt together for tomorrow. And we will celebrate Spring. Maybe plant something. I will make an effort, though I am feeling a bit low in spirits and fighting some kind of bug. Where are fairies when you need them? Apparently Stefan is doing a little better today. The sedation has enabled his body to relax and has given him rest...that is some good news!

Stefan

This week all our thoughts are with Erin, Hogie, Riley, and little Stefan. Stefan is our nephew. He has been very sick for some months and has not been getting any better. Lately, he took a turn for the worse. I visited Erin and Stefan in hospital yesterday. Words cannot express how deeply and unbearably moved I was. I am in awe of Erin's amazing strength and courage. And I am devastated by poor little Stefan's struggle and the suffering he has had to endure. He is just 7 years old. In addition to other health problems, not long after I left the hospital he was diagnosed with a rare condition called a Dystonic Storm. This is an intensely painful condition that has exhausted him and  his poor body. It is also life-threatening for Stefan and he was taken to ICU to be sedated for a couple of days in the hopes that his body can try to recover and he can get some rest. And perhaps Erin and Hogie can get a bit of respite too. I cannot hold back my tears when I think of them and what they have been through, and continue to go through. And when I think of that beautiful little boy. We have to be strong for them, and we have to hope. He is fighter.

Back from the great outdoors...

Another lake view...ho hum...made it black and white to be different

I spent last weekend alone, camping at Sasquatch Provincial Park. A weekend of peace, relaxation and solitary pursuits. It was cold and rainy for most of my trip...but aside from the forested lakeside walk, I hadn't intended to do a lot of outdoor stuff. It was a chance for me to catch up on my reading, knitting, and writing and to let my thoughts drift where they wanted to. The place was deserted. There was only one other site (out of 42) that was occupied...at the other side of the park (I didn't actually see another person except for the guy who came by to collect the camping fee).

The mornings were misty with clouds covering the mountains surrounding the lake. There was also fresh snow on the mountains. Spring seems to be delayed this year, although there are signs of its imminent arrival everywhere. Last time I was at Sasquatch Park it was summer and the place was really busy. Being only about 3 hours from the city, it is a busy park on any given weekend during the summer. I remember one of the first camping trips that Mark and I went on was to Sasquatch. It was a long weekend and we were stuck in the last available campsite. The place was packed and we were in the middle of a whole group of campsites. We were disillusioned and felt like we were in the middle of a goldfish bowl. I think Mark had to convince me to stay. It is okay to be in a busier campground in the summer, with the kids. It's hard to find anywhere to camp that is relatively quiet unless you are prepared to travel a lot further away from the city or go back packing. So this time of year is a really good time to visit provincial parks if you want some peace.

This was the view from my chair at the campsite. Through the trees and to the lake and mountains opposite. Once I had sat still for a while I was joined by 3 Steller's Jays and numerous Robins. I didn't see any other wildlife; I think it was too cold for them.

Path towards the forest

The forest walk was lush and green. Moss covered much of the trees and hung off branches. The only sounds were my footsteps, the tiny drops of water falling from leaves and branches, and the wind blowing through the trees.

I finally got a bit of sun late afternoon on Saturday. It didn't last for too long, but it was very welcome. It was a good trip, very refreshing. My only complaint is that it just wasn't long enough. Having said that, I think I am a better mother and partner for being able to get away and enjoy time by myself. I return refreshed and with a new and better energy. Thank goodness for our VW van. And now back to reality...it is fair to say that reality is quite noisy.

Dear Apollo...

I found this note at the swimming pool where Bronwyn is having lessons. Well, actually, I saw it laying on the floor in the foyer and wondered about it for a while, and then River picked it up. I assumed it was a shopping list of some sort. What other handwritten notes are there these days? Who writes letters? It's all emails, texts or facebook. But this note appears to be a good old-fashioned love letter. Mysteriously it says, "Dear Apollo", and then is signed, "Much love, Apollo". That is a bit odd. I wonder if the person it was intended for ever got the note. Is it genuine? The romantic in me hopes that it is, perhaps. Maybe it was written by some love-struck high school kid? The other thing I noticed is that the creases in the paper show it has been screwed up into a tiny ball at some point; very tightly. Screwed up into a ball and thrown on the floor. Who knows...I suppose not every romantic gesture is a welcome one. As a genuine romantic note it's a far cry from the type of handwritten notes passed along when I was in high school. The pinnacle of wit and romance being; "My mate fancies you". A slight improvement on, "Nice tits". Evolution.

But can you eat them?

Mark went camping this weekend so it was just me and the kids. On Saturday we joined a Children's Edible Herb Walk led by our friend, and herbalist, Nicole (who is also an amazing henna artist). It was the inaugural walk and I think it was a success. It's a great idea and the kids loved it. Nicole focussed on herbs found in local parks and gardens that are edible and we sample a small selection at Jericho Park. The kids were excited to try eating different plants, and curious about what they could and could not eat. The parents also had fun. I will try adding daisy petals or rose-hip petals to my next salad. And you can cook and eat dandelion leaves. There is lots that are edible. I look forward to the next walk. I only managed to take a couple of pics. I would have taken more, but I spent a good bit of time running after River who was more interested in exploration than in herbs.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach; kids keeping busy as only kids can. The concession stand was open even though it was a somewhat chilly day. I am eagerly anticipating summer; tanned and salty, snacking on fries at the end of a "hard" day spent playing, lounging, and swimming at Jericho Beach. Bliss.

Timber Timbre

An album I am listening to quite a bit these days. "Timber Timbre" by Timber Timbre. A Canadian Indie band with a unusual and dark creepy sound. But also reminiscent of some kind of deep south slow blues. They just released a new album, Creep on Creepin' On...haven't had much chance to give it a listen through yet.

My favourite track and my most-listened-to-song of the moment. It was hard to find the song on Youtube. So I'll post the live version from CBC's "The Hour". I think it's worth a listen, if you've got nothing better to do. And you probably haven't.

Yay...finished...

I actually finished a couple of knitted projects recently. Part of my continued campaign to finish projects that are languishing, neglected and half-completed at the bottom of my knitting basket. I finished Bronwyn's Owl Sweater and she wears it all the time...here's a couple of pics. I used a really soft yarn by Rowan; Cashsoft Chunky, so it is warm and bulky without being scratchy against the skin. It is my first sweater knit in the round...and I'm not sure if I like the technique or not. I think I'll make River one too, in blue...or is it too girly?

Buttons are added to the simple cable design to suggest "owls"

And I finished the toy crocodile that I began...ahem..a while ago. I am very pleased with how it turned out and Bronwyn loves it. A few days of being her favourite and then it will lay in the pile of stuffies at the the bottom of the bed; remembering the time when Bronwyn loved her best...awwwww.

 I am thinking about designing some knitting patterns. I have done it before, but I neglect to write them down. Here is a little "beach" sweater pattern that I designed and knit a couple of years ago. It is knit in a lightweight hemp yarn and I gave it to a friend. Hang on a minute...the same bloody "friend" who ditched me for no reason but said she won't actually blank me if coincidence puts us in the same spot on the planet at some time... Anyway, I like the sweater and I'm sure if I dig around in my piles of papers and notebooks I will find the design.

Spring Break cont...

Bronwyn log-walking at Robert's Creek

 Some catching up, mostly pictures: Bronwyn and I went to visit Laurie, Dave and Odelia in Robert's Creek last weekend. We had a lovely weekend. It's great for me to spend time with Laurie, we go back quite a long way and always have such a good laugh. In a bit of 40-something spontaneity, I had my nose pierced. Laurie had hers done the last time I was over and I decided to get mine done too. It is something I have often thought about. It hurt like hell, no question about that...but the pain didn't last long and I really like it. It's very small. Perhaps when it is healed I'll get a bigger stud put in. I figure I've got a few years to wear it before I get reach old age and it looks stupid. Bronwyn seems to like it too.

Windy day at Robert's Creek beach

Laurie and Odelia

My wonderful friend!

On Tuesday I took Bronwyn and Nicky to Chinatown. We had a blast. Half the fun for me is just watching and listening to the kids. Chinatown is full of strange smells and unfamiliar sights (to us, anyway). Nicky had been to Chinatown before, but it was Bronwyn's first visit. She was taken back by the sights and smells that we encountered; lots of live seafood, odd-looking (and smelling) produce and medicines (dried octopus anyone?).

They're alive!!!

Take your medicine

 She said she felt like puking and would definitely not be eating anything while we were there. She went a curious shade of green and so we decided to poke around shops selling souvenirs and bits and bobs instead.

We visited Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. it's a tranquil and beautiful place in the middle of the bustling urban centre. The kids loved the garden. In fact I was a little surprised at their appreciation of the classical Chinese structures and the plants and trees. But why should I be? The garden is built to harmonize the four elements of rock, water, plants and architecture. The result is peaceful, balanced and affecting. I often underestimate children. I think we should visit when the plum blossoms are in bloom. Bronwyn and Nicky picked out koi fish and said, "I'm that fish, no copy". This is a strange competitive little game that Bronwyn and her pals play. I don't get it. But, hey ho, their world just keeps on getting more and more mysterious as they move further away and I blend into the background.

Looking for koi

Under the bridge

Entrance to the garden

The rest of the week was relaxed and playful. My mood has been a bit low, but all in all I have enjoyed this Spring break. I even finished a couple of projects. I'll post pictures next time. It has been wonderful to spend days with Bronwyn. I miss her now that she is in school all day. Speaking of which, I have no idea how we're going to get to school on time on Monday morning. Well, we won't...I know that.

Old Astronauts

Interesting poem...wonderful animation. A treat for the eyes and ears...and mind?

Spring Break 2011

No updates for a while...no reason. I haven't really been in the mood to write much of anything. And that's just how it goes sometimes.

We are now on Spring break...almost at the end of the first week, in fact. A recap on the recent week. Quiet weekend. Bronwyn went to a party on Saturday and I have no idea what we did on Sunday. On Monday Bronwyn and I did some errands. See...that's why I didn't update.The excitement is too much to put into words.

On Tuesday I planned to take the kids on the skytrain...a first for both of them. We also invited Nicky along. His mum had an unfortunate incident involving her dirt-bike and a tree which resulted in a broken leg. Mike was back and forth to the hospital. She is home now and recovering well. We had a good day out. River loves the bus and Bronwyn and Nicky had a good time playing around. Taking the skytrain is an interesting experience, in more ways than one. I hadn't taken the skytrain in over 10 years. It's fun to "fly" over the tops of the houses and parks and factories. Fun if you do it once every few years I suppose, and not if it's your miserable daily commute to a grey cubicle inside a grey concrete block day after day...year after year.

Bronwyn and Nicky taking flight

 

New West, unfortunately, is a dump. For those that know Grimsby, it is like the end of Freemo where the dole office used to be (maybe still is) and the scary Rainbow pub (I think it was called). And the small greasy spoon cafe that my friend and I used to go to after we'd signed. Making one cup of tasteless instant coffee last a couple of hours. It was run by a woman with 5 sons, a couple of whom used to regularly beat her up and steal money etc. Pleasant little flashback. We walked along the main street looking for somewhere to eat (that didn't look scary, or wasn't a bar). Fabulous buildings. New Westminster was once the big thriving centre of BC. Then along came the Canadian Pacific Railway, reaching all the way to Vancouver in the late 1800s and New West lost out. It seems as though there was once an opportunity for it to avoid becoming a dump, but things have been allowed to decay; cheap stores selling cheap rubbish, bars that mostly operate during the day, lots of wedding shops (for some strange reason), and greasy spoons. Not much character and virtually no charm that I could detect. I apologize if anyone from New Westminster, who is proud of their town, reads this. I know what it is like when your town is called a dump so I can kind of sympathize...except that I happened to agree. Westminster quay and the "market" (I think there have to actually be vendors in order for a place to qualify as a "market") was completely deserted. We still had a good time and the kids played at the quay for a while, making up their own games. The trip there and back was a lot of fun...interesting people-watching too.

Tugboat "interior" playground leftover from Expo '86

 

New Westminster quay

On Thursday I took Bronwyn and her friend Gala on a trip to Steveston. It was a really grand day out.  A treasure hunt in the charity store, a play at the playground (Steveston has a really cool playground), a trip to the candy store AND the toy store.

 Bronwyn found this treasure...

Not sure what to say about this...it's errr...interesting

 They had a lot of fun and so did I. Steveston really is a good place to visit. And the sun came out!

Gala balancing on the teeter-totter at Steveston Playground

 

Hanging around

The boardwalk

"I love you Anchor"...to quote Bronwyn. She loves me too.

Waiting and Finding

While he was in kindergarten, everybody wanted to play

the tomtoms when it came time for that. You had to

run in order to get there first, and he would not.

So he always had a triangle. He does not remember

how they played the tomtoms, but he sees clearly

their Chinese look. Red with dragons front and back

and gold studs around that held the drumhead tight.

If you had a triangle, you didn’t really make music.

You mostly waited while the tambourines and tomtoms

went on a long time. Until there was a signal for all

triangle people to hit them the right way. Usually once.

Then it was tomtoms and waiting some more. But what

he remembers is the sound of the triangle. A perfect,

shimmering sound that has lasted all his long life.

Fading out and coming again after a while. Getting lost

and the waiting for it to come again. Waiting meaning

without things. Meaning love sometimes dying out,

sometimes being taken away. Meaning that often he lives

silent in the middle of the world’s music. Waiting

for the best to come again. Beginning to hear the silence

as he waits. Beginning to like the silence maybe too much.

Jack Gilbert (The New Yorker, March 2, 2009)

Weekend escapes

Not a bad weekend. Escaped for a sleepover at Michelle's on Friday night. We stayed up until the early hours drinking and eating; blueberry crepes at 1:30am anyone? Why not. Watched the A-Team movie...good bubblegum for the brain (I was a big fan of the A-Team), and re-runs of Seinfeld and Friends. I would post a picture of us...but it's not pretty. We decided that our new slogan should be, "No one gets hurt laying on the couch". This is a direct response to my ongoing saga of injuries as a result of trying to be healthy and active.

Bronwyn had her own sleepover at her friend Emma's on Saturday night. They went swimming and saw a movie. This is a lot for Bronwyn who burns out very quickly. She had a great time...but was very, very tired on Sunday (and this means that she is beyond cranky with the rest of us). On Sunday I took Bronwyn to the Museum of Anthropology to see the Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. We saw them a while back (actually 2 years ago...wow, time goes by fast) and she still talks about them. I promised I would take her. It was well worth it. We watched the dancers for about an hour and a half. They were excellent; great dances and movements, and fascinating stories. The costumes and masks were stunning. Of course the batteries for my camera ran out...so I couldn't get many decent pictures. At least that meant I could concentrate on watching and enjoying.

We ran into Mike, Sarah, Nicky and extended family while we were there. Nicky was running around in a batman costume with yellow wellies on...pretty funny.

Otherwise we are just experiencing shock, along with the rest of the world, at the horrendous devastation in Japan. It is unbelievable.

The week

This week was for us...well...a week. It started on Monday and should, if all goes well, finish on Sunday night.

Very troubling images coming out of Japan today. It's crazy how we can watch disasters like this unfold; countless videos and images. And I don't watch TV, this is just on the Internet. What does that do? Does it increase our sensitivity? I don't know...and somehow I don't think so. But I cannot get over the sheer devastating power of a Tsunami. Shocking.

So any other news is, of course, trivial. Bronwyn had a few play dates that were a lot of fun. Today I found out about my foot; early arthritis. That's just great. I am quite pissed-off about this because I don't know what it means for my running...or long term mobility. I have been running regularly for 20 years...maybe that's been the problem. It's a chicken and egg thing. So now it's appointments with a podiatrist and who knows what...hopefully, just some custom orthodics. Perhaps it's not all that bad. It is extremely irritating to me.

There was an issue at school between Bronwyn and her friends. Even a concern that Bronwyn was being a bully. This surprised me, to say the least. After some talking it appears that schoolyard games got a little out of hand; the six-year old's lack of understanding, an inability to listen to others, and a difficulty in seeing things from another person's point of view. I'm hoping that it has been resolved. And so it begins. Here's a cute pic of Bronwyn and one of her friends; Virginia May. It reminds me of being a kid. Ahhh...youth!

Time for a reminder to myself...get the most out of the day; try to do the things that you enjoy (or try to enjoy the things you have to do), spend time with people you love...and have some fun!

Strange Form of Life

I love this song, it is so beautiful. Today's song. And I love Bonnie 'Prince' Billy...still waiting for him to come back to Vancouver. I also like the simple video that someone made for the song. Strange Form of Life from the Album "The Letting Go".