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What’s In My Cup: Just Peachy

13 Monday Jul 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Food, Foolishness

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#whatsinmycup, ice pops, iced tea, music, summer, tea, tea cups, what's in my cup


 In vain have I struggled. It will to do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

“Just Peachy” is a real summertime treat. Big Guy gave me this tea for Christmas and I’m so glad he did. While on the sweet side (and slightly artificial tasting) when served hot, it is surprisingly refreshing served cold. With temperatures hovering around 30C these days, cold is good! In fact, David’s recommends it as an addition to fruity cocktails, and I heartily concur. Even if that cocktail is non-alcoholic! 😉

Just Peachy is an herbal tea comprised of apple pomace, artificial peach flavouring, sweet blackberry leaves, peach, natural sweet blackberry leaf flavouring, and artificial apricot flavouring. While seeing “artificial” anything in an ingredient list can be off-putting, keep in mind that it contains less sugar than juice and no added artificial sweeteners like diet pop. 

Peach Iced Tea

Serve it hot or cold, tall glass or cup and saucer (who says cups and saucers are reserved only for hot drinks)! Or think outside the square…

Peach Ice Pop

But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.” -Jane Austen

Happy Monday!

Friday’s Tune: It’s Good to Be Alive

10 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Faith

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blessing, faith, Friday's Tune, music


Sometimes we just gotta’ wake up and count our blessings. Widen our focus. Put on some music and dance. Each day is a gift. Even the hard ones.

When we “count our blessings”, we shift the focus from our circumstances or the 4 walls of our minds. It helps us appreciate what have, or who we have, in our lives. It encourages us to say “thank you”, thereby spreading the blessing. Renewed gratitude renews relationship, even the one you have with your own soul.

Like a conversation with someone else, we are forced to rethink our perceptions, talk through what is holding us back, or holding us down. We can see where we have been and where we are going, and where we are growing. If we don’t like the direction, we can start to make choices to  change it.

This life could almost kill ya’ when you’re trying to survive

When all your energy goes into just surviving, ask God to show you the blessings in your life. Share the pain, the guilt or whatever it is that is threatening to overwhelm you. He can handle it. He can handle your anger, your disappointment, and your sorrow. He can fill your loneliness, restore your peace, and strengthen your resolve.

Each day is a new beginning, a little resurrection. A chance to start over. A reason to find joy.

Alive

 

Happy Weekend!

Lyrics           Youtube

Photo courtesy of Jasper Geys on http://www.unsplash.com
Writers: Tom Douglas, John Cooper, Zachary David Maloy

Friday’s Tune: Canada’s Really Big

03 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Foolishness

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arrogant worms, Canada, humour, music


It’s summer and to start it off, Canada celebrated its birthday. Mostly without fanfare because we are all staying home. Which will also mean fewer road trips this summer.

BUT you can still experience the great Family Road trip right at home. Just pile everyone in the car in the driveway for a few hours. Once the heat threatens to overwhelm and the electronic devices are dying, throw in a cd for a fabulous family sing-a-long. I can recommend just about anything by the Arrogant Worms. Our favourite album is Live Bait, released in 1997, and in honour of Canada Day, this Friday’s Tune is Canada’s Really Big…the classy orchestral version!

So stand up and be proud and sing out very loud
We stand out from the crowd ’cause Canada’s really big

Happy Friday!

Full Lyrics

Dear Quarantine Diary #13

02 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Foolishness

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Tags

dear diary, family, humour, music


Dear Diary – Best hug ever! It’s been over 3 months since I saw Big Guy in person. I think that’s the longest we’ve been apart. Of course, we talked and after I returned to the city, we resumed our weekly “Halo night”. But nothing is the same as being together in person. He came down for the weekend, with a large basket of “priority laundry” and a black hawk airplane cookie cutter he made on his 3D printer. So we baked cookies too. We waved him off Sunday evening 10 lbs lighter (hair/beard cut), with 4 loads of clean laundry, and a clean car. Happy Mama!

Cookies

Dear Diary – I spent the morning participating in a small, distanced outdoor recording session. For the most part, it went well. There were a few false starts, a key signature change and a set-shift to accommodate the sun. Anyone who has played or spoken outside understands the challenges. The biggest, of course, being the wind. Though my pages were taped to the keyboard stand, ironically page 2 fell flat and page 3 tried to fly away as we were singing “Be the wind inside my sails”. While a bunch of pages skittered down the driveway, page 3 caught on my skirt, allowing me to grab it in time for the bridge. I was flustered by the near-disaster. I once played a flute offertory while Little Guy clung to my skirts, and entertained himself by rocking the music stand. I planted my foot on the stand and kept going, much to the astonishment of those with a front row view of the “action”.

If evolution works, how come mothers only have two hands? – Milton Berle

Speaking of front row views, during the next song, the eldest child of the household tried to sneak out the front door. I heard the door and I could see Dad’s head following him as he edged along the porch until he could jump and run to his destination. Not only did we catch him on tape, but I caught Dad’s face, as he followed him with his eyes.

Sam

I’m pretty sure my Dad has given me the same look a time or two. No harm done. Personally, I thought it was delightful reminder of family life. 🙂

Dear Diary – We celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary on Monday. I decided I wasn’t cooking. Since there’s nowhere to go, we took a chance and ordered in something special.

It was a great pizza. The wine was purchased back in April during the lock down when I went shopping for pink champagne.

pizza_ed

If only we had played video games too…

Dear Diary – Of course! On the day that I’m leaving for a 3 week vacation at my parents, and I’m running late, Hubby calls to tell me my computer charger is broken. Little Guy has been living on my laptop for weeks and it was one of the incentives for coming with me to my folks instead of staying in the city. Dad to the rescue – he found a charger I can borrow that works until I can find a replacement. I pretty sure Hubby and I are jinxed it. We were just discussing purchasing a new laptop for me and giving this one to Little Guy. We did this the last time I got a new laptop, and it completely died the very next day. It only stands to reason that history is repeating itself.

Dear Diary – Happy Canada Day!

I woke to Westminster chimes at 6 a.m. Dad forgot to turn off the clock outside my bedroom. The sun had already risen but since I was up, I stumbled outside without my glasses and in my nightie, to snap a few pics of the morning mist, before stumbling back to bed. I looked at the pictures at a respectable hour. Apparently I wasn’t the only turkey awake at that hour. My photo caught 3 more in the field…

Canada Day_ed

While we didn’t have any of the usual Canada Day activities, like the classic car show, we still enjoyed a BBQ. As the last crimson band of sky started to fade, I noticed nature’s fireworks in the grass…fireflies. And once it was dark, our neighbours treated us to a short but brilliant display of fireworks to usher in summer.

… their shining branches dropped glowing flowers down upon the hobbits…there were fountains of butterflies that flew glittering into the trees; there were pillars of coloured fires that rose…there was a red thunderstorm and a shower of yellow rain; there was a forest of silver spears that sprang suddenly into the air…and came down again into the Water with a hiss…” -― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Are we ready for 2020, Level 7?

Friday’s Tune: Perfect Union

26 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Faith

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Tags

faith, Friday's Tune, memories, music, weddings


This week, while resting with a cup of tea between jobs, I perused Instagram. I don’t normally check out the “suggested for you” page, but I did and there were wedding photos. I’m a sucker for ball gowns. Actress, Busy Philips, celebrated her 13th anniversary this week and she posted pics from her nuptials, including her dress, her invitations, and her “mix tape”, a gift to  was given to her guests. My guests received homemade chocolate truffles. I think I’d prefer the truffles.

Anyway, it got me thinking, since this Monday is my 24th wedding anniversary! I’ve lived more years with Hubby than without.

There were certain things about my special day that were extra important, the groom and my family aside. The dress (as Princess Diana as I could afford). The flowers (red roses like my grandmother). And the music. I selected every piece, from the processional (Praise My Soul the King of Heaven) and recessional (Trumpet Voluntary), to the hymn and 2 solos. I also selected the first 3 songs for our small dance. I danced with my father to Matthew Ward’s, My Little Ones. It made us both cry. Our wedding party danced to All the Way My Saviour Leads Me by Rich Mullins. But it was our first dance that is today’s tune: Perfect Union by Matthew Ward.

My sister-in-law introduced me to this song when she had it sung at her wedding. I loved the imagery that despite the “storms of life”, if we chose to seek God first in our marriage, we would be strengthened and love would endure. We would be joined in “three part harmony”.

During some very difficult years, I would look at our wedding photos and I was encouraged by the light reflecting on the cross on the altar in front of us. I took that as a special message from God that He was still part of this relationship and if we looked to Him, we would endure.

wedding_ed

Hand and hand we’ll seek the Father.

Happy Friday!

Lyrics
copyright: © Matthew Ward / John Andrew Schreiner Music, Megins College Fund Music

Friday’s Tune: Legendary

19 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Faith

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Friday's Tune, music, Skillet


I went grocery shopping yesterday and it wasn’t long until I became an angry shopper.

I met a woman coming the wrong way down the well-marked aisle. I kindly pointed it out to her and she walked right and muttered, “I don’t think so”. It immediately sparked something primal in me. I replied, “no, really. There are arrows on the floor”. She replied without stopping or looking back,  “I don’t see anything”. “Really?” I barked, and turned to go. That’s when she muttered something rude. I won’t repeat it.

It made me angry: her sense of entitlement to break the rules, her assumptions about me, and overall, the complete lack of respect.

Anger is a natural response. In some cases, it’s an appropriate response. Even Jesus got angry. But he didn’t live angry. He didn’t feel angry. Not all the time. It was one of the reasons that I quit my job. I felt angry all the time, and I don’t want to be that person.

I don’t want to drive angry. I don’t want to work angry. I don’t want to live angry.

On the way home from the store, Skillet’s song, Legendary, was playing.

Every day I fight to be…Legendary

What does that mean? I know for some it means building an empire, getting noticed, having a following. As a Christ Follower, I am not called to build my kingdom but God’s.

Somewhere along the way, God started to connect the dots. To be legendary means to live every day as Jesus did. Jesus spoke out against injustice. He built up the poor and the weak. He loved the outcast. The very things we let divide us never mattered to Him. Instead of skin colour or cultural backgrounds, He saw people who struggled and hurt.

Legends made when faith is strong.

It sounds simplistic, but if we all adopted the attitudes of Jesus, wouldn’t it stand to reason that our actions would become an outpouring from a place of love. Our own sense of importance and entitlement would dissipate. We would have the energy to focus on fighting for the things that matter – “breaking down the wall of hostility” – instead of fighting each other.

I’m not naive nor do I belong on a soapbox. I know the problems in our world are greater than any one person. Or any one group of people. But it doesn’t mean I stop trying. I can choose to be angry, or I can choose to live another way.

Every day I'll fight to be

Happy Friday!

Lyrics              Youtube

photo: canva.com

Friday’s Tune: Until the Whole World Hears

15 Friday May 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Faith, Foolishness

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faith, Friday's Tune, memories, music


It had been an awesome night of worship. I sat with Hubby on one side and Big Guy on the other in a massive church auditorium on a Saturday evening in 2009. Even though we were attending a concert, large screens on either side of the platform had displayed the words to every song so all could sing along, a massive choir from different denominations, different backgrounds.

The lights dimmed as lead singer, Mark Hall, closed the evening in prayer. But before the crowd started to bid the band farewell, he lifted his hands and started to sing “oh– oh– sing until the whole world hears”. We all joined in. I closed my eyes and just let the sound  of a thousand voices surround me. It was an emotional experience, and I’ve never forgotten it.

Until the Whole World Sings

Keep singing…

Lyrics        Youtube Video
Copyright: Bernie Herms / Jason Mcarthur / Mark Hall / Roger Glidewell © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group

 

Friday’s Tune: King of the Jungle

08 Friday May 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Family, Foolishness

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faith, family, Friday's Tune, music


Big Guy and I moved to the city in August 1995. He was 5 and my parents’ home was the only one he knew. We both missed my parents…a lot! Consequently, we made the 2.5 hour trip to visit…a lot! And what’s the best thing to do on a road trip? Pop in a great cassette tape and sing along.

Both Big Guy and I liked Steven Curtis Chapman’s album, Heaven in the Real World, which was released in 1994.  There were a few tunes that we would belt out as we sped along the highway. One of our favs was King of the Jungle.

Well, the day has just begun and I’m already running late
With too many irons in the fire and too much on my plate
I’d be pulling out my hair if I could just get one hand free
And I’d stop this world if I could find the key

In 1995, I was a single parent trying to balance college (for the second time) and trying to be an awesome Mom. My brain, and sometimes my body, was on the go all the time. Twenty-plus years, and not that much has changed. I added a husband, a home and another great kid, and I’ve swapped college for other responsibilities. The body is slowing down, but the brain is still always on the go.  Thank goodness one thing has never changed: God is still in control.

King of the Jungle

Put on your dancing shoes – it’s the weekend!

Lyrics                  Youtube
Steven Curtis Chapman © 1994 Primary Wave Brian (Chapman Sp Acct) (Admin. by BMG Chrysalis US)Spar row Song (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

 

Friday’s Tune: Canadian Girl

24 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Foolishness

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

arrogant worms, Friday's Tune, humour, music


It’s finally the weekend (and I know I wished you a happy weekend yesterday) but I firmly believe that even though every day seems the same, it’s still a good reason to get excited.

This Friday’s Tune is just for fun – because sometimes we just need to pop on the radio, dance around the living room and enjoy being alive! So throw on some flannel and live in the moment!

The Arrogant Worms are a group of university pals who began recording in 1991. The best way to describe their genre is as a group that paradies all genres. Many of their songs poke fun at various aspects of daily life in Canada. Their on-stage banter and interaction with the audience makes watching them in person a real delight. We went as a family to see their First Farewell Tour last November for Little Guy’s birthday, but without Little Guy. He was sick! 😦

She’ll drink you under the table
And steal your booster cables
Canadian girl!

Canadian Girls_ed

Whether you’re working hard or hardly working, Happy Weekend!

Friday’s Tune: The Stand

17 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by jennsmidlifecrisis in Photography

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Tags

faith, Friday's Tune, music


You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hands
And you spoke all life into motion
My soul now to stand

I started a little light reading this week: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching on the Isaiah 40-66 by Paul Hanson. OK. maybe not so light. But Isaiah is one of those books of the Bible that has blessed me in different seasons of my life. Sure, it’s a book filled with “doom & gloom”. The Israelites were a nation that had been invaded, subjugated and scattered.  They had chosen to follow their own paths, to compromise their faith, and to ignore God’s pleas to return to Him. It’s heady stuff. But as in many books of the Bible, there are treasures hidden in its pages. I love digging for treasure.

By chapter 40-ish, Isaiah begins to speak on God’s plan to redeem His people. His intent had never been to abandon them to their circumstances. Before the exile, the temple had been the centre of their worship, but the temple was destroyed. Isaiah reminds them that God alone should be the centre of their worship.  Isaiah 40:25-26:

To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:  Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,  not one of them is missing.

Hope for deliverance starts with a reverence for the Creator. In the presence of God’s majesty, I feel very small and insignificant. But if He calls the stars by name and cares for each one, how much more will He care for me?

I stand_insta

During this pandemic, I sometimes feel like I’m in exile. It’s easy to focus on what I’m missing (and who I’m missing), and to be discouraged in the waiting. I am thankful for the reminder that, just as God didn’t leave the Israelites, He isn’t going to leave me. Regardless of where I am, He is the still the centre of my life. Tonight I am going to look to the stars and reflect on all that He has made.

Happy Weekend!

Lyrics   YouTube

Copyright: Joel Houston © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group
Photo: I Stand: Photo by Greg Rakozy, http://www.unsplash.com, https://unsplash.com/photos/0LU4vO5iFpM
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