Yoga for the mind.....

A local winery today offered a wine and food tasting plus a Zentangle workshop.  I was curious having never heard of Zentangle before,  must live a sheltered life. LOL  The internet comes in very handy, and after looking at what it was, I thought I would like to do that, so signed up for the workshop and the wine!!!!

First, we were give an informative talk on what to look for, how to smell and how to finally drink wine.  Both red and white were on the table along with vegetarian pizza hor dourves, BBQ kielbasa pieces and grapes.  For those of us with a sweet tooth some chocolate covered raisins.  All very good.

The instructor advised Zentangle was a yoga session for your mind, I don't know if was the wine or the Zentangle which would provide the relaxation, either way I was ready to be relaxed.  Paper, pen, pencil and a shader tool in hand we were ready to start.

This first picture is a sample which shows some of the different designs used. 

The next two pictures show my attempts to use some of the designs. I must admit I did enjoy this workshop, and I did relax, and can see myself doing more of this......don't I have enough to do already?

I wish I had taken my camera as some of the samples displayed were absolutely gorgeous.   This technique would makes some lovely greeting cards. 

Have a great week everyone.

Patricia

My Mum's Birthday.....

Today is my Mother's 96th birthday, on Sunday the family had a get together to celebrate.

This photo of her was taken on Sunday.

I am sure if you asked her the secret for long life, she would say she didn't know.  However,  I suspect not being afraid of hard work would be one of the reasons.  Her Mother died during the birth of her younger brother, so in her very early years she helped in the home for her Father and two brothers.   At the age of 14 years she was "in service" as a downstairs maid.  Later, married a farmer and everyone knows that is a labour intensive occupation, especially in England during the 1940's and '50's.  During WW11 both her and my Dad were foster parents to two boys evacuated from London.  She was also Red Cross nurse.   Starting out from scratch again in '54 when my family immigrated to Canada.   Even now, she lives in her own little house in the country, doing the daily chores on her own, grant you they are not done to the standards she used to do, but they are done just the same.  Every day she cooks her main meal, which always includes a meat, potato and possibly two veg and most days a dessert of  some kind.

Being  neat and tidy and personal cleanliness are all important to her. 

She still smokes!!! and likes a little "nip" once in awhile.  Her mind  is as sharp as a tack, and remembers everyone's birthday date.  Always ready for a good laugh.

She has had a heart attack and is a cancer survivor.  Other than having an elevated blood pressure, relying on diet to keep her diabetes under control and "Arthur" creeping into her left knee, she is healthy.  

Mother of two, Grand Mother of seven, Great Grand Mother of 13, Great Great Grand Mother of five, and friends to many.

Happy Birthday MUM.


Patricia

Music.....Prize....Rain

Has your inner most soul ever been moved by music?   Wonderful music that brings grown men and women, including me, to tears just by listening to an orchestra and voices.

A local cinema was showing an encore production of a "CinemaLive" presentation of an Andre Rieu July concert in Maastricht.  Apparently, he has several three hour concerts in his home town of Maastricht during the month of July.   If you ever get a chance to see him and his Johann Strauss Orchestra and singers, go, as you will not be disappointed.  His  orchestra and singers make lovely music of well known songs, Blue Danube, Time To Say Goodbye, and Halleluiah which k.d. Lang also sings, plus so many others. This year he had several guest artists, including a small orchestra of mentally challenged people, who did a great job playing along with his orchestra.  I would love to see one of  concerts just to hear his music in person, get involved in the excitement of the crowd and visit the town of Maastricht.  Having said that, the film gives you a better view, it gets you up close to the performers, you are on stage with them.  It also gives views of the entire square, the people having a great time and surrounding area.

 CinemaLive  films concerts and plays, originating in Europe, and beams them live via satellite all over the world.  I have seen two plays and The Last Night of the Proms from London, UK, and now two of Andre Rieu's concerts.  It's a chance to see some wonderful shows without traveling all over the world.

When I returned home a message on my answering machine advised me that one of my wall hangings had won a 3rd prize at the 2013 International Ploughing Match quilt show.

During the late evening we had rain, no need to water my garden.  I came home late and in our neighbourhood we have a resident skunk which wonders around at that time, something I would not like to encounter.

A perfect evening of music, a prize and rain.

Patricia