Time Out.

Sometimes you just have to give yourself a time out. Not because you did something wrong necessarily, but because you have lost focus and need to reflect and change direction or be placed back on the right track.

So today I am giving myself a time out. It started with sleeping in very late. I haven't slept this late in years. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure I was a teenager the last time I slept this late. Paul and I woke up at 10:45 am. This is unheard of for both of us. Apparently our bodies needed to be recharged. The windows were open all night and I could get the occasional whiff of fall as I slept peacefully. I had some pretty outrageous dreams too.

I have to say we bought this memory foam topper for our bed a couple of weeks ago and it is awesome! We both kept waking up with stiff bodies and our mattress is about 5 years old and you can't flip it so it was getting warn. Instead of shelling beau coup bucks for a new mattress we bought this topper on line and it was the best thing we ever did. Both of us have slept so much more soundly since it has been put on the bed. Not to mention our upstairs neighbor is away, so I haven't been woken up with the sound of heels stamping on the ceiling or her vacuuming early on a Sunday. Yeah. It was awesome taking my time waking up this morning. Sure Lola was running around at 6am since she could hear the birds and squirrels up and at em. Then she came and curled up with us after she got her morning run around the house out of her system and cuddled down for a late morning nap.  Once we rose, I made chocolate chip pancakes and veggie sausage. Another rare treat in this house.  I don't think I have ever made chocolate chip pancakes before now that I stop and think about it.  We sat at our kitchen table, with the window wide open looking out on the backyard. No fear of the upstairs neighbor coming out to look back at us for once. So pleasant.

Then it was time to get down to the house work. As I was down in the basement doing the laundry I decided to bring up my Halloween stuff. I know what you are thinking. "It's way to early to think about Halloween." So say you, however this is my holiday and I just wanted to bring up the boxes. My plan is to wait until Fall Solstice to actually decorate (September 23). We will see if I can wait that long. As I was going through my containers I came across this Cd I have been thinking about for months now and thought I had lost it in one of our many moves over the past 6 years. It's actually a soundtrack called Samsara and it is beautiful. It is all Tibetan Nuns chanting and singing. Check it out if you can find samples of it online; very beautiful and reflective. Perfect for taking a time out.

This year I have decided to take on another Do-It-Yourself Halloween craft project. You may recall last year's project. http://redheadedstepsister.blogspot.com/2010/10/giving-thanks-while-getting-crafty.html
 Well this year I decided to try and make my own version of a Sugar Skull.

Traditional Sugar Skulls

I was going to originally make it out of paper mache and all this stuff. But by the time I took in account the cost of supplies, time and effort. Not to mention the mess it would make I decided to take the easy route. Traditionally Sugar Skulls are made to celebrate The Day of Dead which is November 1. This is a day were families get together and remember loved one and ancestors who have passed on. To sort of celebrate their lives and legacy. Some people will actually decorate their sugar skulls to resemble the loved one. In my version however I did it a bit different.  I put my own spin on it. First I got a foam skull from the craft store and some inexpensive imitation flowers and went to town. My skull is to represent the passing of my mother (October 2) and her love of Halloween. Her favorite flower was yellow roses.Well I couldn't find a yellow rose that I liked so I used a red rose on the left to represent her, and the Yellow smaller is to represent myself, carrying on her legacy and traditions. It's still a work in progress I might add a few more details but so far this is what it looks like.

My version.

I can't believe I did this, but I was out buying Lola's supplies and came across these Angel wings for cats. I have always said I would never dress my cat up or dog for that matter but when I saw these I couldn't resist. It seemed fitting since I have always said my Mum sent Lola to me. I got her about two weeks after my Mum passed and she has been with me ever since.

I know I am a terrible cat owner. I couldn't help myself. Do you love how the bag she is laying on looks like clouds.

Sometimes I swear she gives me looks my mother would have when she is mad. As you can tell she was not feeling the whole Cherub look.

In the meantime we are also making plans for our 5th Annual Canuck-giving! The tradition began here; http://redheadedstepsister.blogspot.com/2009/10/keeping-with-tradition.html.  I think this year might be the biggest one yet. Either way whether we spend it with just Paul and myself or with a group of friends it will be a good time and still carrying on with the tradition.

Yes indeed lots of positive things to focus on in the coming weeks. Yes indeed. Happy Solstice, Happy Harvest Everyone!

The air was electrifying

As if the earthquake wasn't enough trauma for one week. There were several after shocks over the next few days that measured about 4.9. I think it was that night I was asleep and kept thinking Paul was tossing and turning more than usual making the bed move. I remember telling him to roll over so that he would settle down. Only to wake up and find out it was really aftershocks I was feeling that were waking me up. I am sort of glad I was oblivious to it all.

It has been a; I don't like to use the word bizarre in this case but yet I can't find the right words to describe all that has happened this week weather wise here.

Monday I was off and got all the house work done even managed to call my Dad and Grandmother all before 11am. Which meant I had the whole day to myself until Paul got home around 5pm. For some reason I had this urge to paint pottery. The place locally was closed on Mondays so I thought I will drive and hour south to the next city. Our GPS was set at some point to avoid highways. So what should have taken an hour to get there actually took two hours. I was wondering why I was not on the highway after while but it was too late to figure it out. Once I got to the city it couldn't find the address I had put in, so I  was completely lost and in an area I wasn't familiar with. That was when I pulled over in a parking lot and at least got in the direction of the mall. Online when I read about the pottery place it said it was near the mall. Off I went again and didn't find it.  By now I was hungry and frustrated so I grab a light lunch and found a book store. All the bookstores in our area have closed except for a few small local ones which never have the type of thing I am looking for.

There I was browsing through this two story bookstore taking in the sights and smell of coffee and fresh books, and then in the middle of a corner, that I otherwise would have walked by. My eyes were drawn to the new age section. Next thing I find myself gravitating towards this area. There I found these cards that Doreen Virtue had just released. She has beautiful angel and goddess cards used for meditation and guidance mostly but you can do readings with them as well. I haven't bought cards in literally years. As a matter of fact the last ones I bought were in Calgary at The Divine Mine and they were Doreen Virtue Goddess Oracle cards. I picked up her new ones which where all about finding your life's purpose. Right next to them were these animal message cards with an author I wasn't familiar with. My eye kept going to them. I picked those up. Then I hear in my ear, "You already know your life's purpose. You are already doing it." I put the Doreen cards back and picked up the animal ones. I couldn't put them down. When I did I kept going back to look at them. I decided there was something in them I was suppose to learn. I also picked a book up for Paul that was on his reading list. It only seemed fair I get him a treat since I was treating myself that day. On the drive home I kept thinking to myself, I wasn't suppose to go paint pottery today I was to go there. With my first meditation with them I pulled the Raven card which is about listening to your intuition, and funny enough I noticed in the background a crow, crowing. Another message?

The next day the earthquake happened and that really threw me off. After that though something in the air was different. I can't describe what it was. A friend of mine who works Wednesday with me noticed something was off. She pulled me into her "office" which is the alley behind our work where she smokes away from customers eyes. She looked me in the eye and said "Something is going on with you. You seem different." She knows me well for having not known me long. She has a way with words, she is honest but funny, and genuine in her concern. She proceeds to tell me how she doesn't get the feeling I am trying to sell her a vacuum as she calls it. When I put on my brave face and sales woman voice masking the fact that deep down I am freaking out. Instead she says "You seem like you could spit on a car driving by and then wave at the person. Like you just don't care, sort of thing but it's not in a bad way." Strangely I knew what she was getting at. I told her I wasn't feeling right that something shifted after that quake and maybe even the day before who knows. I felt like my subconscious was blown wide open and I was getting vibes from people like never before.

Wednesday I guess there was another really strong aftershock during the night and strangely I slept through that! My dreams have been vivid, and I am not waking up like I normally do. The only reason I knew there was an aftershock was someone told me the next day.

Thursday we had a terrible wind and rain storm where afterwards we found the top of our chimney on the front lawn and a good chunk of tree landed close to where our car is normally parked. Thankfully I parked across the street this day.

Friday comes around, the streets were still a mess from the night before. At that point they were calling for a Tropical Storm, Flash Flooding and then Hurricane Irene was headed for us by Sunday. I was freaking out. Paul was at work I was a mess. I wanted out of here stat. He kept saying we would be fine but I wasn't so sure. I finally emailed his Mother and asked her to talk to him about us coming there until this storm blew over. I just couldn't take anymore trauma of if we had to evacuate for some reason we had no place to go. I called my Aunt Barb who agreed with me to get out of dodge. Then Mama B called me back after she got my email. I told her what was expected and how I just really wanted to get out of here. I admit I was panicking. I just couldn't take being in another crazy situation alone or on the road driving from work or something.  She told me she would call Paul and talk to him.  Then I felt bad for even emailing her. At the time it seemed like the right thing to do.

That night I got to work and they had changed the forecast and said that hurricane Irene was down graded to a tropical storm but there would still be a chance of flash flooding and power outages. It was better but not much. Saturday morning I went to work and my afternoon canceled so I wasn't feeling great and asked if I could just block that off and leave when I was done with morning clients. Thankfully my manager understood and agreed. I got home just as the winds were picking up. We eventually lost power but it came back on about 4 hours later which was very lucky since they were saying that the power could be out for a week to two weeks depending. At one point we went out the front door to see what was going on and the air smelled so fresh full of ions. It was electrifying. While the power was out we sat at the kitchen table opened the blinds to watch the winds in the backyard and played Uno while this crazy 60's,70's radio station played John Denver and disco and drank beer. I needed something to take the edge off. Lola was stoned to the bone with this flower remedy for anxiety for people but you can use on pets too. She was totally content. So with everyone adequately sedated we waited out the storm and this morning woke up with minimal damage. Just a few limbs on the ground and a garbage can down. Not a big deal compared to some. It has been quite the week. I think Mother Nature is trying to tell us something, maybe she is just trying to wake us up and tell us to smell the ionized air and realize she is a force to be reckoned with and you are not in control; she is.

The day the earth moved under my feet....

I have been in a lot of scary situations before. But I have never experienced anything like what I experienced today. Once again Mother Earth amazes and terrifies me all at once.

The day started much like any other Tuesday does. I took Paul to work and continued on to my work to start the day.  It was a nice cool August morning, the kind that remind you summer is winding down and fall is moving in slowly.

I was strangely calm and in a cheery mood considering Tuesdays are technically my Monday. My first massage when super well with a new client that is quickly becoming a regular. We had a lovely chat and he mentioned we are in the eye of a hurricane this weekend. Goody...I hate hurricanes. I have been in mostly tropical storms, and a couple of hurricane winds in Champaign, IL that was enough for me.

After my lunch break I was fully booked  for the afternoon, so I was getting my treatment room just the way I like it and I went outside for a minute for a breath of fresh air. There was a nice breeze and the sun was out, and I remember something felt "odd" in the air. I brushed it off. This is Virginia you never know what to expect weather wise.

My first client of the afternoon was done and I moved onto my next one. I had gotten about ten minutes into the session. Suddenly I got this wave of nausea and almost felt like vertigo, that sense of sea sickness/dizziness. Then it passed and I  heard this loud rumble. The walls are thin and we have various other stores around us and I thought maybe it was a garbage truck for one of them. Then it got louder and almost sounded like the wall to the next building was going to come down. I though "is that wind?" "It can't be a hurricane yet?!" I took a deep breath, my client didn't stir. I kept going all of the sudden I felt the floor tremble. I brushed it off until it started to move like I was on the Gravitron ride at the fair only I am not leaning against anything!

In that moment I thought "It's an earthquake!" My client started to sit up. I to this moment have no idea what came over me. I just calmly covered her up with the sheet and blanket (she was face down on the table) and laid my hands reassuringly on her back and told her to hang on it that we are going to be okay.    The floor and walls started rattling and shaking. It flashed in my mind something about standing in door frames. I thought "no it will be over in a second." Mind you it seemed like it was an eternity at that point already. My plan was if it wasn't over in a second I was going to tell her to get up and get under the table while I stood in the door.  Thankfully it stopped.  Again I have no idea where this voice of reason and calm came from. I asked her if she was okay.  Then told her to take a deep breath. Together we took a couple of deep breaths and then I told her I was going to make sure everyone in the rest of the clinic was okay. I carefully opened the door and saw a couple of other therapists and my manager and made sure we were all good. From there I proceeded to finish working on my client. Crazy, I know!

No one told me not to! I had no idea what protocol was for earthquakes! I have been inside a London Tube station during a bomb threat and had a better idea of how to handle that situation compared to this! My client mentioned she lived part of her life in Egypt and told me how she experienced an earthquake stronger than what just happened and in the middle of a sandstorm. (Which by the way was recorded to be a 5.8) Strangely that reassured me. My next thought was "Crap! Paul was probably trying to call me and my ringer is off!" The client's phone was going off I told her she better answer in case it was family and let them know she was okay. That gave me a chance to look at my phone. Yup, he called but I couldn't text out, the towers were blocked or something so he could send but I couldn't. We finally got connected and he got rocked pretty good at his office as well. They had some structural damage as well not in his area thankfully.

Funny everyone asks what is your first thought when that happened. My first thought was I was going to be okay. Then I worried about Paul and Lola going on without me if something happened. But I wasn't scared of what could have happened to me. Even though it felt like the ground was going to open up and swallow me whole.

When I got home about and hour and half later because believe it or not my last client still came. He was en route at the time of the quake and said it felt like he was in a boat on rocky seas while he was driving. I can only imagine. The whole time I kept getting waves of nausea and dizziness and a general sensation of feeling off my axis. Like something was knocked out of some energetic alignment. Everyone kept telling me it was too early for after shocks. I find that hard to believe. I know what I was feeling.

Paul was already home when I got there and poor Miss Lola Kitty was really skittish. My poor cat has been through the Bow River flooding our condo one year in Calgary and now an earthquake.  She was staying low to the ground and you could see a fear in her eyes, that was totally different from the fear she gets when going to the vet. Everything in our apartment was fine. A few framed pictures shifted a bit, but other wise things were as we left them this morning. We were very fortunate. I scooped up my precious little feline and reassured her as much and you can reassure and animal that just got shaken up like she must have. Shortly after I got home and we were all in the same room she was back to her old self. Her people were just where she wanted them.

Our upstairs neighbor came home and we checked in with her and apparently she had quite a few things broken in her place. Once again I am reminded of how fortunate we are that we are still intact and we were all kept safe.

I called my grandmother who doesn't have internet but watches the new nightly. Plus I had heard on my drive home that this quake was felt in Toronto! So I knew she would be wondering what was going on. She had no idea. As a matter of fact she had just turned on her news station as the phone rang. I was happy I was able to beat the media for once.

Now that things have calmed down and I know my friends and family here are safe, I am reminded yet again just how powerful Mother Earth and her ways are. On that note I think we will be making sure we have emergency provisions on hand for this potential hurricane coming our way.

Peace and Love my readers!

Paying it forward

I got an email from a very dear friend today who lives far, far, very far away right now reminding me that I have been slacking on my blogging. So I thought I had better get back on the ball. Truth be told I think I have had writers block.  So here I sit in my favorite writing spot on the couch. Lola curled up next to my feet, tuned into a Itunes station that totes itself as being Soundscapes for Liquid Minds. Maybe that is what I need? Something to turn my internal chatter box off and liquefy my mind.

Fall is fast approaching and I love it! Although I am grateful for the summer and the fact that we live in a place that has four seasons. When I drove Paul to work this morning you could feel a cool breeze in your hair and smell the faint scent of fall as a subtle reminder that the solstice is coming.

Occasionally I write reviews on Yelp which if you have never heard of it. Check it out. Yelp.com It gives honest reviews of services, restaurants, etc, in your area. Written by people like yourself. Anywho.

Last year when I first moved here I used it to find a new hairstylist in the area. I had no luck. The few places that were reviewed were ho-hum. Nothing that felt right. I happened to check out this salon around the corner from me one day and got chatting with the girl while she waxed my eyebrows. I didn't have the courage to cut my hair just yet. Come to find out she moved her from Missouri the week before we moved here from Illinois. Of course we got talking about living here and the cultural things. Finally after meeting her a few times I finally booked a hair cut. She did a stellar job and I don't remember even doing this which is the funny part; when I got home I wrote a review on Yelp about her and the salon.

Yesterday (almost a year later) I went for my second hair cut with her. I know, I know, how can I only get a hair cut once a year. Truthfully I just fear getting my hair cut that much and have trouble spending my money on things like my hair.

When I walked in the salon had expanded and my stylist came running up gave me a big hug and said she was worried cause she hadn't seen me in so long. I told her that I just don't do my hair that often and you can tell when you see it.  I wasn't cheating with another stylist. As she shampoos my hair we catch up where we left off. Then I sit in her chair and she starts doing her thing. Then says to me "I never got to thank you for the lovely review you wrote about me!" I had completely forgotten about it until she said that. She went on to say how she never heard of Yelp but kept getting all these new clients saying they read my little review on Yelp and wanted to come see her. Clients from all over the place, like New York, New Jersey and a lot of military people who just moved here. She said that my review helped her really build her clientele. I was flabbergasted! I had no idea people even read these things. But I felt so good to be able to help a fellow woman build her business. She is very talented and I was happy to spread the word about her the best way I could. Having not known many people when I first moved here to tell them to go see her. I did the next best thing I could think of. I Yelped about her.

When I first started out in Calgary, people really helped me out with referring their friends and sort of getting my name out there. I was happy to pay that forward and help her get established in this area.  Even my own clientele here for massage is growing in demand. I worked with a client last week who said someone recommended me and when we were done in the session, proceeded to tell me they could see why I was popular. That was nice to hear.

If nothing else it just goes to show you that your words have power. Never under estimate what you say and how you say it.

Me and my new do! In case you forgot what I looked like.

Something's Brewing in Salem!

On our way back from Nova Scotia we decided to break the drive up a bit more so that we wouldn't be so tired and spent when we had to return back to work.

So on our way to Nova Scotia it came to me that we were going right through Massachusetts! When we had cable I was always watching the Travel Channel and all those Paranormal type shows. That was how I found myself in Scotland nearly 10 years ago now. I would get ready for work and have the travel shows on in the background and next thing you know I had to live it for myself!

I guess we can thank shows like Passport and Globe Trekkers for this one too! I have had a fascination with the Salem Witch Trials ever since I heard of them. This was my opportunity to go and experience Salem for myself. Fortunately for me my husband is a willing participant. LOL! We decided on our way back we would drive as far as Bangor Maine the first day and then the next day drive 4-5 hours to Salem, Massachusetts. Come to find out that Salem was also a major contributor for the spice trades as well seeing as they are right on the water. It reminded me a lot of some of the small fishing communities in Nova Scotia. 

There were a lot of large colonial style houses and then you would see quite a few of the what I call Puritan times type houses. I have no idea what they are officially called. But if you have ever seen the Crucible than you would know what I mean. Paul had booked us at a really nice hotel on the water. I was happy he didn't book us at the most haunted hotel in America which was only a few blocks away. We unloaded our stuff and took off on foot to explore the town. I must admit a lot of it was a tourist trap but when you can find those honest to goodness hidden gems it makes it worth it. The town is filled with new age shops, everything from Christianity type shops, to Angels, and of course Occult shops. In there would be sprinkled with herbalists, and healers. I couldn't help but feel some people were cashing in on the whole "Witch" thing. We went to the Salem Witch Museum to get more about the history of what actually happened in 1692. It was very interesting. There were in total 19 woman hung, 1 man was crushed to death because he refused to confess to being a witch. There were over 150 woman and children jailed and forgotten about after all was said and done. A real shame. It was all started they think by either a fungus from wheat that can cause hallucinations and erratic behavior and just some general people accusing their neighbor with whom they  had a personal grudge with. What ever the case it is a heart breaking story of one woman that really struck me. 

Her name was Rebecca Nurse, she was an elderly woman who was also def. Some the the village girls accused her of being a witch. She was thrown in jail and then when she was there they still accused her of traveling in their dreams and threatening them so they chained the poor woman in her cell. Finally as she was standing trial they originally found her not guilty. The same girls accused her again and told them to re-tri her. When they did they found her guilty. She was def and too old to defend herself  at that point so she was sentenced to hanging. Which at the time was the punishment for a Civil crime which is what they considered this to be. Not only that; it was said that all of the others that were jailed they had to pay for being in there so most of them when they were allowed to go free couldn't pay their debt so they were kept in jail. 

After that we walked our way over to the oldest cemetery in Salem where a passenger from the  Mayflower was buried as well as the Judge who found all those women guilty was also laid to rest here. Along with some  other dignitaries. Now I consider myself to be a sensitive person. Meaning I can feel strong empathetic energies about things and have been known to have some paranormal experiences in the past. Once I stepped foot inside the cemetery and started walking around and got this terrible sense of nausea, and heavy feeling on my chest. This was not a place of rest let me tell you. There is some bad mojo going on there. Based on the law of attraction I can see why. A place like Salem attracts people that might be looking for something. Some good and some not so good. Not all of it is bad, but there is bad there, so you have to be careful if you are open to these sorts of things or have a healthy curiosity about this type of thing. Be aware of this, and look for the good.

Right next to that is the Witch Memorial. All of those accused have since been cleared of their charges but only in death did this happen. Quite a shame once again. You walk around and you see their names and date of death, and it really hits you. This is no fable made up to scare you, these were real woman and men who lost their lives because of petty judgement and in some cases ignorance. We see this type of history repeat itself time and time again. Maybe people aren't being hung for it but how many times have you judged someone for their appearance or their personal beliefs that may differ from yours?

This place has a lot to offer and if you are into history or have a healthy curiosity for the unknown then I would suggest you check it out. Like anything there is good and there is bad. Even my husband who in no way buys into any of the woo woo stuff, felt a vibe around this place. We walked into one shop that appeared to anyone else like a normal souvenir shop but I walked in one door and out the other. I can't explain what was going on there, but the owner or who I think was the owner gave me a very uneasy feeling. A bit later we walked past another shop, I had read about it online and was interested to see what they had. The woman that owned it was hardcore let me tell you. She screamed gypsy! But in a good way. As soon as I walked in I felt welcomed, safe, and guided. The complete opposite of the previous place. You can tell this woman is willing to help those who want it and not just in it for personal gain or cause harm. When we walked out and I didn't say anything to Paul about any of the feelings I had been getting. He looked at me and said "Wow, that store had a great vibe! Not like that other place, that place just felt weird and not cool." I smiled to myself and agreed.

We continued to walk through the town and found a really lovely place. My dream place really. If I was to ever do a shop I would love to take it in this sort of holistic direction. The lady sold nothing but herbs, and teas to help with whatever ailed you. Of course for me to become and herbalist requires a lot more schooling and I am not ready to take that on just yet. Maybe I will just live vicariously through those who already know what they are doing. The smell of the shop was amazing and comforting. We actually found ourselves going back there after our walk about before heading to dinner. Once again you never know what you might find waiting for you.

For dinner the hotel we were staying at recommended this restaurant called Green Land. Oh my goodness it was amazing!!!! I don't get excited about food and very seldom will I eat dessert, but this place made me do it! I had the asparagus, wild mushroom fettucini. Everything they make there is in season and local. Which means you pay a bit more than at say the guy next doors place but totally worth it. Paul had some sort of pilaf type dish which was also very good. But he kept starring and at my dish longingly so I eventually gave him some of mine. Dessert was homemade wild berry and chocolate chip bread pudding. To die for! Seriously so good. Once again if you are in the area I really suggest you give this place a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Another stop worth checking out, which sadly we arrived to late to take the tour is the House of Seven Gables. It inspired the novel of the same name. Was built in 1668 and it is said that each gable represents a marker on a compass. Anyway we walked around the outside and it was quite something. It over looks the water and even the street running along side of it has some really interesting houses that were built around the same period.

Once we got back to our hotel we got ready for bed and they had put us in a room that had two beds in it cause it was the cheapest. So all our stuff was on one bed, but the room had a terrible smell. All day we kept the window open and when we got back however many hours later it was still there. It was odd. I started to get anxious for some reason around 10pm and was ready to leave. Paul convinced me to try and get a few hours sleep since we had a 10 hour drive back the next day. I reluctantly got under the covers, and must have finally dozed off. Until midnight when the alarm clock in the room decided to go off. Twice! We tried to figure out how to turn it off since we didn't even touch it in the first place! As I was going to the bathroom I noticed Paul's inhaler was on the second bed and I thought that was odd so I put in on the night table in case he needed it. The next morning I get out of the shower and Paul says to me "Did you move my inhaler?" I looked at him and he looked at me and I said "Why? Where is it now?" I kept thinking please tell me it's on the night table and not on the bed again. Cause that would freak me right out. Oh and the room still smelled and the window was open all night. Paul said "It was on the night table. But I moved it to the second bed." "I said oh okay good, I moved it yes." Both of us sighed in relief at that moment. LOL! Had I been thinking I should have just played it off but I was already freaked out by the smell that wouldn't go and no it was not us, and the fact that we had already had a strange trip. LOL!
All in all a great experience I am glad I did it. I doubt I would go back there since there are so many other places I need to cross off my Travel Channel inspired list.

Home always sweet Home.

Paul and I had a very successful, very long road trip back to my home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It took us in total 44 hours if you count stops and traffic delays.

Paul had never been that far east in the United States other than a quick trip to Boston when he was younger, I had been to Maine once with my parents when I was 13 years old and don't recall much of it other than I thought it was hilarious that butter came in sticks here instead of bricks like back home.

I worked late the night before we left, the plan was to hit the road a 5am and drive to Portland Maine and spend the night then finish the drive to Truro, Nova Scotia and spend a night with my Aunt Jan and Uncle Darrell. Paul was the brains behind the operation, he had calculated how long it would take and based on my lack of sleep and how cranky I can get he figured Portland would be right on time for me to get off the road. He is a smart man what can I say!!! He knows me better than I know myself some days.

All was going smooth then before we knew it we were on the New Jersey Turnpike! Holy cow! We are bordering New York at this point!!! I was starting to sweat at a bit. Picture this, our tiny little car loaded down in the trunk with our over stuffed suitcases and Paul in the passenger seat with his laptop plugged in to our car, and we are following a Mega Bus which is wired for wireless access. He is asking me if I can get close enough that he can bootleg their wireless connection. I am sure The Bat Mobile was not as wired as our car was with the laptop going and the ipod going all at the same time! Mean while I am traveling at about 75 miles and hour just to keep up with traffic and he managed to get on their internet access and update his Facebook status. LOL! Good times, good times. It's never dull with us really. It take the simple things in life to make us happy.

Finally we are suppose to skirt New York City and get to Up State New York. Well for some reason our GPS;  Kit as we like to call her decides to take us what she deems the fastest way. Next thing we know she is taking us off the highway and through this less than pretty/welcoming  looking neighborhood. I kept saying "Where the hell are we and where is the highway?!!!" Paul just kept reassuring me to wait and see what Kit says next. We pull up to a light that was about to drop us off on the highway again. Then I see the sign that says "THE BRONX".  I braced myself knowing we were deeper in New York than I thought we ever would be and just kept up with traffic as we made our way to Connecticut, Massachusetts and finally arrive in Portland Maine just as I was loosing my grip.

After and fantastic nights sleep we got up early took advantage of the continental breakfast offered by the hotel we were at and hit the road again. Driving through Maine was the best, so quiet the rain poured the whole way and the rest of the week really. We drove for miles without seeing another car on the road. A welcomed treat after the previous days drive in nothing but traffic and fast cars. No stopping until we hit the border!!!!

My cousin Melissa and Aunt Jan

It was a glorious feeling for me anyway once we crossed the invisible line that says you are now in Canada. It was even stronger  when I saw the sign that finally said "Welcome to Nova Scotia". I was finally home. When we rolled up to my Aunt Jan's house she was in the door way looking puzzled she didn't recognize our car until she saw me running up her drive way.  I see her hang up the phone in her hand and came running out.

Paul and I had a wonderful time catching up with the family and seeing friends I hadn't seen in years. I got to have lunch with a friend of mine who I hadn't seen since we graduated grade 9 together! But thanks to Facebook we got to meet up after all these years. It was awesome.  We also got to catch up with my sister and my nephew and niece who are all grown up now but in my mind they really haven't changed much other than got taller and have strong opinions! LOL! It was awesome seeing them. They are both doing great and finding their ways which always takes time.

The biggest treat of them all was when the weather cleared up just enough so that Nan could take us up to her Cottage. This is Nan's little slice of heaven on earth. This was the first time this year she was able to get up there and it really is in the middle of no where. You have to take dirt roads in and if it wasn't for Nan being with me I would have gotten totally lost. There are no signs to directly point you in its direction. You just have to remember to turn right at the old church and go so many kilometers until you hit the dirt road and follow that in. Paul had never been to the cottage before, but I have told him stories from my childhood memories of being there with Nan and Grandad. I walked in and the first thing that hits you is the smell of the cedar walls, this is the one place that hadn't changed. The furniture was still the same, it smelled the same. The old stereo that Grandad would listen to CBC radio was still there. Nan takes on a whole new outlook when you get her up to the cottage. In her condo back home she looks tired and drained and you can see her age show a bit. But as soon as she steps foot on the grass at the cottage she if filled with all this energy and vigor that you thought was long lost! I found an old cassette tape that who knows how long it has been there for, and  it was music from the 50's. I popped that in the player and cranked it up, and there was Nan singing and dancing along in her little kitchen space. It was awesome. Paul started the wood stove so we could take the dampness out for her since it has been closed since October. We swept the deck for her and turned the beds over to get her ready for her next visit up there.

After lunch Nan sat and told Paul stories of her and Grandad and all their cottager friends who most have since passed on, or are too sick and elderly to make it up there. Thankfully Nan at nearly 88 years still gets up there time to time. Stories of all the parties they would have and all the funny and crazy things they would do.

Opening Day at the Cottage

Going home is always sweet even though it has changed and I have changed my heart always brings me back there. And family of course. Leaving is never easy that is for sure. Never. However as much as Halifax made me who I am, and will always be apart of me, my home is not there. My home is here for now anyway, but I can always go back and get grounded and have some serious laughs with some of my favorite people in this world.

Down on the Halifax Waterfront with GB!

Next stop on the This Canadian Life: Roadtrip 2011 was Salem Massachusetts. Home of the Spice Trade and the history making Witch Trials of 1692.

I would walk 500 miles and then some.

In honour of Valentine's Day and our 4th Wedding Anniversary on the 17th. I thought I would tell the story of us through pictures. Many people ask how we met and it really is a cool story when you think about it. Sometimes we look at eachother and think "Wow, pretty crazy how we got here!". The best day of my life so far was the day we got married. Not only was I marrying the sweetest, most generous man I have ever known, not to mention very handsome. It was the best party, and to this day people still talk about it!

I had planned to travel the UK with a friend of mine who at the last minute couldn't make it, so I decided I was going to go it alone. September 11th happened just weeks before. The fear was palpable through out the world. I remember very clearly my friend G. sitting in my little apartment in Banff Springs Staff Accom, giving me a pep talk reassuring me that I was doing the right thing. I am so glad she did. Brigid the next day made me a grill cheese sandwhich and sent me on my way to catch my flight from Calgary to London. I knew my life was going to change, I had no idea how.

We met in October 2001 at a hostel in Edinburgh, Scotland. Paul was working the front desk, I had just taken the bus all night from London and was tired and carrying about a 50lb backpack.  Not to mention I had spent the last hour walking around Edinburgh looking for this hostel carrying my backpack. We became fast friends along with so many other wonderful souls I met in those few months. I ended up living at the hostel after doing some traveling and running out of money. It was time to settle in and make some money or go home earlier than planned.

Me sitting in the Highlands of Scotland. Sorry about the poor quality. 

Me, Leslie and Paul 2001. Just days before Paul was leaving to go back home to Indiana.

The time came for Paul to head back home to his family. My travels were also winding down. I had only been in the UK for 3 months, but I hadn't seen my family in over a year since I had been living on the other side of Canada. It was December and Christmas was approaching, I had to go home. We exchanged emails, and goodbyes. I knew when he hugged me good-bye, tears in both of our eyes, that we would see eachother again. I just knew we would.

For the next year and half we kept in touch with random emails checking in now and again. Life got busy for both of us. I had been home to Halifax for a while and then decided to move back to Banff. Took a job in banking and decided to move to Calgary to go back to school for massage therapy. The financial world just wasn't a good match for me after all. As soon as I finished my year of schooling. I got the call my Mum was sick. No one was sure what is was, but she was in the hospital. I was broke, scared and not sure what was going on back home. Then we got another call to come home, it was stomach cancer and the prognosis was not good.  Before she died she said to me " I want you to take another trip. I want you to got back to Scotland or wherever, and take a break for a while. You need it, I want you to be happy. Don't worry." 

I had no plans to travel, except back to Calgary to pick up where I left off ; what was left of my life. I was lost, my Mum the most stable thing I had in my life at the time was gone. What was left? In the meantime I had also aquired a cat while in Nova Scotia and had to find away to get Lola who was 6 weeks old at the time back to Calgary with me. She was the only thing that gave me a reason to get up in the mornings. 

Then one day about two months after Mum's passing I was at my brother's place in Lake Louise, Alberta, checking my email, and there it was. After a year and half of loosing touch was a group email from Paul saying how he had just moved to Chicago, and if anyone wanted to come visit should let him know. I emailed back thinking a trip to visit an old friend would be good. Check out a new city, and I had always heard Chicago was a great city. So I emailed him back a very general "hey how's it going" type thing. I think I left my number in there too, I am not sure anymore, it was all a blur. A few days later  my phone rang, the caller ID said Indiana. I was like "What the hell? What teller marketer would be calling now?!" I answered and the voice on the other end asked if it was me. I knew the voice immeditaly. It was Paul. I think we talked at least two hours that night. Suddenly it felt like time hadn't passed at all. Things picked up right where they left off. We reminised about our Scotland days, and then talked about what had been going on since then. A few days later  I found myself booking a flight for Chicago. No expectations just going to see an old friend and a very cool city. We had always had feelings for eachother in the past but the time was not right. When we met at O'Hare after I landed the connection was even stronger, I am sure the fact that we talked and texted almost every day for the past two months may have had something to do with that too. 

Riding the EL. February 2005

Yup, he stole my heart that trip. (Museum of Sciene and Industry)

Downtown Chi-Town 2005

For the next 9 months we dated long distance going back and forth to Chicago and lots of phone calls and email.  Finally Paul came to Calgary to meet my brother and my close friends on the west coast that were still around in September of 2005.

Us on an earlier morning hike around Lake Louise. 

Paul, Me and Robbs, Calgary.

Banff, AB

Nicole and Micheal 2005

Paul was being weird rambling about a package that was to arrive while he was there and it was taking longer than it should have. I wasn't worried about whatever it was. I was just happy to have him there. Then Robbs came over to meet us for dinner and afterwards I drove him home while Paul was at my place. He kept going on about how great Paul was for me and was getting all emotional on me. It was really freaking me out! The next day the mystery package arrived and I had explicit directions not to open until I got home. Paul got down on one knee and proposed. I was in shock! Of course I said yes! Come to find out, while I was getting ready for dinner the night before, he told Robbs that he wanted to propose and showed him the ring and told him about his plan. This made total sense as to why Robbs was acting like he was! At least I knew he approved!

Taken at the Calgary Zoo the day after he proposed. The worst photo ever! But the only one we have. (Sorry babe!)

From there it was time to meet the family in Nova Scotia. All this time we were going through immigration which was taking longer than anyone thought it would. I wasn't allowed to visit him in the U.S. while the proceedings were going on so he would try and see me as often as he could. We couldn't set a wedding date because we applied for a fiance visa which meant when approved I had to enter the States and be married within 3 months to make it valid and me be eligable to work and get my greencard. We wanted to do everything by the book. Little did we know it was going to take a year and half. So my family threw us an engagement party since most of them wouldn't be able to make our wedding whenever it did happen.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia April 2006

He got the family seal of approval! It was kind of scary how well he fit in actually, like he had been there forever.

Finally my paperwork came through in December of 2006. With the help of wonderful friends I managed to pack up my whole life and my cat and arrived in Chicago on December 17th. Not only was it Christmas we had a wedding to plan! We set a date, for after the SuperBowl since the Bears where in it that season (2007). Paul did a lot of the work before I even got there, finding a place, and organizing things. I just gave the okay and did the details when I got there. It was going to be a very small, intimate wedding, with family and close friends who could make the trip. We ended up with about 30 guests, and we got married at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant on the southside of Chicago. It was the best party I have ever been too or thrown for that matter!

The night before we had a little party for the families to meet and get to know one another. We met everyone at a hotel lobby. My Aunt and Uncle arrived from Halifax, my brother, my cousins Jen and her husband John drove in from Toronto. Brigid arrived from Ottawa to stand with me. Marianne flew in just days before from Calgary to keep me grounded. I was feeling good. Then out of the wings my Aunt Barb surprised me. She doesn't fly. She had just decided that week she was going to bite the bullet and hopped a plane to be there for us. I did the ugly cry. Paul and I both were in shock. I was ready before but after seeing her I was REALLY ready to marry Paul now.

February 17, 2007. 

Finishing touches.

The deed it done! Let's PAAARRRRTY!!!!

The Canadians took over the dance floor.

A little Joel Plaskett to set the mood.

Marianne and Brigid

So here we are still having fun. We have been through a lot, but have also had a lot of laughs along the way. I look forward to many more years with my Paulie. It has been a non-stop adventure from the moment we met. Thanks for walking down memory lane with us. Happy Valentine's Day.