What type are you?

"There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group." Mary Kay Ash

So here's the question: What type of person are you?

Guess my biggest hurdle is that I move from type to type. Some days I'm a take charge kind of gal. You know, the kind of person who is in control and gets things done. Then, there are days when the world just moves around me and I watch.

Today? Well, for this day I am in control. I've made the decision. I'm having a great day! I say this to myself throughout the day and do a quick check in.

Ok, I am in charge. Time to get myself moving here.

And, for those enjoying Bobbie Burns Celebrations this weekend...have a great time!

til again
Doll

--comments are welcome!

Fun stuff!!

Thanks to my dear friend Amanda we now have a nice logo for the church choir! By clicking on her name you can see of the other wonderful work she has done. Amanda is a creative and inspired designer. I am proud to know her!

This logo will be used on the choir's water bottles, travel mugs, t-shirts etc that can all be seen at Cafepress.

Let me know what you think.

"When circumstances throw us off course"

I found this from Care2.com and thought it worth sharing. The following is a direct quote.



"when circumstances throw us off course as they inevitably will, it’s time for the 4 A’s:

1. Assess the current situation.

2. Adjust what needs to be done.

3. “Admire yourself,” in the words of fitness guru Bob Greene, “for being strong enough to start again.”

4. Act quickly to implement your new course of action.

To my mind, the most important A’s are the last two. Admiring ourselves helps us stay positive and avoid a spiral into negative self-esteem, as in “Oh see, I’m not capable of doing this right. This mess-up proves it.” It turns a mishap into an esteem boost when we remind ourselves that it takes great courage and persistence to not give up."

This really spoke volume's to me today as I work at re-aligning my life both inside and out.

What are your thoughts?

Have a terrific day!

til again,

Doll

100 Mile Diet

Every once in a while I come across this web site and am reminded that everything I eat has an impact.

Obviously there are some food items that are impossible to grow close to home. I'm thinking specifically of tropical fruits. Bananas are a big staple in my raw food diet and they definitely do not grow in the Ottawa valley. I could eat apples from the valley but would soon tire of them.

My goal is to eat as much locally produced food items as I can. I most likely will never be 100% with in this radius but each mile I save means a slightly smaller foot print I leave on this earth.

Special Dinner and Celebration!

Bobbie Burns Dinner

This is an annual event sponsored by Stittsville United Church. I have the honor of playing some of the favorite Burns' songs for all to sing. Great food and entertainment. Let me know if you'd like more information or tickets!!

Happy Friday!

The votes are in and this is my response: I still don't like winter! I've tried the whole positive thinking thing. Telling myself I love winter; I enjoy winter etc but for me it just doesn't work. The snow looks beautiful until you have to go out side in the mess. Can you tell I'm waiting for spring and not too patiently! I might try skating on the canal but as I've gotten older I've been more inclined to do things that are not going to put my on my bottom especially in a public place! I used to skate and really love it. Not sure what's changed. Probably the lack of doing it. The first time back out doing anything is often difficult for me. I'm working on this. Moving forward. I'll keep you posted on this one.

I've not been on my program much this week and can't figure out why I got off track. I have the right food in the house. I have exercise videos, an exercise bike and a mini-tramp but NOTHING! And yes, that was me yelling at myself. I'm done being gentle about this. Bottom line is that I need to move my body. I know this and yet NOTHING! Most likely I can attribute this to a lack of motivation. I know this needs to come from inside of me; perhaps someone giving me a kick in the behind I'm so afraid of falling on!

Well, that's my song and dance for this morning. Quite the mood eh? Better watch out world, Doll is on a mission and NOTHING is gonna' stop this gal now!

Have a great one!
Til again,
Doll

*check the bottom of my blog for my current calendar

More fiber fun!

I took about 30 mins today to wash some Icelandic fleece that I bought from a local farmer last May. I have 5 fleeces that I have barely looked at, let alone washed from the spring and before the next shearing comes I'd like to get this processed.

True colour? Oatmeal with some grey and black mixed in. This is a long wool, not too oiling but some of it is pretty heavily laden with grasses etc. Washes up nicely and is spinning beautifully.

This batch will be my next pair of socks. Well, at least that my current plan.

I'm still searching for ways to market either the prepared fleece or spun yarn. I had done a good business on Ebay when I was in Alaska but the shipping costs here in Canada make it a non-starter for a wee business like this.

Shipped 3 or 4 oz skein of yarn could cost more than the bid on the item so it makes no sense. I'll need more market research before I make a decision for sure. In the meantime I have lots of wool to spin and lots of yarn to knit with.

No problem having a long, cold winter...I can just spend my time productively spinning and knitting.

Add in all my musical engagements and life with the Raw Divas and my circle is complete.

Good thing Nick enjoys all that I do. Sure is great to have a loving husband and family to support me.

(I'm so looking forward to seeing some of my family when they visit in February)

If you know of anyone who would enjoy some newly spun yarn just let me know. lol

Have a terrific day!

Til again,
Doll

My day off!

Monday's are my FUN days!


Today I choose to knit and spin. I haven't been consistent with my spinning. I do miss it. There's something wonderfully soothing for me as the fiber moves through my fingers and the wheel spins.



I spent sometime yesterday mending some hand knit socks. I just can't toss them when I've put so much work into them. After 2 or 3 mendings then they become dust rags.

What I really need to do today is finish spinning some wool for my next socks. They will be 2 ply with the base colour being a burgundy blend that I purchased at Upper Canada Village in '06 and I will ply this with some cream coloured mixed breed that I bought last summer.

This is my old standard wheel...the BABE. Yes it's plastic and I love how light it is and how easily it spins. I'd love a really nice wooden one but for functionality this is just fine!



For my journey today...good healthy food and a trip to the pool!

Enjoy your day!

Til again,
Doll

Chip the Wonderdog!

Chip, the wonder dog, doesn't really know who he is. At 2 1/5 yrs still thinks he's a lap puppy. Part Jack-Russel, Chuahua, and Lab. Hard to imagine eh? Definitely. He has the temperament of the Jack but his legs are too long for the terrier in him. Poor thing has been so cold going outside this past week. He goes out; does what needs doing; then back to sleep on the couch. Don't let anything hit the floor in the kitchen though. lol He's our buddy and loves to snuggle. Definitely a "family" pet and we're happy he's now part of ours.

On our quiet Sunday afternoon at home I've been watching an old movie, talking with family on the phone and working with my pictures. Nice and easy and relaxing.

Hope your day is going well!

Til again,
Doll

Now, for something entirely different

I'll do some shameless plugging for my dear husband's web site and blog...

At Denaliguide Summit Blog you will financial analysis and trend development. And, at his website Denaliguide Summit Direct you will find the beginnings of a a great source for timely information.

Currently Nick is working with individuals who like his guidance. Check out these links and ask the questions.

I know that you can learn from his experience and expertise.

He's looking after my retirement portfolio. I don't fully understand all that his work entails but totally respect the work he does.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled blogging....

Happy Sunday all!

Excitement Plus!

Just how much excitement can there be when the temperatures are -25C?? Well, pretty excited around here. What's the news? Ecopolitan Ottawa is up and running! The site is in the process of growing and being built but the start is there.


Ecopolitan Ottawa is exciting for me because this affords me the chance to share with my community and beyond all the resources that are available to us. These would include greener living, a raw food and/or vegetarian lifestyle, opportunities to meet others of like mind and to introduce many to new ideas. This to me is exciting! Any time we have a chance to learn and to grow we continue to develop as people and as a community.

I'm still learning, still looking to understand and as my journey continues, I will expand my circle of knowledge, friends and the very sense of who I am in the world.

Til again,
Doll

Happy Weekend!

Late Friday evening and I'm ready to close out the week. I could do that except for the fact that I teach on Saturday and work at church Sunday morning. All is good. My weekend officially starts late Sunday night. My official day off is Monday.

So, for today I wish all the 9-5 ers working Monday thru Friday, a very happy weekend. Enjoy your days. If you live any where the temperatures are dropping, stay warm. Find a nice blanket, good book and if it's part of your life someone wonderful to cuddle with. Nothing warms quite like your nearest and dearest...unless it's a full coated husky! lol

You've heard of a three dog night? That's the night that is so cold it takes three huskies to get the bed warm.

Enough silliness for now. I've had my smoothie; some dried veggie chips and will soon find my pillow.

Hugs to all.

Til again
Doll

January Groceries and Budgets

I was asked to blog on the subject of grocery shopping on a budget. You'll find the post at The Raw Divas Blog. When I put the post together I was thinking in a general way not specifically shopping for raw menus.

This week I'm doing a seven day detox which you can also find if you follow the Raw Divas link on my side bar. My eating habits throughout the holidays were, well, stellar! Well, up until this past weekend. I still find traveling difficult to manage food wise. I'm a pretty smart gal and know that I will figure all this out and sooner than later!

All areas of my life get reset to normal mode this week. I'm back with my students, choir rehearsals, and my own practice time. Actually structure is really good for me and I welcome it now!

For today: time to put Christmas away for another year. Mondays are my "house blessing" days so that's what I'll do. Make things all spanking new for the new week and the new year.

The snow is coming down in big, fluffy chunks right now. Perhaps a walk with the dog would be fun. I enjoy finding ways to enjoy the winter. Well, that's my affirmation for the day.

What's your affirmation today?

Ever feel like a bouncing ball?

Well...that's how the weather is making me feel right now! On the weekend we had a melt down with warm temps and lots of rain. Today, -6C, windy and oh my gosh it's winter again. I wouldn't feel it so much if there wind would just STOP!

During my time in Fairbanks, AK (which, by the way is -38C this morning) I was continuously surprised at the lack of wind. I distinctly remember 2 bad wind days. One while out on Chena Lake where we were surprised with a thunderstorm and the second, when the top of a spruce tree fell right in the middle of the drive way. For the most part it was "the stillness" (Robert Service) that held my attention. Watching the Aurora dance across the sky overhead kept me star gazing even though my toes said it was time to find warmth.

My life there was similar to what I live here. I had rehearsals, concerts, social times, friends but the remoteness gave it all a change in colour. The air was different; fresher, cleaner. Yes, at times the days and nights were frigid but the summers made up for that. Long, hot days in June were spectacular! I remember in disbelief looking at the clock at mid-night then outside at the day light. I fell in love with all of it. The extremes, the mountains, the moose...all spoke to me in ways that had never before touched my heart.

Enough reminiscing for now. Perhaps I need to go make sure my back yard is tied down before it all blows south with the geese!

Til again,
Doll

Saying Farewell

I know the New Year isn't here just yet but as I'm finishing up my day I was thinking of goodbyes. For today specifically saying goodbye to this blasted cold that has invaded my body. From sore throat, to runny nose and now deep in my chest, this has occupied way too much of me and my time. So, it's time to say good bye.

On a completely different level we're saying good bye for a few days to the snow that made this Christmas so white. This is a picture of our driveway and garage. Pretty in white. Isn't it? Not sure how much will be left by tomorrow morning. Never fear though as winter has just begun and there will be at least three more months to say farewell to the white fluffy stuff.

On a more personal note I've said adios to all things gluten and dairy. Difficult? Not as much as I had originally thought. Up until the flu set in I was really feeling much better. Great choices to be rid of for sure.

With sending things away I make room in my head and my heart for what's new. Who knows what's around the corner. I know there will be some challenges but nothing that I cannot handle head on and for sure some wonderful, exciting opportunities.

I'm excited and ready to go. Well, maybe after a good night's sleep and a day without going through an entire box of tissues. Miracles can happen!

Til again,
Doll

May all your Holiday dreams come true

As I sit here relaxing for a few moments before I need to leave for church, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am. I celebrate the birth of Christ. I celebrate my life, filled with great joy. I celebrate my family who continue to love me, unconditionally. I celebrate my wonderful friends who help me get from one bumpy road to the next.

Much preparation has gone into Services of Celebration, dinners and great feasts! I hope you take a moment and smile. Think of me sitting here, not quite dressed; not really panicky; no voice even though I'm singing tonight; and as if none of this really mattered, I am happy! A calmness has come over me that is truly unexplainable and has left me filled with wonder.

Are you feeling at peace this evening? Whatever your belief is may you truly Celebrate the blessings in your life and find that calm still voice.

Love to all!

Til again,
Doll

A fly by post!

Hi everyone!

If you've ever wondered what I sound like here is your chance. Last week I was interviewed by Sheralee Faull of The Raw Divas You can find the interview in the latest edition of Health in High Heels. This is a free newsletter. I talk about music, my goals for the year and life in general. This interview is one of many that will introduce everyone to a number of us Raw Divas.

I'm so surprised that I'm not running around frantically getting ready for the big day on the 25Th. Basically what I have done is what is getting done. I'm relaxing and taking care of me. A good idea? I think so.

Well, I am off and running. Need to go and pick up a few groceries for me and my bunnies. lol


What are you doing today to take of you?

Enjoy the day.
Til again,
Doll

The day after

I'm awake and ready to face the day. Great, isn't it?

I've been gluten and dairy free since Tuesday and already I'm feeling a bit brighter, happier, less sluggish and on top of my life. This is an amazing feeling. My challenge is to be gluten and dairy free for 2 weeks. My first thought was how the heck can I do this over Christmas but as I set out to make my plans I realized that the task is not impossible. Wow! I will face some temptation but not as big of a denial as I once thought.

I enjoyed a wonderful day yesterday. Met a dear friend for lunch; gave us time to catch up. We've both been so busy that just sitting and talking was a real treat. (Note to self: keep putting times like this in my calendar)

The evening was filled with such fun. We joined another couple at The Old Time Fiddlers Christmas Dinner. My food choices were made wisely and enjoyed! The music? Well, I love the toe tappin' fiddle music that is such a strong tradition in the Ottawa Valley. Had an opportunity to waltz and two-step with my honey and even did some line dancing. Boy it's been a long time since I've danced. Ask the muscles in my glutenous-maximus what they think of it today! lol A great time was had by all. The weather outside was definitely "frightful" but inside so "delightful". I didn't realize how much I needed the fun and laughter. There's been lots of both in my life lately. Nice to turn your head around once in a while!

Well, off to do what a music teacher does on Saturdays!

Til again,
Doll

Getting ready and moving forward!

As I was responding to someone in The Raw Divas Powder Room Forum I realized that perhaps this would be good to add to my blog.

This is the post:

"Socializing is always tough for me. I found that if I go to an event with strengthened resolve to do the best for me then I can manage. If I go when I'm really tired or stressed then forget it. All well laid plans fly out the window.

So here's my strategy:

• Drink a green smoothie before I go

• Be sure that I'm rested

• Keep my mind focused on the great people around me and the conversation

• If asked about what I'm eating I smile and let them know that I'm enjoying my ..... salad or whatever I am eating and then let it go.

• If I don't make a big production out of the whole thing that most friends and colleagues will just smile and go on with the conversation at hand.

• As for things like alcohol etc. I'm finding it easier and easier to stay away from them. In my circles, people are just more aware then they used to be and generally make healthy choices."

Those are my thoughts today. I have a couple more engagements for the holiday season but nothing that is going to stress my body or my head. I'm taking care of me and boy does it feel good!

"All of this is easier said than done so I take it one day and one moment at a time. If I eat something not so great for me I move forward and make better decisions next time. Not the end of the world. "

My words to all:

Enjoy your days, your parties, dinners etc and remember that only you can drive your truck! You make the decisions that effect your life.

Til again,
Doll