Lise's Ramblings

Every day we’re bombarded by emails. Very few of those messages, perhaps just the spam and calendar reminders, can simply be deleted in a completely guilt-free way. That is why the occasional email quiet mode is so welcomed. This week, we had the “perfect storm” to cause such a lull. Server and network upgrades one day and many colleagues who had taken off early for Christmas break. All that translated into unusually low numbers of email messages. The emails that did come through still entailed work, but what a treat not to have a constant barrage. Now if Santa could just answer my Christmas letter and deliver copious snow days through January and February, then I’d have a steady winter supply of email lulls. AWESOME! Speaking of lulls, this is my last blog entry of the year, so you’ll experience a lull from my random ramblings right through until January 4th. If you miss my nonsensical scribblings, then visit my blog archives (see right-hand column) where you ca

You haul them out only once a year. They make you smile or evoke fond memories. You’ve had them for as long as you can remember. I’m sure if you think hard enough you will recall at least one decoration you’ve cherished even though it borders on garish. Maybe it is something you take out at Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year or St. Patrick’s Day. For me, that would my beloved pear. Yes, I said pear. Even the attached photo doesn’t do it justice. My pear is velour coated, except in wear spots around its holly leaves. Frayed, gold trimming surrounds an opening in the front of my pear. Tucked inside is a plastic angel. She sports faded paint, and I’ve had to re-glue her to the pear on a number of occasions. Now I don’t know what possessed someone to think that a pear is an ideal home for an angel. Nor can I imagine why a gold velvety exterior was deemed to be festive and desirable. Regardless, my pear has adorned many a Christmas tree in various homes, across provinces an

It is far too easy for us to get lost in busy work schedules, family or volunteer commitments, and the pervasiveness of technology. Hobbies seem to be the first things we let slide. Probably because we feel guilty or lazy when we make time for our hobbies. The thing about hobbies is that they are among the few things in life that are about pure enjoyment. And that’s not a bad thing at all. For some, hobbies are relaxing and help clear cluttered heads. For others, hobbies serve to re-energize. Sometimes these hobbies afford us quiet, alone time. While other hobbies draw us out to connect with people with shared interests. Regardless of how hobbies affect you, carve out some time to fit in hobbies. Life is too short not to delight in a favourite activity. Grab that charcoal pen, decorate a cake, pick up a classic book, lace up those runners, seek out those collectibles…whatever suits your fancy. And if you’ve outgrown former hobbies, then dream up a new one. Revel in somethin

The fresh scent of natural evergreen trees simply cannot be replicated. I’m sorry, but those cute scratch-and-sniff Christmas trees in children’s books don’t cut it. Neither do those little Canadian Tire trees people dangle from their rearview mirrors. No, those "trees" smell more like Pine Sol cleaner. But natural evergreens like fir, pine or spruce...aaaaahhhh. It’s amazing to wake up any day during the lead up to Christmas and have that fresh tree scent waft down the hall. This year, thanks to Mike, we went out to Crooked Creek farm to choose our own tree. There we found and cut down a beautiful tree. We also stopped into the farm's wee shack for spiced apple cider and homemade cookies (bonus yummy smells). Since our old car is cavernous, we stuffed our tree inside for the trip home. Now, every time I open my car door, I get to enjoy the lingering Christmas tree scent from the needles scattered about the car. Hey, another reason not to vacuum anytime soon.

A couple of weeks ago at work, I blurted out the word “skedaddle” while talking to a colleague and a spirited university student. In that instant I felt 60 years her senior. Then, just yesterday a friend told me about her young niece’s reaction to the expression “arse over tea kettle.” I heart that expression. It makes me giggle every time I hear it. Those two instances made me think about other terms from the past, which sometimes find their back way into our vocabulary. For me “noggin” and “bugger all” conjure up memories of my grandfather. It makes me smile whenever I catch myself uttering either of those expressions. My move to Atlantic Canada has introduced me to choice sayings. The oddest among them has to be “It’s as cold as a witch’s tit.” I’m not sure how long that expression has been kicking around, but I’m guessing that it has been quite some time. Got any old-fashioned expressions that creep into your vocab all “willy-nilly”? You know, you’re chatting away and

I don't mean that whiny song from Canadian icon Neil Young .  No, that definitely doesn't get categorized as an awesome in my book. I'm talking about that thing of beauty that graces the fall sky. The true Harvest Moon is the full moon appearing closest to the autumnal equinox. Warm, rusty orange hues. The Moon hangs low and large.  Eerie yet gorgeous. It feels like a blessing when the Harvest Moon appears on a cloud-free night. And a Harvest-like Moon reflecting in the Charlottetown harbour in really late fall, well that ranks as extra          AWESOME!

Even the most enjoyable activities can benefit from a brief interlude. My blogging (creative outlet) hiatus was a scheduling necessity and a welcomed break. After taking some time off from routines or work you tend to approach an activity with renewed energy and a fresh perspective. For my blog, perhaps that means I’ll write about something other than food for a change. A pause. A reboot. And everyone benefits. AWESOME! P.S. Thanks for all the emails/calls of concern about my 1.5-week gap in my Random Ramblings.