So Much to beThankful for.

This weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving. 

Amid all the hustle of grocery shopping, food preparation, cooking and setting the table, I always find myself feeling a bit choked up during this holiday. Maybe it's because the rhythm of holiday preparations are so normal for us, and I find myself thinking about people who don't have what we consider 'normal'. And isn't that the point of giving thanks. The point is to be thankful AND to give back.

All of the grocery stores I shop in have a points reward program, and they all ask when I get to the cash 'do you want to redeem any of the dollars accumulated'. There are only three times a year that I redeem the points - Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I use the points and double the amount with cash to purchase non perishable goods for the local food banks. The grocers make it easy with prepared packages and food bank deposit bins right at the store. 

I honestly couldn't imagine leaving the grocers with bags that are fuller because of our holiday shopping and not thinking of people who need their grocery bags filled too. It is a small gesture that I encourage everyone to think of - everyday. 

If I wrote a list of all the things I am thankful for, the list would be very long. 

I am blessed.

If you are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend,

take the time to give back to someone else in some way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Lucky Penny

My Granddaughter discovered several coins in the entry hall table and brought them to me announcing 'Grandma, look at my lucky penny'. When you are two and a half years old all coins are the same. So the dime, nickel and quarter were automatically labeled 'lucky penny'. I realized that with the phasing out of the Canadian penny my Granddaughter will not have the one cent piece as part of her life.

Canada's Economic Action Plan announced that the one cent copper penny costs 1.6 cents to produce. And although the penny will be taken out of circulation it will retain its value indefinitely.

CanadianCoin.com - The Penny made with 58,923 penny's.

When my Granddaughter is learning basic math and discovering the function of counting back change, there will now be rules or standards attached that we have never experienced before.
Rounding. Symmetrical Rounding according to the Canadian Government. That is what the exercise of adjustment is being referred to. Round it UP, round it DOWN?  Possibly there will be a few arguments over which way it should go.

So what do we do with all these copper coins? The various shades and degree of shine have brought some ingenious people to utilize the penny in unique ways.

Copper Penny backsplash via HGTV roomzaar.com

If gluing every penny one at a time seems excessive, you can use mosaic tile backing to prepare the coins for easier application to various surfaces.

via reno210

Grouting and sealing penny's to be used in a shower may prove to be a difficult project....... It's hard to believe that the shower base is made with penny's - it does look striking.

via pinterest

Materia Penny Copper Medussa Atlas Floor

According to ancient Greeks, copper coins protected against evil and attract love. Finding a lucky copper coin means you are being protected from any evil energy and you can use it as a lucky charm. 

You could use your penny's to have a couture dress made. This one is by Raymond Waters Couture.

An 'up-cycled re-purposed coin bracelet'  via etsy

Sporting various shades of copper coins Renee Gruszecki creates jewellery honouring the copper coins and sells vintage coins. Coin Coin Designs & Co.

I like the idea of Kya always having a 'lucky penny'. I think we will sort through our coin jar and pick out some penny's of different years, various colours and even a few with some dirt, paint or markings on them. Together we will have fun gluing the coins in a display.

After all, everyone should have a framed lucky penny masterpiece.

via doodlecraft.blog

{This lucky penny frame is made with U.S. penny's .............. which are slated to be retired as well.}

Remembrance

They fought for the freedom of our country, and they served our nation proudly. 

A war Veteran walks to the Remembrance Day ceremony in Oakville.

We stood in the park this morning at Saint George's Square in Oakville to listen to the tributes paid to Canadian war veterans. It was already sunny, warm and glowing out, but when we turned the corner to walk across the park lawn and saw the generous turnout of residents, it felt even brighter.

The Maple Leaf forever.

We stood near a tree full of golden autumn leaves and the sun was peeking through on the crowd. I honestly felt like a kid back in grade school with the lessons about the meaning of Remembrance Day running through my mind. I couldn't help but remind myself that the reason we are all standing here in peace and safety is because of the sacrifices of so many men and women who serve Canada.

Richard and I watched our Granddaughter play on the lawn picking up the leaves and twigs. She's too young to understand the meaning behind it all yet, but even at two-and-half she was excited with the parade of flags, the bands and the man with all the stickers on his jacket. So she learned a new word today - Medals.

Three planes flew over the square as a tribute to soldiers who lost their lives serving our country and to the soldiers who thankfully returned home after the valiant battles. 

 Today we saluted the men and women who served in the military forces of Canada, and think of those who are currently serving.

 

Thank you for your bravery.

summer long weekends

I believe half of the city was up north in cottage country for the Canada Day long weekend......... it was almost spooky how quiet it was in town. As the masses hustled back to town tonight on the highways, the city began to get a bit more noisy.

I was coming through our town tonight as the sun was beginning to set and caught this picture of the harbour. The summer long weekend is closing with the pink glow of the sunset and the moon beginning to peak out above the water. Like the boats, we are anchored here in the calm waters of home.

Holiday Weekend

This is a long weekend for Canadians as we celebrate Canada Day {July 1st}. Because the holiday falls on a Sunday, the stores and many services are open for business and closed on Monday instead. For our family, it makes the weekend a bit chopped up and busy. But I am looking forward to a bit of time to celebrate on Sunday night..... and maybe even catch a glimpse of the fireworks.

Wave your flag and celebrate our nations birthday.

Happy Canada Day!

images of Oakville by Katherine - GB@H

Canadian Decor Talent

Canadian decorator Tommy Smythe........ you know him, we all love him. Tommy is the decor partner of Sarah Richardson, and his decor style is a solid blend of masculine influences with sophisticated classic.

I love this kitchen and the blend of elements. What a comfortable place to create a meal, bake some cookies or pour a glass of wine to share over conversation with a friend.

Remembrance

                                    design by K

November Eleventh



This year marks the 92nd anniversary of the Armistice of 1918. An Armistice was signed on the 11th day of the 11the month (1918) at 11 am - and the fighting ceased.

Take two minutes at eleven o'clock to reflect, to honour, to respect those who made the immense sacrifices.

Remembrance Day :: November 11, 2008 :: Paris, France

Arc de Triomphe :: Paris, France :: November 11, 2008