I am just going to go ahead and coin the term North Poehler! A Canadian who loves Amy Poehler- catchy I know! Whoa! That was too many exclamation points.  Anyhow, while watching Parks and Rec, I was schooled about "Treat Yo'Self"! A yearly tradition when you get to spoil yourself for the whole day.  Well, being the broke sass I am, it's not likely I'll get to Treat My'self anytime soon. But since it is my birthday, I thought I would write a 
"Treat Yo Self" wish list:)

1. An iPad to aide in my internet takeover

2. Unlimited Hula classes 

3. Full body massage with rose water facial and scalp treatment

4. Ukulele Manicure and Kandy Korn Pedicure

5. Vaca to a sunny beach so I can catch up on my reading

6. Create a Melicious Manners logo design

7. A pretty pink princess dress complete with tiara and blonde updo wig

8. Pin-up style vintage photo shoot and new head shots!

9. Limo for 8 going to Niagara Falls to do all the quirky museums and Ripley's and a room with a view of the Falls

10. Snap up those high priced concert tickets- Maroon 5, Pink and Bon Jovi

11. A $500 gift certificate to Lululemon 

12. Mojitos and Playa Cabana catering all day long

13. Those dang Ikea shelves put up by a Handy Man

14. More lessons with Ukeologist Judy! 

15. Dance lessons & circus training- but that might take more than a day

16. Prepaid personal shopper with a flair for vintage

17. I was going to do wishes up to my age, but I then thought better of it:) 

  This list doesn't sound like much of a Treat My'self day, it sounds like a MeliciousManners Better Yo'Self list with vacations and a few future plans thrown in for colour. Sigh. It's strange to think that my treats are learning, escaping and improving. My fellow North Poehlers, I encourage you to think about ways to "Treat Yo'Self"! Maybe you should watch Parks & Rec; 22mins of awesomesauce in it's 5th season of Wowey!  Available on Netflix!  Another exclamation?!? Really? I need less enthusiasm or more emoticons...emoticons it is:)

 
  My Grandma Far used to say "What's for you, doesn't go by you".  And even though I try to remember that, it doesn't make disappointment any easier to deal with. In this business, well it's a calling really, Hubby and I have been pranked often.  I am using that analogy badly.  We both work so hard, trying to achieve a destiny we have no control over.  We struggle and strive and encourage each other.  Our families support our tough choice, though it's not an easy one to understand.  People root for us, even if it's just on FB.  We have a cheering section.  Good people who want to see other good people succeed.  But the sad truth of the matter is, no matter how much we want something or how hard we work for it or how perfect we (the collective Royal WE) believe we are for something, there is always a chance of being disappointed.  So, I thought I might take a stab at teaching myself and y'all how to deal with disappointment.


Dealing with Disappointment 101:

When dealing with someone who is disappointed: Listen.  They know the motivational speeches - closed door=open window and all that jazz- And the Disappointee wants to apply them, but first they must deal with accepting the disappointment itself.  And we must accept that they aren't ready just yet to see the bright side.  

Commiserate.  We've all been there.  Not gotten something we were hoping for.  Been passed over for a raise. Been out bid. Out played and out schemed.  There is nothing wrong with wanting something.  And nothing wrong with being sad you didn't get it.  No matter what that elusive thing is, it still hurts.

A hug goes a long way.  And so does a shot of Jack.

A good cry can help with the healing.  In this tough as nails life we're living, we can forget that tears are a cleansing tool. Both for the eyes themselves and the soul.  Watch Braveheart or a Kodak commercial, and have a good ole fashioned cry.   

Play with a Puppy or Kitty or Baby, these tiny creatures remind disappointed people that life is good and things move on without blatantly saying it.  Plus who doesn't like a snuggle from something furry? Or the sweet smell of baby powder. 

Cookies! A great tool for healing, especially when sandwiching ice cream.  Chocolate is a natural mood altering food.  So just eat it.  Now, don't give them too many, because people tend to over eat at pity parties.

After listening to their plights and woes, remember to be thankful that things will get better.  Or at least aren't going to get worse... I hope.


   As for you my Hubby, my Prince.  Love is the answer.  Someone who loves you, will never be disappointed in you, if you gave it your best shot.  Be confident that you did!  And YOU DID<3 
Plus, this means that everyone knows what you're capable of now and won't accept less.  Which is great for this writer, cuz you're a beautiful canvas for me to paint upon.  Together we'll prove that you needn't be disappointed, though I know I can't promise you never will be.  I am so proud of you and will continue to cheer you on, like so many others.  But maybe we should watch the first 5 mins of UP! just to clean out those ducts, before we get back to the daily disappointing grind.  Of course, of course, of course.
 
   The adage goes that you are what you eat.  Well, I don't remember eating a heaping helping of passive agressive with a steaming side of sad-sack.  This whole eating well thing is getting me down.  I mean; Hey Ms. Craig, while I've been watching weight, and I couldn't help but notice, I have no idea who you are. I know Jennifer Hudson, Valerie Bertinelli and Kirstie Alley have all benefited from the meal plan mentality, even if only temporarily. But what do I look like a rich and influential spokesperson? (Which I could be if you wanted*insert gleaming smile ting) I can't afford to spend $15 a meal for $6.40 worth of food.  And Dr. Bernstein you silver haired slim Jim, you've been around since fat people were invented. But those vitamin B shots are more expensive than Jenny, though I guess you save on the cost of food, cuz you don't buy any.  I can't afford your fancy programs!  So, here's my plan.  Back to basics.  Cut out dairy and simple carbs.  On the upside, I am allowed as many veggies as I want.  But really how many veggies can any one person truly want?

   I have been trying to quit meat. With the exception of fish and local organic chicken and this past weekend which went entirely off the rockers.  Going out on the road, I ate everything but the pig, with whom I was too busy commiserating our similar silhouettes, though his skin was better.  Desperately searching for other sources of protein has me subbing in beans and chickpeas at every meal. Now, all those veggies are delicious.  Low in fat.  Fibrous and filling.  But they also bloat me. It's not the same as the 3 day meatloaf bloat. But the musical fruit has definitely been busy composing, if you catch my whiff.  Creating a strange alternate reality where I out toot- Hubby-the-Toots-Magoots...a strange and scary place, don't leave me alone in here.*insert gesture to my head.


   With the increase of my physical activity and the slowly but steadily declining junk food intake I am hoping to see results.  Not drastic ones, but the slow and steady tortoise
 kind of results.  And am eager to post them for y'all.  I am excited to be the change I want to see in the mirror. The greatest motivator? I found a clothing store that is perfect for ME! I mean perfect: A little bit vintage and lot amazing. But knowing it would be a waste to buy anything at this current size, cuz in a couple months I would have to get it altered- fingers crossed. And that if I reach my goal Hubby Warbucks will hopefully, pretty please with a cherry on top reward me. (You smell what I'm cooking Hubby?) Oh and as for this meal plan, I think it really can work! After a bunch of steamed broccoli with nothing except Toronto spice and 4 mini roasted potatoes. I had myself a tight and tidy one pan dinner.  Full, happy and proud; I congratulated myself.  Then promptly ate a butter tart.*headshake  Well, if I am going to become what I eat, maybe I should start eating more awesome-sauce on wicked sticks and a slice of magic for dessert.  Mmmmagic.
 
   I have done it. I have measured. From where I sit it doesn't look good. I knew things had gotten off track but I didn't realize that they had gotten so far off track, careening down a steep rocky slope, spontaneously combusting, only to come to rest at the bottom, upside down; a swollen smoldering wreck.  That sounds dramatic but that's how I felt upon completing my measurements.  I then promptly had a panic attack.
 
  
I knew things were rough, the tell tale sign?  Doing surface repairs; expecting to feel better about myself. Hair cut. Which was much needed and welcomes a chic blossom of blonde bangs. New boots. That make me feel like dancing and kicking sass, in equal parts. Schmancy new jeans- and herein lies the rub-they are a size bigger than I have ever been. Hello McFly!  I've been eating meat and cakes and pies. Deep fried anything and butter soaked regret.  And trying to convince myself that it's okay.  For the last 9 months I have been bragging about my blog stick-to-it've-ness and how determined I am. Well, turns out writing a daily blog is easier than rearranging my diet or exercising. But enough is enough, the way things have been isn't working, quite obviously. I've promised to make things better. Why aren't I actually doing it? I think the thought of climbing this mountain is scary.  So scary I've been grinding my teeth.  Since the idea of this whole self-improvement thing started I have been putting off the numbers.  Sizes, measurements and inches chasing me around-stressing me out.  I've been losing sleep over it. The desperate need to pull myself up by the boot straps and pull myself together.  But really who do you know that's really pulled together? We're all effed, at least a little bit.  But I would rather be effed in the head, than effed in a pair of giant jeans.

   What a strange way to feel- recognizing things need to change and knowing I am the only one who can do it. The very scariest part is that I might fail this experiment.  Though it's not an experiment at all, it's an important part of my dream career path.  Sadly, looking great is one of the crucial components.  So, here we go- the hardest, scariest and most honest thing I have ever posted. 

My numbers:

Height 68 inches or 5'8"

Weight 174.4lbs

Following measurements are in inches

Bust 40
Natural waist 33
Hips 44
Thighs sitting: r:25   l:25.75
Thigh standing r:24.5  l :25
Arm rest r: 13.5  l:13.5
Arm flex r:13.75  l:13.5

    These are my starting measurements and I will keep you posted with changes periodically. My hope is to also find out my resting heart rate, BMI and endurance.  I am hoping for a swift shift to being on track again. But first I have to put out a few smoldering fires.
 
   While walking my pretty Puppa-roo across Queen St on a beautiful fall day I realized something. Almost every store we go into offers her a treat.   And my Puppa is excited for every gift. Whether big cookie or little milk bone, she over-eagerly accepts all gifts- then I saw- when she wasn't getting a treat her interest wained. Pulling without subtlety back towards the place she last got treated. Oh no. I have created not only a chubby Jilly Bean no neck, but a bad gift receiver and a greedy puppy.  A selfish and no good spoiled brat. And that makes me a bad Momma.  Not the type of Momma I want to be.

 Before I cast all the blame unto Bean for her lack of grace when accepting a gift I must reflect upon my own.  For all my pomp and circumstance and big loud voice and funny dance moves, I am actually quite shy. Now, as an actress you may think that's weird.  However, I don't mind the attention of an audience- an audience doesn't try to get to know you. Doesn't try to figure you out. They just let your character wash over them. The only pressure on you is to give a performance you're proud of. That's a gift I can give! Otherwise, I am a terrible gift giver.  Or have been, until recently.  I have been giving cash at weddings and gift certificates for most everything else.  I am sorta generous. I just don't want anyone to feel like they should ever have to give me a gift. So, I try and avoid those situations altogether. Until I made my lifetime friends- they won't let me off the hook.  And they are the best gift givers I've ever met, so it's quite an obstacle. Their gifts have inspired my intention to be a better giver and receiver.

  Here are a few of the key ingredients I've learned about giving and getting perfect gifts.  Something special comes from listening, looking and feeling- both the person and receiver- presumably a friend or family member- and their surroundings.  Take mental notes or have Siri take one for you.  Create dates in your calendar. Paying attention is key. Customized gifts are great but allow time for delivery. Also you can never go wrong with a genuine smile, warmly written card and eye contact. Receiving someone's gratitude is a key aspect of the cycle of being a talented giver. And never underestimate giving someone the gift of time.  Life is busy and short, why not give the gift of togetherness? A dinner out or a home cooked meal, perhaps an offer to help with that nagging DIY project.  

  In the past I have been equally bad at giving and receiving- but I'm working on it.  That's a gift to me. However, that treat eating, greedy little fur baby dragging me down Queen St , never gave me anything but unconditional love.  Well, there's a new Sheriff in town and Jilly better start rolling over to my new way of thinking.  She needs to learn a new trick or two- otherwise this old dog won't get her any new treats. Plus I like browsing Queen St and not every store has a treat for the Stinker, some treats are for your gifted Momma;)

Happy Thanksgiving! And getting!

 
  It is fall.  October specifically; the fabulous month of my birth.  The month when our bodies acclimatize to the chill.  School is in full swing.  The trees are exploding in their festive autumn colours.  Mist hangs in the air late at night and early in the mornings.  There is a sense of something slightly ominous.  And who can blame you for feeling this way? With Ghosts and Goblins, Witches and Jack-o-Lanterns in every shop window.  The crispy crackle of leaves under your quickening foot steps; chasing your shadow across a deserted parking lot.  The feeling that there is someone just behind you or lurking around spooky tree trunks.  October should be Heart-pounding awareness month.

   Ever since I was a little girl I have loved being scared.  I was the proud founder of Scary Chilling Regional Enthusiast Association of Movie-goers or SCREAM, a club of warped teenage girls eating Combos and being scared by my Papa B when he suddenly flicked on the lights.  Five girls wrapped up in blankets, sitting in the dark, clutching each other's hands in anticipation of the next big scare.  Watching what were the hot horrors at the time.  Suspenseful dramatic thrillers with a tortured leading man grimacing about something that, by the end of the movie ends up being trivial even as a side-plot. Only to be reunited with his average girlfriend with the straight A's, then cruelly ripped from her arms in the last shot, basically cementing a sequel~ I mean Squeal! 

  Let's talk serious Horror for a minute- who would you be?  Horror characters: Sensitive jock who pushes his girlfriend a little too hard to go to 3rd base, Slightly nerdy girl who only got invited to this party cuz your parents are friends, Total loose cannon outcast with nothing to lose and no one to answer to, or the hostess- who really just wanted everyone to have a nice time but now they're all dying?  At what point in the story would your character give up?  I think, I would end up being the one who outlasted everyone. Clumsily and narrowly escaping the tragic end befalling every one else.  Be it crushed by a garage door, thrown from 2nd storey windows onto iron fence.  If you die in a horror, you're going brutally.  But when the chips really are down on the table, do you want to be the one who witnesses all your friends and probably family die? That's almost worse.  Being alive when they're all dead.  I mean, you're obviously going to be a suspect, you're the reason they were all there in the first place and their only connection.  You can never run away or start a new life.  That tragic story will follow you where ever you go.  Whispering about that girl- sad about that night- oh, haven't you heard- she's the Grundy Island survivor.  And that would be awful.  Nobody would ever be your friend or love you ever again, because you're cursed.  Which is one of the reasons I don't like big parties at secluded locations, where I know everyone.  Happy OctoBOOOer:)
 
   This past weekend I had the pleasure of being the best-man's date to my Bro-in-Law's wedding.  It was a split crowd; people I knew and total strangers.  People who love me and people I will never see again.  There is a wonderful duality when you're popularity is rumoured and unconfirmed.  And it's amazing what you can learn.


Things I learned about weddings this past weekend:


1. You get to dance to the summer's top 40 pop songs, and somehow everyone knows them

2. It's a celebration of love.  Everyone's love

3. You don't mind offering to get drinks at a venue where the booze is free

4. There are so many people, it's not offensive to only spend a little time with someone

5. Everyone tries to put their best food forward

6. Family inside jokes are in play

7. Even the grumpiest of men has a smile on their face

8. It's okay to shed a tear over the people we love who couldn't be there

9. You know at least 1/2 the people at this party

10. It's one of the 5 times a year you can convince your Hubby to dance with you

11. A beautiful venue really can reflect the love a couple has for one another

12. Bridesmaids' dresses can be beautiful enough to wear again

13. Fall weddings rock!

14. It's okay to eat the meat at a wedding when an environmentalist plans the menu

15. Watching pretty bridesmaids share inside jokes about the bride makes me miss my bridesmaids

16. There is no such thing as a stress free wedding

17. Photographers need to take charge and shrink the lengthy posing process

18. DJs should be pretty or handsome to invite requests

19. Caesars for apps, wine with dinner and beer for dancing is still a deadly combination

20. No matter how I protest, I always work at every event a little bit

21. My 2nd Momma was just as nervous the 2nd time around

22. Feathers are so hot right now

23. A pit bull off his leash will go straight for the bride in the frilly shimmering dress

24. A great DJ will sometimes play the same song twice

25. Even if you can't hear or understand what someone is saying, you can assume it's something nice

26. A great speech can come in many formats

27. A blended family is the only kinda'family that exists anymore

28. No matter how early you leave there's always a chance you'll be late

29. A flowing 70's chiffon dress with a wide belt is a great choice for a three course meal

30. Deciding to be the most fun person in the room is not a tough decision to make

31. A cordless mic encourages pacing

32. McDonald's is the best at midnight

33. Summer Loving is still the best air-band song ever

34. A wedding brings a family together with so much more happiness than a funeral

35. A wedding vow takes love and laughter to sound appropriate to the couple


36. After planning your own, you know how much love was poured into every other wedding you attend

37. A night without Jilly doesn't mean a dog won't keep us up all night


  Congrats Bro-in-Law and Sis-for-life, welcome to the club! We're new members but the hazing hasn't been too bad and the old members are happy to have us.  I look forward to seeing our lives grow together. Enjoy your honeymoon.
 
  Against my better judgement, I have launched this campaign while still working my all consuming job.  Knowing how accountability works; I am going to stick to it and start as planned. Though perhaps not the way I planned.  The nitty gritty of The Starving Artist will go up as soon as I am free to do so.  Including my current body measurements, my eating plan and my goals to better myself. But for today... enjoy a healthy bite of blog:)

  Having too much on your plate.
 Your life plate and your dinner plate. The typical North American workaholic has a tendency to live life to the fullest; by undertaking more than the suggested serving size.  And I am no exception.  With food we tend to eat our fill and then some.  In life we jam each waking hour with the bread and butter of expectation.  Consuming what we crave and still hungering for more.  Ensuring that we aren't missing out on something special. Packing our plates with all the social food groups and licking them clean.  We're afraid of wasting even the smallest morsel of deliciousness. There are socially starving children all over the world.  

  Portion control relies heavily on your support systems.  Being strong for yourself and making the decision to stick to your guns can be hard.
  Having a BFF who knows you might cheat but she would keep that secret on lock-down; gives the strength to stick to your meal plan.  On the other hand, having a Hubby who pushes your buttons can create a craving to break the rules; stuffing your face with all the wrong responses.  The ability to see a plateful and have the strength to ask for a doggie bag is a newly acquired skill set.  But it agrees with my new initiative.

   Variation and moderation.  It's okay to start small and add as you go.  This technique allows you to slowly and comfortably fill your stomach and soul.  By choosing smaller options and splitting them tapas style you encourage a sense of community generosity.  My life is full of moderated variation from ukeing to swimming, dancing myself skinny to eating myself fat and everything in between.  Variety is the spice of life and I like it hot.  This variety helps your spirit & taste buds to be pleased without the overstuffed sensation of way too much.  As with most things the good life requires you to read the box and follow the recipe. Pick your menu wisely and be strong enough to avoid any unnecessary substitutions. They cost you more in the long run any way.
 
    Once upon a time there was a little boy.  This little boy didn't like fun; he thought it was no fun. Everywhere he went he wore a big red baseball cap, pulled down low to hide his grumpy eyes.  He didn't like other people having fun and he didn't like people trying to get him to have fun. His least favourite things were cheering, smiling and laughing. One day his having-no-fun Mom took him to the carnival where he sat stone faced on the bumper cars.  Hearing all the fun the other kids and grown ups were having he got mad.  
'I don't like it when you laugh so loud!' he shouted at them as they banged his car and giggled on to bang another.  After spinning and swirling on the Zipper and Scrambler; he still didn't like fun.  The only time it looked like he was smiling was when he was hung upside down but as soon as he realized he flipped it back around.  His having-no-fun Mom took him to the shows- where she yawned- watching a highflying trapeze, a tightrope and lions. Death defying acts and not a shriek or an Ooooh, not even a hoot or a clap. The stone faced pair didn't crack a smile.  Walking out into the midway he ate popcorn, cotton candy and corn dogs. He even finished a pound of maple fudge but he still wasn't having any fun. His red baseball cap pulled down so far, his eyes were covered when he heard a happy fun sound. Ugh, Music. Tipping his head back to get a look past his pulled down brim.  Seeing his no-fun Mom was busy texting on her phone- complaining no doubt- about the perfect weather, the happy music and her no-fun Son, the boy walked towards the music eager to put an end to it.  The music was coming from a parade with a marching band and a waving crowned queen riding a float with clowns strolling alongside tossing candy and beads into the crowd. He took his cap off for the first time all day and the sunshine hit the boy's frowning face.  Upon her float a crowned Queen saw his un-fun face and taking pity on the boy waved to him. The clowns were dispatched, honing in on his unhappiness, picking him up, swinging him around and putting him up onto the waving Queen's float. 
'My boy,' she cooed in her queenly way, 'why so sad?' Looking up to her smiling eyes and sparkling crown,  then back down to the ball cap in his hands he sighed. 
'I don't like fun. I don't like cheering or chuckling or secret handshakes or games. I just don't like it. Not one bit.' The Queen looked sad, forgetting she was part of a happy carnival parade, how could it be that this little boy didn't like fun? 
'Little sad boy, if you had one wish what would it be?' she asked.  The boy thought as the parade cut its way through the happy dancing crowd. Deep in thought, he forgot about hating fun so much.  Sitting with the Queen as she waved, he couldn't help but start waving too. At first it was just for something to do as the pondered his wish- then he started feeling a feeling he'd never felt before. A single tickle under his chin. So, he waved harder watching the way the Queen waved. The crowd watching saw the un-fun boy start to change and the louder they cheered the bigger he waved. The tiny tickle under his chin scurried it's way up to the corner of his mouth. The sad clown noticed it first. The start of a smile. The first smile the boy who hated fun ever had. The crowned Queen asked the boy again, 
'If you had one wish, what would you wish?'. The boy remembered suddenly about his no-fun Mom, his first smile fading. As he put his cap back on with a sigh, he turned unsmiling to the Queen and said, 
'I wish my Mom could have more fun. I think most grown-ups forget how.' With that the no-fun Son climbed down from the float and ran back through the crowd towards his no-fun Mom, who was looking for him. 
'You little scamp! I lost you. What have you got to say for yourself?'. With his brow furrowed underneath his hat brim, the little boy said: 
'Mom, I want you to know that fun is not my thing. But you shouldn't miss out. Life can be hard on grown ups.'  Taking off his baseball cap the little boy who didn't like fun, opened up a clenched fist and offered his palm to his mother, but it was empty. 
'I brought you a smile fit for a Queen, and it's perfect for your face.' handing the unseen smile over; the un-fun Mom took it and used it right away. Holding out her hand to the little boy in the red baseball cap who didn't like fun. 
'Well kiddo,' the now-almost-fun Mom said, 'how about we go home and leave the carnival to the people who like fun things.' And they walked home together making sure there was no more funny business. And the now-fun Mom was wearing her queenly smile the whole way.
 
   The Metro this morning had an end of summer recipe.  Whoa your horses! END of Summer? I do not agree. So, I huffed and puffed and stomped and spit. Then I looked at my calendar and it's the day after the Labour Day weekend- the unofficial end of summer.  Goodbye white shoes.  I can't believe it's flown by so fast.  I remember being 10 and cursing the summer for being so long and boring! When would I see my friends again?  Now, as a grown up, I can see my friends whenever I want to- if I have the time.  But that doesn't mean it isn't better in the warm sunlight of summer with so many more options available for fun.  These sunny months I worked my first full time gig in 5 years. Monopolizing 5 days of my week -every week; which wore me out for the weekend. Not a great way to spend such a rock-awesome summer. Les Sigh.  That being said I was hyper-conscience of spending time doing fun things in the great outdoors, charging my Vitamin D battery for the long- and what they say will be cold winter.  What were my fav parts you ask? Well, let me tell you:

Celebrating 1 year of marriage to my Hubby and the Commissioner. I am so glad he's been so patient and so helpful with all things house related- like painting and dishes.  Keep it up.  Also now that it is on record you will be legally responsible to maintain these chores.  Sorry, I don't make up the rules.

Yellow toe nails. Candy corn toenails. Both of which were my great idea. But when applied to my fingertips was an after night shoot disaster.  My super yellow purse that I got for Valentine's Day looks even better with my summer sun kissed skin. Yellow! It worked for me.  

I still fit my shorts from last year.  So I didn't need to buy anything but 2 jean skirts and 4 assorted tee-shirts in this summer's hottest colours. I always have a go-to outfit.  And this year it was a jean skirt and summer peach top.  Oh! I also got a new watch, my last one was 11 years old.  And for the first time I ordered clothing from the internet and it really fit and looked good.  I think I might be getting the hang of this inter-web thingy.

I watched over 60 sunrises while eating cold cereal often with fiber supplements. Some sunrises started as night and drifted into mornings. And those mornings I've never been happier to see the sun.  

Coors light iced tea was invented and I love it. As well I tried 6 new micro-breweries plus a sake distillery and a a few home brews- Thanks to Tambourine. There was also lots of delicious food on patios, including Mexican, Cuban and Continental. Drunken brunches with Hubby, Tambourine & Damber.  Plus there were beers for the first time in years with my NewMomma-friend.

Clearing out a tonne of beads and findings as well as paper crafts and stationary was a great way to refocus me on what I really love.  I learned 5 new chords on Baby Belle.  My sight reading is getting faster. My writing is getting better.  So says I.  I took up drawing. I am not good at it but I started.  These artistic endeavours are starting to gain momentum.  

Entertainment-wise this summer had rollercoasters, ice skating, acrobats, fishing, the drive in, the beach, tight flying formations, 3D movies,  a
 first edition print from 1923:) by Anna Jameson about exploring Toronto in the winter.  I watched Annie- I haven't seen it in 20 years.  Then wore my locket for 3 weeks straight and sang Baby to myself, until a work colleague asked me to stop. Oh yeah! I almost forgot the Olympics.  That was cool.

   So, while suffering from my last official summer sunburn, my pale skin glowing a mean red, the vitamin E gel stinging my eyes.  I couldn't help but think about all the smiles and sunshine I was lucky enough to enjoy this condensed season.  The greatest thing about the weather change is that it's the perfect opportunity to be thankful for the good parts and look back fondly and while also seeing that there are many new adventures yet to unfold.   So Metro have I got one for you;  two parts sunshine, one parts Melicious and just a dash of fun, the perfect recipe for the end of summer.


P.S. Fall if you're reading this you do not officially begin until Sept 22.  So, don't think you're on the clock early.